Professional Documents
Culture Documents
com
victoria, texas
Discover History
Past comes to life at Texas museum
Boomtown
Businesses benefit from industry growth, natural resources
Our business may take us all over the world, but we always come home to Victoria!
Victoria Its where we live, play, worship and invest. Its where we watch our children play, learn and grow; where we enjoy time with family, friends and community; where we spend our greatest moments in life and were proud to call it home!
BIG
idea?
The Center for Peace has inspired women to enroll in college, cultivated natural leaders and led to amazing life transformations. Our newest program, For Us, By Us, offers other women in the community a chance for personal growth through computer and job skills.
Whats the
Center for Peace allowed me to release my hidden talents and changed my life.
Other Center for Peace Trainings: Wholistic Community Development Conflict Resolution Circle Training 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training Drug Addicts 411
For information on any of the trainings offered, call (361) 575-2249 or email cfp@perpetualhelphome.org.
(361) 574-SWIM
702 Cannon Victoria, TX info@shannonbradleypools.com www.shannonbradleypools.com
Everything you
dreamed it would be.
Blanton Builders will take care of everything.
We will build your home with the vision you had in mind, complete with all the details and quality craftsmanship youre depending on to make your dream complete.
victoria, texas
co nte nt s F e atu r e s
10 Discover History
Past comes to life at Texas museum
14
14 20
texas untameD
Zoo staff adds to visitors experience
Boomtown
Businesses benefit from industry growth, natural resources
d e Pa r tm e nt s
6 almanac 22 Biz Briefs 24 chamber report 25 economic profile 26 image gallery 32 Local flavor 34 arts & culture 36 education 39 Health & wellness 42 sports & recreation 45 real estate 47 community profile 48 through the Lens
on tHe cover The Texas Zoo Photo by Jeff Adkins
all or part of this magazine is printed with soy ink on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
10
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
victoria , tex as
eDitoriaL project manager miTch Kline content Director lisA BATTles proofreaDing manager RAven PeTTy content coorDinator JessicA WAlKeR staff writer Kevin liTWin copy eDitor Jill WyATT contriButing writers BARBARA BiehleR, Joe moRRis, KARen schWARTZmAn, BRAxTon shooP senior grapHic Designers lAuRA GAllAGheR, JAnine mARylAnd, KRis sexTon, viKKi WilliAms grapHic Designers RAchAel GeRRinGeR, TAyloR nunley senior pHotograpHers Jeff AdKins, BRiAn mccoRd staff pHotograpHers Todd BenneTT, AnTony BoshieR coLor imaging tecHnician Alison hunTeR integrateD meDia manager Ginny ellsWoRTh aD proDuction manager KATie middendoRf aD traffic assistants KRysTin lemmon, PATRiciA moisAn cHairman GReG ThuRmAn presiDent/puBLisHer BoB schWARTZmAn executive vice presiDent RAy lAnGen senior v.p./saLes Todd PoTTeR senior v.p./operations cAsey hesTeR senior v.p./cLient DeveLopment Jeff heefneR senior v.p./Business DeveLopment scoTT TemPleTon senior v.p./agriBusiness puBLisHing Kim holmBeRG v.p./Business DeveLopment chARles fiTZGiBBon v.p./externaL communications TeRee cARuTheRs v.p./visuaL content mARK foResTeR v.p./content operations nATAshA loRens v.p./traveL puBLisHing susAn chAPPell v.p./saLes heRB hARPeR, JAReK sWeKosKy controLLer chRis dudley senior accountant lisA oWens accounts payaBLe coorDinator mARiA mcfARlAnd accounts receivaBLe coorDinator diAnA GuZmAn saLes support coorDinator Alex mARKs saLes support project manager sARA quinT i.t. Director yAncey Bond system aDministrator dAniel cAnTRell weB content manager John hood weB project manager noy fonGnAly weB Designer ii RichARd sTevens weB DeveLoper i yAmel hAll, nels noseWoRThy weB account manager lAuRen euBAnK pHotograpHy Director JeffRey s. oTTo meDia tecHnoLogy Director chRisTinA cARden meDia tecHnoLogy anaLysts BeccA ARy, chAndRA BRAdshAW
2012 | imagesvictoria.com
auDience DeveLopment Director deAnnA nelson LivaBiLity.com proDuct manager Allison dAvis marketing creative Director KeiTh hARRis DistriBution Director GARy smiTh executive secretary KRisTy duncAn Human resources manager PeGGy BlAKe receptionist lindA BishoP
victoria, texas
Discover History
Past comes to life at Texas museum
Facts
Get the most up-to-date info on cost of living, top employers, schools, population demographics and more
Boomtown
Businesses benefit from industry growth, natural resources
Images Victoria is published annually by Journal communications inc. and is distributed through the victoria chamber of commerce and its member businesses. for advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal communications inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by email at info@jnlcom.com. for more information, contact: victoria chamber of commerce 3404 n. Ben Wilson st. victoria, Tx 77901 Phone: (361) 573-5277 fax: (361) 573-5911 victoriachamber.org visit Images VIctorIa onLine at imagesvictoria.com copyright 2011 Journal communications inc., 725 cool springs Blvd., suite 400, franklin, Tn 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. no portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. member The Association of magazine media member custom content council
liVing here
Learn the basics about local neighborhoods, schools and health care providers
digital magazine
Flip through the pages of this magazine and easily share articles using Facebook, Twitter or email.
