January 28, 2003

Historic Downtown Strand Partnership
by Lynda Guidry

David Murphy was installed as president of the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership at the annual meeting of the organization Tuesday night.

"We want to look into creation of a management district for the downtown area, which we think will be very beneficial for everyone down there," Murphy said.

Murphy also said the HDSP will work for continued funding for the Livable Communities initiative.

Awards were presented at the banquet.

Mardi Gras! Galveston and Dickens on the Strand were inducted into the HDSP Renaissance Hall of Fame.  

"Since their inception, both events have attracted large numbers of visitors to the island each year and generated a tremendous amount of national publicity," said Fred Wichlep, executive director of the Partnership.

The Downtown Beautification Award was given to the participants in the redevelopment of the Jules Lauve Sign Company building in the 2200 block of The Strand.  The participants are Jules Lauve, Inc., the developer; and the building's new tenants, Keith and Genette Bassett, owners of the Curiosity Shop; and Todd and Laura Flores, owners of Yo Bettah Market.

The Downtown Development Award was presented to Leland Vandeventer and Tommy Barzilla, developers of the building at 527 Moody, which houses the Urban Fitness gym and apartments.

The Creative Storefront Award was presented to Jeffrey Johnston, owner of the E Street Gallery and Coffee Haus.

The Downtown Promotion Award was presented to the Grand Kids Festival and Artoberfest.

The Edwin J. Weiss Spirit award was presented to Terry and Deborah Conrad.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Leroy Naschke, chair of the Galveston Harbor Parade of Lights.

Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 926 Broadway in Galveston and 2500 South Shore Boulevard, Suite C Marina in Clear Lake.  Call (409) 763-NEWS (6397) or (281) 334-NEWS (6397) in the Clear Lake area.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.