In a city known for its new developments and urban flavor, Briargrove Park stands out as an oasis of beauty and family living. First developed in the 1960s, this family oriented community thrives today as one of Houston’s most sought after neighborhoods.

Located perfectly to give its residents convenient access to the city, shopping, dining and more, Briargrove Park is found at the corner of Westheimer Road and Beltway 8. The community of more than 1,400 homes was master-planned to include large lots, plenty of trees and a host of amenities that appeal to residents of all ages.

Known for its real community feel, Briargrove Park is home to a number of organizations, social groups and a full calendar of activities that are designed to bring residents closer together.

Some of the many reasons why residents love coming home to Briargrove Park include:

• The community organizations – In addition to a strongly supported homeowners’ association, Briargrove Park boasts its own Mothers’ Club, Woman’s Club, Garden Club, Swim Team and even a Blood Drive Team.

• The community activities – Briargrove Park is noted for its annual events that include an Easter celebration, a Holiday Decorating Contest and a Fourth of July Parade.

• The pool – The community’s 25-yard pool with a deep-water diving area and its own baby pool is the center of much activity for residents. The pool is enjoyed by residents for leisure and serious competition alike. The swim team is open to swimmers ages 5 to 17.

• The tennis courts – Briargrove Park has four lighted tennis courts that are open year round. The community plays host to its own leagues, as well.

• The playground – A newly renovated playground serves as a center for youth activities. The playground is the site for the community’s annual Easter Egg Hunt and Bonnet Parade.

• The clubhouse – This stellar facility is the venue for a number of community activities and is available for private parties, as well. It has served as the location of countless birthday parties, showers, meetings and more through the years.

• The schools – Briargrove Park is served by Walnut Bend Elementary, Paul Revere Middle and Westside Senior high schools. All three are considered educational standouts in the Houston area. Westside is home to a number of learning academies that are tailored to meet the educational needs of students with specific interests. They include programs tailored to business, the fine arts, media relations and law and computer and engineering sciences.

Briargrove Park is an established neighborhood that has appreciated with age. Well planned from the start, this community remains one of Houston’s most noted neighborhoods for family living.

Justin and Analitza Factor had never heard of Briargrove Park in west Houston when their Realtor introduced them to the neighborhood three years ago.

The young couple about to start a family was considering a move to neighborhoods closer to Uptown/Galleria and downtown.

They looked at Briargrove Park and found it charming, said Analitza.

“We loved it instantly,” said Analitza. “We liked the neighborhood’s charm. Each house has its own personality and is not cookie-cutter.”

Analitza said the rising property values in the subdivision are a bonus.

Location, location, location

At the corner of Beltway 8 and Westheimer Road, the 45-year-old Briargrove Park neighborhood is surrounded by the Westchase business and retail district and the redeveloping Town & Country area and similar-aged neighborhoods.

The primarily one- and one-and-a-half story ranch-style homes in Briargrove Park originally sold for $30,000-$50,000 when real estate developers — the late Houston Mayor Jim McConn and the late J. R. “Jim” McConnell — broke ground on the neighborhood in 1962. Values have appreciated and, in 2006, buyers could expect to pay $260,000-$469,000 for a home, according to a survey conducted by Crawford Realty for the Houston Chronicle’s annual home prices survey.

A great location, careful planning before and during the development process, a tough but fair set of deed restrictions, a loyal management team led by property manager Wanda Cobb, and a strong sense of community shared by residents have been successful for Briargrove Park.

“It is a beautiful neighborhood that has gorgeous trees and large lots,” said Kathleen Curlee, a real estate professional with Heritage Texas Properties, who along with Scott Landreth, a co-worker and Briargrove Park resident, have sold numerous houses in the neighborhood.

Community insulated

Curlee said affordability is attractive to many young families, because it means a parent can stay at home full-time to raise children.

“We are lucky (in that) the classic model neighborhood tends to decline with age,” said Claudia Craig, president of the Briargrove Park Property Owners Association. “We are the opposite. It is a great place for many reasons, and we are lucky we have held our values.”

Craig said geography, residents, deed restrictions, and a solid management team have insulated the community.

“We can’t take credit for the advantages of our location, but we do enjoy it. We are isolated and protected by Buffalo Bayou (to the north) and multi-acre estates in Rivercrest (to the east),” Craig said. “I credit my neighbors for the strong sense of community.”

Craig said many residents who have lived in the neighborhood for 30 years or more are seeing their children return to buy houses in Briargrove Park. Thomas and Ali Williams and their 2-year-old son, Jack, live across the street from Thomas’ parents, George and Jane Williams on Sugar Hill Street in Briargrove Park. George and Jane moved to Briargrove Park 34 years ago when Thomas was 2.

Although Ali wanted to remain inside Loop 610 where she grew up, the couple realized they could get more for their money if they looked further out.

“It is so tranquil and serene here,” Ali said. “It is like an Ozzie-and-Harriet neighborhood.”

Ali said she has noticed an upward trend in property values in the past two years.

If the couple were looking for a home now, as opposed to 2003 when they moved to the neighborhood, they would probably have to move further out, she said.

The physical layout and upkeep of the community has contributed to Briargrove Park’s appeal, said Gerald Buttrill, chairman of the Briargrove Park Architectural Control Committee.

Lot sizes are larger than in area neighborhoods built during the same era. The developers were careful to build the homes around existing trees and installed quaint gas lamps and sidewalks.

Buttrill said every lot in the subdivision is subject to deed restrictions.

“We are now in the process of updating our deed restrictions,” Buttrill said. “We realize many of the younger kids do not want the 1960s-style ranch houses, and we realize we may have to change with the times to protect our property values.”

By: KIM JACKSON
Chronicle Correspondent