vic To Ria
Digital Edition
untamed
staff aDDs many more visitor experiences
sToRy By kevin Litwin PhoToGRAPhy By jeff aDkins
Texas
Animal Kingdom building that provides up-close viewing of a large array of reptiles, birds and small mammals. There is also a paleontology dig site inside the Animal Kingdom building where parents can first download worksheets from the zoos website, then the kids can get involved in scavenger hunts and other activities. Other new additions include a Birds of Prey exhibit, a small primate exhibit, scheduled zookeeper chats, reptile shows and a petting zoo where children can get in and engage with the animals instead of just feeding them from outside an enclosure. The hard work of the employees
hen Andrea Blomberg became executive director of The Texas Zoo a couple of years ago, she was disappointed that it took her only 20 minutes to walk around and see all the exhibits. After those 20 minutes, the zoo experience was basically over. I knew something needed to be done to improve the visitor experience at The Texas Zoo, so improvements have already been made and will continue to be made, Blomberg says. Now we have become a little zoo with lots to do. The zoo added a lion exhibit in 2010, as well as a redesigned the
The new Barbary lion cub exhibit allows visitors to get a close look at the big cats.
14
I M AG E S V I C T O R I A . C O M i m ag e s v i c o i a c o m
15
imagesvictoria.com
Almanac
Welcome to Victoria
an inTRoducTion To The aReas PeoPle, Places and evenTs
up on the Arts
for victoria arts patrons, 2011 has ushered in a new era for performances with the opening of the victoria independent school districts victoria fine Arts center on the old high school campus at the Advanced learning center. it is the largest venue with auditorium seating in the city. The fine Arts center will primarily be used by visd, but the community will be able to rent the facility on available dates. music concerts, dance recitals, theatrical productions, school-wide programs, meetings and ceremonies will take place at the facility. visd also fostered performing arts within the schools by adding auditoriums to two new high schools.
vic To Ria
a Place to skate
obstacles and action await at the victoria skatepark. The park features a plaza-influenced street course with connecting pathways and a 2.5-foot drop, a horseshoe transitional ramp, as well as a bridge gap and curved ledges that make a unique course designed to offer a challenge. also on-site is a multilevel bowl where skaters can test their skills at four different depths: 3, 4, 5 and 6 feet. Whether youre a beginner looking for a place to practice or a pro who needs a challenge, youll find your course of choice at the victoria skatepark.
