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City of Houston
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1562 Houston, Texas 77251
City Switchboard: 713-247-1000
Physical Address: 900 Bagby Houston, Texas 77002
City TDD:713-247-1940
Houston Texas: The city of Houston covers a land area of
1397.6 sq km (539.6 sq mi). Is the fourth largest city in America and Texas largest
city in population and is the largest in the country without zoning laws, so businesses
are allowed to operate within residential neighborhoods. The City of Houston
actually spreads over three counties: Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery. The city is in
southeastern Texas and the seat of Harris County. Located at the head of the Houston Ship
Channel, which links the city to the Gulf of Mexico.
Houston is also home to the largest health care center in the
world. More than 4.5 million patients are treated annually at the 42 nonprofit
institutions that comprise the world famous Texas Medical Center.
Houston's population climbed from 1,630,553 in 1990 to 1,953,631 in 2000. The Houston
Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area grew from 3,731,000 in 1990 to 4,670,000 in
2000.
Police Department:
To request non-emergency police service for locations
within the city limits of Houston, dial 713 222-3131.
Fire Department: The Houston Fire Department was established in 1838 with
one station, Protection Company No. 1. It grew to a volunteer fire department status
with three stations by 1859. After having provided volunteer firefighting services for 57
years, the City of Houston Fire Department began paying its firefighters in 1895. HFD is
the third largest fire department in the United States and is responsible for
preserving life and property to a population of 1.8 million in an area totaling 617
square miles. phone Central Command 713 247-1837 EMS Division
713 865-4210 Fire Museum 2403 Milam Street 713 524-2526
Recruiting Office 1100 Elder Street 713 238-9661
Houston Public Libary Call (713) 236-1313 to ask a librarian the quick
answer to a question. The Telephone Reference service will help you during Central
Library day hours seven days a week. Answers to some frequently asked
questions are made available on recordings. For a list of recordings, dial (713)
247-3592.
The
Houston Chronicle daily newspaper.
Monday - Tuesday - Wed - Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday -
to subscribe call 713 220-7211 or 1-888-220-7211 during regular business hours.
Lawndale Art
& Performance Center
713-528-5858
Rice University Art Galleries
713-527-6069
October Gallery
244 W. 19th St. (Heights)
Large eclectic gallery featuring hundreds of artists from around the country.
713-861-3411
Portico
Art gallery & home accessories.
2426 Times Blvd. (in the Village)
713-524-0575
Project Row Houses
2500 Holman
Sally Sprout Gallery
713-526-6461
The Alley Theater
Houston's first real theater venue.
713-228-8421
DaCamera
Renowned for its creative and diverse programming of jazz and chamber music.
713-524-5050
Houston Ballet
Ongoing
713-227-ARTS
Houston Grand Opera
Ongoing
713-227-ARTS
Houston Symphony
713-224-7575
Theater Under the Stars
The largest non-profit producer of musical theater in America.
713-558-2600
Wortham Theater Center
713-277-ARTS
Battleship Texas
281 479 2431
The Art Car Museum
Located in the Houston Heights, a must see.
(713)861-5526
Bayou Bend
Newly restored home and gardens of famous Houston socialite Ima Hogg.
713-639-7750
Children's Museum of Houston
A place to take the kids
713-522-1138
Contempory Arts Museum
713-284-8250
Holocaust Museum
713-942-8000 (free)
The Menil Collection
Ongoing 713-525-9400
Museum of Fine Arts
www.mfah.org
1001 Bissonnet (at Main), Houston, Texas 77005
hours: Tuesday,Wednsady and Saturday 10 am to 7 pm
Thursday and Friday 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday 12:15 pm to 7 pm
713-526-1361
Museum of Natural Science
713-639-IMAX
San Jacinto Monument & Museum
The San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Park is 20 miles east of
downtown Houston. From Loop 610, take Texas Highway 225 East for eight miles. Exit on
Battleground Road and turn left. Street Address: One Monument Circle, La Porte, Texas
77571-9744
(281) 479-2421
Astrodome
The worlds first domed stadium, known as "the eighth wonder of the world"
30 years ago, is now home to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and other
special events. Daily tours. 8400 Kirby at Loop 610, 713-799-9500.
Bayou Place
Downtown Houstons new entertainment complex is the largest of its kind in Texas,
with the Ariel Theater, the Angelika Film Center, and several restaurants, including
the Hard Rock Café, under one roof. 502 Texas Avenue, 713-230-1600.
George Observatory
The drive out to Brazos Bend State Park is worth the effort just to check out the heavens
on the gigantic 36-inch research telescope, but be sure to call for reservations.
Smaller telescopes are also available anytime. 21901 FM 762, Needville,
409-553-3400.
Moody Gardens
Galveston has more than beaches to offer our visitors. This renowned attraction offers the
new Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, a stunning IMAX Theater and the Palm
Beach Water Park. One Hope Blvd., 800-582-4673
NASAS Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston
For far-out fun, see actual spacecraft, like Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules; watch
astronauts train for upcoming shuttle missions; touch a moon rock; or walk in space
through state-of-the-art simulators. Space Center Houston is located at 1601
Nasa Rd, Houston, TX 77058, approximately 25 miles south of downtown Houston in the
NASA/Clear Lake area.
281-244-2100
also see: NASA - www.nasa.gov
Port of Houston
Make a reservation well in advance to board the Sam Houston for a free 90-minute
cruise around the Port and Ship Channel. Tour information: Gate 8, Wharf 7, 7600
Clinton Drive, 713-670-2576.
The Tunnel System
An interesting jaunt for a bad-weather day, Houstons sub-terranean tunnel
system connects 55 office buildings with a plethora of shops and services. Discover
Houston conducts private walking tours of this mind-boggling maze. 713-222-9255.
Kemah Waterfront
This renovated development on the Kemah channel to Galveston Bay is loaded with
family fun, though peak times are over-crowded. Known for its long row of seafood
eateries, it has now added a nostalgic amusement park, complete with a classic
Ferris wheel and carousel. #1 Kemah Waterfront, 281-334-2513.
Six Flags Astro World Water World
Family fun is also the order of the day at this 75-acre amusement park just
across Loop 610 from the Astrodome. Thrill rides include Tazs Texas Tornado
and the terrifying Dungeon Drop. The cool water park, conveniently situated next
door to AstroWorld, includes a 30,000-square-foot wave pool, a 900-foot lazy river
and water slides galore. 9001 Kirby, 713-799-1234.
SplashTown
Catch a wave north of town with 45 acres of fun, including 35 rides with wave pools, water
slides and kiddy sensations. 21300 North Interstate 45, 281-355-3300.
River Oaks
Perhaps Houston's most prestigious neighborhood, native Houstonians especially
will take notice of an R.O. address. Characterized by wide, oak lined streets and
beautiful mature landscape, River Oaks Boulevard and Kirby Drive are the main
thoroughfares and are graced with beautiful large estates. Home of the Azalea Trail
and the River Oaks Country Club, River Oaks is nestled between the Galleria and
Downtown. Memorial Park is just to the North. The upper Kirby Business District and
and West Gray areas provide many of Houston's trendiest restaurants and boutiques.
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