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
Victoria in action
Dont just take our word for it see for yourself how great Victoria is in our quick videos at imagesvictoria.com, highlighting a little bit of everything that Victoria has to offer.
imagesvictoria.com
Victoria at a glance
popuLation (2010 estimate) victoria: 62,592 Location victoria is in southeast Texas, 30 miles inland from the Gulf of mexico. victoria is 90 miles from corpus christi; 110 miles from san Antonio; 120 miles from houston; and 125 miles from Austin. Beginnings victoria was formally founded by don martin de leon in 1824 and served briefly as the capital of the Republic of the Rio Grande. victoria is named after Gen. Guadalupe victoria, the first president of independent mexico. for more information victoria chamber of commerce 3404 n. Ben Wilson st. victoria, Tx 77901 Phone: (361) 573-5277 fax: (361) 573-5911 www.victoriachamber.org
Victoria
77
312 1
To San Antonio t
87 59
C City
To Houston
Victoria
59 185
312
VICTORIA
87
COU O
77
Whats online
Take a virtual tour of Victoria, courtesy of our awardwinning photographers, at imagesvictoria.com.
Gu ad alu pe R.
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
10
vic To Ria
History
past comes to Life at texas museum
sToRy By BarBara BieHLer PhoToGRAPhy By jeff aDkins
Discover
ver since French explorer Robert de La Salle established a settlement along the central Texas coastline in 1685, the mid-coastal region of Texas has experienced a vibrant multicultural history. This colorful past comes to life at the Museum of the Coastal Bend in Victoria, where visitors can explore the regions diverse cultural background, from the areas original Native American inhabitants to the French, Spanish and English settlers who followed with great aspirations of New World expansion. How the museum Began and its mission The Museum of the Coastal Bend began as a concept by Victoria College, which over the years worked with advisors and volunteers from the Victoria area to develop the museum. The mission of this new museum would be to educate the public while enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment
of the regions heritage. After creating a facility offering a comprehensive look of the Texas coastlines rich traditions and natural resources, the Museum of the Coastal Bend, located on the Victoria College campus, opened to the public on Oct. 11, 2003. what the museum offers victoria residents Fulfilling its purpose to collect, preserve, exhibit, interpret and educate using the history and heritage of the region, the Museum of the Coastal Bend offers a wide range of exhibits and educational programs the whole family can enjoy. Tour the facility with a museum volunteer, listen to an audio tour or discover any of the exhibits on your own. Among the intriguing displays visitors will find in the museum are The La Salle Odyssey and Cattle Boom! exhibits, each vividly illustrating particular periods of time in Coastal Texas history. The La Salle Odyssey
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
11
chronicles the story of the first European settlement in Texas, Fort St. Louis, and the archeological excavation of La Salles ship, La Belle, which sunk long ago in the waters of Matagorda Bay. Telling each part of La Salles story through a series of educational text panels and historical images, the museum displays a variety of fascinating relics relevant to the French explorers Texas expedition, including seven of the eight cannons he brought to the state during his travels. Cattle Boom! is an exhibit developed exclusively for the museum, and accounts stories of long cattle drives, ranching families and their cultures through artifacts, maps, historical documents and pictures. enthusiastic volunteers add to the experience While the exhibits tell captivating stories of the states past, Sue Prudhomme, director of the Museum of the Coastal Bend, emphasizes that the museum is more than artifacts and scholarly words. Its the people who help us to tell our story that makes our museum unique. These people are the enthusiastic museum volunteers who have had archeological adventures of their own. Bill Birmingham has been passionate about preserving our past for almost half a century, Prudhomme says. Hes worked on nearly every archeological survey and excavation in the county, and encourages others to follow his path of preservation and stewardship. Volunteers Jud Austin and Jimmy Bluhm also preserved artifacts they discovered through their own persistence and determination to protect important pieces of Coastal Texas history. Let the passion and enthusiasm of the staffers and volunteers enhance your visit to the Museum of the Coastal Bend. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
clockwise from top left: an iron safe, circa 1830, on display; volunteers looking for artifacts from a sunken ship; visitors gather for a lecture at the museum.
12
vic To Ria
Whats online
For more about the Museum of the Coastal Bend, visit www.museumofthecoastalbend.org.
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
13
14
vic To Ria
untamed
staff aDDs many more visitor experiences
sToRy By kevin Litwin PhoToGRAPhy By jeff aDkins
Texas
Animal Kingdom building that provides up-close viewing of a large array of reptiles, birds and small mammals. There is also a paleontology dig site inside the Animal Kingdom building where parents can first download worksheets from the zoos website, then the kids can get involved in scavenger hunts and other activities. Other new additions include a Birds of Prey exhibit, a small primate exhibit, scheduled zookeeper chats, reptile shows and a petting zoo where children can get in and engage with the animals instead of just feeding them from outside an enclosure. The hard work of the employees
hen Andrea Blomberg became executive director of The Texas Zoo a couple of years ago, she was disappointed that it took her only 20 minutes to walk around and see all the exhibits. After those 20 minutes, the zoo experience was basically over. I knew something needed to be done to improve the visitor experience at The Texas Zoo, so improvements have already been made and will continue to be made, Blomberg says. Now we have become a little zoo with lots to do. The zoo added a lion exhibit in 2010, as well as a redesigned the
The new Barbary lion cub exhibit allows visitors to get a close look at the big cats.
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
15
16
vic To Ria
and volunteers who helped transform the zoo into an active adventureland has paid off. We estimate that our attendance will be up about 25 percent in 2011 compared to 2010, and our attendance in 2010 was higher than in 2009, Blomberg said. The zoo serves the entire Golden Crescent area, but we are also starting to draw people from Houston, San Antonio, Corpus Christi and other parts of Texas. conservation, education remain the focus The Texas Zoo was officially established in 1976 on 6 acres of Riverside Park along the Guadalupe River. In 1984, the Texas Legislature recognized the zoos contributions to wildlife conservation and proclaimed it The National Zoo of Texas, and today it houses a wide variety of animals that are native to Texas as well as exotic species from around the world. The South Texas Zoological Society oversees operations of The Texas Zoo and their board advocates conservation and education. We connect people with wildlife and inspire caring for nature, Blomberg says. Have you |touched a snake or held a bears skull in your hands? You can here. There is much to do at The Texas Zoo. In total, there are 150 animals on display and
clockwise from top left: a child shows her paper-plate lion to a real lion; a river otter naps at the Texas Zoo; a Bairds Tapir cools off in the shade
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
17
Residential Farm and Ranch Commercial Properties Property Management Relocation Specialists Access to All Local Listings Anytime, Anywhere
FivE OFFiCES in Mid COASt tExAS Victoria Rockport Ingleside Cuero Wharton Visit us on Facebook and on our websites: www.coldwellbanker.com www.ronbrown.com Email us to request our monthly marketing reports: info@ronbrown.com 2505 N. Navarro Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 575-1446
18
vic To Ria
visitors can easily view all of the animals, as opposed to many larger zoos that dont have convenient visitor access points. We have animals such as the armadillo, river otter, prairie dog, alligators and many varieties of snakes, plus endangered species like the red wolf and ocelots, Blomberg says. We also have exotic animals that include Bengal tigers of Asia, Hamadryas baboons of Africa, cotton-top tamarins from South America and lemurs of Madagascar. Admission to The Texas Zoo is $4.50 for seniors 55 and above; $6 for adults 13 and above; $5 for children 12 and under; $5 active/ retired military with ID; and free admission for toddlers 2 and under. Hours are daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Years Day.)
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
19
Boomtown
victoria Businesses Benefit from energy inDustry growtH, naturaL resources
sToRy By joe morris PhoToGRAPhy By jeff aDkins
Welcome To
exas booming energy sector is visible throughout the state, but nowhere more so than in Victoria, where strong corporate development intersects with major natural resources to produce a robust local economy.
to expand its manufacturing facility in Victoria with both employees and operational capacity; and Dows Seadrift Operations, a 4,700-acre site with 11 plants representing the companys global businesses. economic Development key focus for victoria officials Recruiting, retaining and growing the petrochemical sector is a continuing mission for Victorias economic development officials. Happily, the areas strong infrastructure, solid business climate and vast resources give them plenty to offer, says Dale Fowler, president of the Victoria Economic Development Corp. One of the things Caterpillar really likes about us is the diversity we have here, Fowler says. We are very heavily invested in petrochemical companies, but we arent tied too strongly to any one industry. Our
caterpillar, petrochemical plants expand operations Well-known national and international energy and related companies continue to call Victoria home, and they are being joined by an increasing number of new players. In 2012, the new $200 million Caterpillar excavator plant will come online, a 1 million-squarefoot facility that will create an estimated 600 new jobs. It joins Formosa Plastics Corp., which operates a production facility and support operation at a 1,600-acre petrochemical complex in Point Comfort; polymer and fiber producer INVISTA, which continues
20
vic To Ria
Business
Polymer and fiber producer invisTa continues to expand its manufacturing facility in victoria.
medical industry is growing and has substantial ties to the hospital systems here, and our transportation advantages through highways, rail and waterways give us an advantage with many other industry sectors as well. eagle ford shale adds to success Victoria is also reaping the benefits of its proximity to the Eagle Ford Shale, a vast formation that is a hotspot for gas and oil developers and related businesses. The advancement of technology has allowed them to develop deep, horizontal drilling and fracking wells, so that industry has really changed, Fowler says. Were centrally located along the northern half of the shale, and our community has enough amenities to support the people who are coming in for the various operations. Were not doing a lot of the drilling here yet, but were a very strong destination for the companies coming in to do so, as well as all the people
who are relocating to the area to work on the shale, or run the companies who are doing that work. Victoria is firing on all thrusters to capitalize on all this activity, and is succeeding because of well-laid plans that have been in place for years. Were not just building these synergies now, Fowler says. Caterpillar was the result of a longtime community and business recruitment effort. We purchased and developed a business park so that wed have available sites for industry. We have formed relationships over time in many different industries, and they help us close a lot of deals. And going forward, were working to make sure these existing industries know that they can grow to their full potential here, and that we can develop other business parks and properties, such as land at the Port of Victoria, in such a way that different businesses can find a home here as well.
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
21
Business
Biz Briefs
Businesses BoTh laRge and small ThaT helP deFine vicToRias economic climaTe
scorecard
Business at a gLance
$900 million
annual retail sales
$15,404
retail sales per capita
$87 million
annual hotel and food sales
5,063
total number of firms
source: U.s. census QuickFacts
torin BaLes fine jeweLry Biz: Jewelry store Buzz: Serving the Victoria area for more than 17 years, Torin Bales Fine Jewelry strives to meet each customers needs by pairing beautiful jewelry with first-class service. Shoppers can enjoy complimentary beverages while browsing, and can have their jewelry cleaned at no cost. Various brands are available, such as Rolex and David Yurman, as well as the Torin Bales Collection. www.torinbales.com 22
vic To Ria
on tHe eDge pHotograpHy Biz: Sports and event photography business Buzz: Based in Victoria, On the Edge Photography specializes in sports and event photography. The business is owned by the areas first Certified Professional Photographer, Randy Pollard, who founded the business in 2004. Named the Victoria Chamber of Commerces Small Business Partner of the Year in 2008, On the Edge Photography promises customers high-quality images as well as an exciting, unforgettable experience. www.getontheedge.com anDerson, smitH, nuLL & stofer, LLp Biz: Law firm Buzz: The second-oldest law firm in the state of Texas, Anderson, Smith, Null & Stofer, LLP offers a wide variety of legal services. The firm serves an array of clients, from large corporations to small businesses and individuals. www.andersonsmith.com first victoria Bank Biz: Full-service commercial bank Buzz: First Victoria Bank is the oldest independent bank in Texas and currently serves more than 70,000 customers. Established in 1867 by John Milton Brownson, the bank has grown to offer 27 banking centers and 35 ATMs, with five of those locations in Victoria. Customers can enjoy a broad range of services, such as online and mobile banking. www.firstvictoria.com LoDestone financiaL services Biz: Financial planning firm Buzz: Headquartered in Victoria, Lodestone Financial Services experienced partners focus on helping clients accumulate wealth, protect assets and manage their finances. This firm assists both individuals and businesses with insurance and investments, such as 401(k) plans, mutual funds and managed portfolios, and also offers assistance with funding higher education, retirement planning and business preservation. http://lodestonegroup.com
Business
chamber report
chamBeR noW hosTs WoRkshoPs To aid small Businesses
he victoria chamber of commerce has 900 members, with about 650 of those being small businesses. Those kinds of businesses are categorized as having from 1 to 25 employees, and Randy vivian says they have always been the life blood of any chamber, including victorias. yes, small businesses make
up 70 to 80 percent of chamber memberships in every community throughout the country, so they indeed are vital, says vivian, president and ceo of the victoria chamber of commerce. in victoria, we have introduced a new program targeted specifically on those kinds of businesses, in hopes to further their chances
of economic success. That new program is called Building Better Businesses and its premise is to showcase informative, valuable workshops that occur on a quarterly basis. The workshops are free and open to any smallbusiness owners, managers and employees who are chamber members, with quarterly sessions taking place usually from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the multipurpose room at the university of houston-victoria. The chamber is partnering with Workforce solutions Golden crescent, victoria college and the university of houston-victorias small Business development center to help owners and managers run their businesses better, vivian says. one of the first workshops we already hosted featured the basic topic of starting your own business, which provided instruction on the first steps to take, as well as specific services available to assist a person or company in such an endeavor. for more information about the chamber, visit their website at www.victoriachamber.org. Kevin Litwin
24
vic To Ria
economic profiLe
economic overview
industry has found a home in the mid-Texas Gulf coast city of victoria. A vibrant, diverse economy ensures that victoria will be well positioned for dynamic growth throughout the 21st century. The victoria region provides business and industry the transportation infrastructure, higher education, burgeoning retail trade sector and a divergent, hard-working labor force needed to succeed and prosper.
top empLoyers
2,000+ employees victoria isd
Port of victoria (361) 570-8855 www.portofvictoria.com Known as the south Texas crossroads, victoria is located at the intersection of three major u.s. highways: u.s. highway 59 (future i-69) u.s. highway 77 u.s. highway 87 interstates: i-10, i-35 and i-37
taxes
1,000-1,999 employees formosa Plastic citizens medical center The inteplast Group deTar healthcare system 600-999 employees dow-seadrift operations calhoun isd victoria county city of victoria invisTA
1.5%
city sales and use Tax
.5%
county sales Tax
6.25%
state sales Tax
8.25%
Total sales Tax
economic resources
victoria chamber of commerce 3404 n. Ben Wilson st. (361) 573-5277 www.victoriachamber.org victoria economic development corporation 700 n. main st., no. 104 (361) 485-3190 www.victoriaedc.com
income
transportation
victoria Regional airport 609 foster field dr., no. f (361) 578-2704 www.flyvictoriatx.com union Pacific Railroad www.up.com
$23,761
Per capita income
$50,088
average annual household expenditure
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
25
image Gallery
26
vic To Ria
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
27
image Gallery
28
vic To Ria
A monument dedicated by the William P. Rogers Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy Photo by Brian McCord
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
29
image Gallery
The sun sets on the Presidio La Bahia in Goliad. Photo by Jeff Adkins
30
vic To Ria
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
31
local flavor
he dining scene in victoria is diverse and tasty, with a variety of restaurants ranging from historical sites to trendy venues and fresh food options.
soPhisticated tastes
olde victoria at The oak Room, a family-owned restaurant established in 1987, offers an elegant environment complete with specialty menu items and an assortment of wine, beer and mixed drinks. Residents can dine for lunch and dinner, but the restaurant also accommodates large groups up to 300 people for wedding receptions or rehearsals, business functions and celebrations. if youre looking for a souvenir to take home, try the olde victoria house dressing that is available for purchase.
32
vic To Ria
Jeff AdKins
Jeff AdKins
Todd BenneTT
BRiAn m c coRd
clockwise from left: herb-crusted grilled salmon served with saffron basmati rice at olde victoria at The oak Room; greek Brothers restaurant; victoria Farmers market vendors are limited to a 100-mile residential radius in order to provide the freshest produce; The dining room at olde victoria at The oak Room
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
33
ictorias residents and visitors alike can enjoy the wide array of cultural opportunities the city has to offer. offering historic monuments and museums, as well as theatrical performances and music-filled festivals, victorias cultural scene is thriving.
monument is a dedication to the explorers, founders and colonists of early Texas. victoria is in the only county where all six flags have flown over Texas and is the site of the first european colony in Texas. home to the nave house, the nave museum is a fine arts museum that is home to traveling exhibits of both classical and modern genres. Past exhibits include pieces by Royston nave, for whom the museum was built, and world renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, mary cassatt, Joan mitchell and freida Kahlo. victoria Preservation inc. offers Tours of victoria, which include walking and driving tours of historic properties year round. The company aids in the education and awareness of victorias historical significance by preserving, protecting and developing artifacts and properties throughout the city.
34
vic To Ria
and fellowship assemblies. The resident company, Theatre victoria, operates the center, which is also available for rental. victoria symphony orchestra started in 1974 and continues to provide music lovers with quality concerts including professional musicians from around the world. The orchestra enriches, entertains, educates and inspires the community through concerts and educational opportunities. The victoria Ballet Theatre is a nonprofit organization that works, often with the victoria symphony orchestra, to offer dance and appreciation of dance to the community. Past performances have included: The Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf and Spring Gala. The theater also educates young people, trains dancers and provides a foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in the arts. Raven Petty
Jeff AdKins
Education
The Victoria College/University of Houston-Victoria Library.
Power Up
Victoria schools serVe to motiVate and deVelop students
ictorias education system knows knowledge is key. With more than 60 colleges and universities within a 125-mile radius of Victoria, it is evident that the city aims to not only educate students but develop them to enter the workforce.
Early lEarnErs
Victoria Independent School District is the primary provider of education for grades K-12. Its goal is to prepare students to be members of society by offering a comprehensive, standard-based curriculum. Parents have an array of schools to choose from, as the district offers 17 elementary schools and 11 middle and high schools many of which are magnet schools, along with nine private schools.
Center. The main campus provides students from high school age to college-enrolled students with skills they need in order to pursue their education goals. From pre-college and academic transfer options to career and technical education and Allied Health programs, the college assists all students in their academic needs. Continuing education classes for adults in the workforce are also available. The Adult Education Center helps students obtain a GED, improves workforce skills and also provides an English as a Second Language course to those who need language training before beginning college classes. Texas Vocational School is an accredited post-secondary education institute that works to train students specifically in the following fields: Medical Office Specialist, Legal Office Specialist, Accounting, Office Assistant and Advanced Combination of Welding.
The school assists students in obtaining the skills they need for career placement such as resume assistance and job searching tips, so students may have successful futures in their field. The University of HoustonVictoria accepts a special responsibility to serve educational needs, to promote economic well being and to advance the quality of life in the south Texas region. The university offers programs in select bachelors and masters degree options in the Arts and Sciences (some include teacher certification), Business Administration, Education and Human Development, and Nursing. But the options dont end there. The Victoria campus also works with teaching centers in Houston, and serves students online by providing services in extensive course offerings, select degree programs, learning support and other services. Raven Petty
36
Vic to ria
JEFF ADKINS
BRiAn m c coRd
a dose of health
vicToRia hosPiTals PRovide qualiTy caRe To ResidenTs
ictoria residents can depend on quality health care with two main hospital systems serving the community: citizens medical center and deTar healthcare system, which includes deTar hospital navarro and deTar hospital north.
provide quality medical services without being costly for patients. There are 220 physicians covering 36 specialties, and the center is accredited by dnv healthcare inc. A helicopter service, citizens Air medical, works to transport the critically ill or injured to the facility. The hospital also operates centers specializing in bariatrics, chest pain, womens diagnostics and the Kathryn oconnor Regional cancer center, as well as fitness and rehabilitation facilities, and four family medicine clinics. The center continued its commitment to
provide the most current diagnostic and therapeutic equipment by investing $8 million into radiographic equipment, radiation therapy and patient safety.
Jeff AdKins
39
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
VICTORIA FAMILY
AQUATICS YOUTH SPORTS CHILD CARE RACQUETBALL FREE WEIGHTS CARDIO EQUIPMENT GROUP EXERCISE BRING IN THIS AD AND RECEIVE 1/2 OFF THE JOINER FEE! 361-575-0511, Ext. 221 1806 N. Nimitz Victoria, TX 77901 www.ymcavictoria.org
YMCA
40
vic To Ria
36
Number of specialties covered at Citizens Medical Center
269
Number of physicians employed by DeTar Healthcare System
$8 million
Amount invested into equipment, therapy and patient safety by Citizens Medical Center
Jeff AdKins
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
41
coleto creek Park and Reservoir is popular for waterskiing (above), tubing (right) and much more.
Parks in Victoria
With 565 acres, Riverside Park features sites such as a rose garden, which boasts 1,300 blooming roses, and activities including fishing the Guadalupe River, playing disc golf, paddling the victoria Paddling Trail and
more. Goliad state Park has a character defined by beautiful scenery and interesting sites spanning over the parks 188 acres. Among these sites are a replica of the 1722 mission nuestra senora del espritu santo de Zuniga and ruins of the 1754 mission nuestra seora del Rosario. located on 575 acres, lake Texana state Park offers water-oriented activities thanks to its location on lake Texana consisting of boating,
swimming, fishing, jet skiing and more. To enjoy the peacefulness of nature, the coleto creek Park and Reservoir contains 190 acres, of which only 40 acres have been developed. much of this park is undeveloped to enable visitors to appreciate nature in its entirety. coleto creek offers a 3,100-acre lake, a 200-foot pier and more than 50 campsites. lastly, saxet lake features a 250-acre park complete with activities including boating,
42
vic To Ria
fishing and jet skiing in a lake that measures up to 100 feet deep.
golF oPtions
victorias golf courses include Riverside Golf course, colony creek country club and victoria country club. in addition to the tournaments and activities at these courses, victoria also hosts 6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM the annual Wildgame Tournament and the labor day invitational tournament. Riverside Golf course is a public course featuring 27 holes. colony creek country club is a semi-private club offering a brilliant 18-hole course, a driving range and a putting green. The victoria country club is a private club that offers a PGA-quality 18-hole course designed by Joe finger, as well as high-quality Living green is making sure the air in your home is healthy for your family to breathe. Test your home for radon and build radon-resistant. It's easy. That's living healthy and green. tennis courts, fine dining and a refreshing pool area. Just call 866-730-green or visit www.epa.gov/radon Braxton Shoop
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
43
www.laugercompaniesinc.com
Bestway Income Tax, Bookkeeping & Insurance
Start your new career today!
Office Assistant/Microsoft Publisher Legal Office Specialist/ProDoc Accounting/Quickbooks Medical Office Specialist Coding/Medisoft
Financial aid available. No high school diploma or GED required. VA approved.
Income Tax Preparation: Individual & Business Corporation & Partnerships Insurance: Life, Retirement Plans & Auto Notary Services Carmen N. Garza You Have a Friend in the Business 1001 E. Rio Grande Victoria, TX 77901 (361) 578-6481 (361) 578-6561 Fax
Advanced Combination Welding/Plate/Pipe/Heliarc 1921 E. Red River Victoria, TX (361) 575-4768 www.texasvocationalschools.com
(361) 574-8787
Locally Owned and Operated Since 1996 607 E. Rio Grande Victoria, TX 77901
44
vic To Ria
Real estate
Building momentum
vicToRia housing maRkeT Remains sTeady
he real estate market in victoria features a diversity of neighborhoods and a variety of homes that range in value from the low $100,000s to $1 million. We dont have an abundance of $1 million properties, but there are quite a few homes in the $400,000, $500,000 and $600,000 price range, says lee swearingen, president of the victoria Board of Realtors. victoria is lucky to have attractive properties within the city as well as outside the city limits in rural settings. swearingen says a lot of new people have moved into the community in the last few years, and that has actually caused a decrease in homes that are available. We havent suffered from the downturn in the market like many other cities have experienced throughout the nation, he says. A big reason is that we didnt overbuild when times were good.
old victoria is our downtown district filled with victorian-style homes, and there are now 100 homes inside our city that are on the national Register of historic Places, swearingen says. Plus more of the older homes continue to be renovated in the downtown area all the time.
old Victoria
meanwhile, victoria is also rich in history and has a commitment to preserving its past. for example, in order to protect the aesthetic value of its downtown district, an ordinance was put in place in 2007 that prohibits new manufactured homes to be constructed within the historic district.
sTAff PhoTo
45
Its how I treat all my customers. And you can be sure Ill always do my best to meet your needs. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY.
1101016
advertisers
Bestway Blanton Builders www.blantonbuilders.com Calvos Janitorial Caterpillar www.cat.com Citizens Medical Center www.citizensmedicalcenter.org Coldwell Banker The Ron Brown Company www.ronbrown.com DeTar Healthcare System www.detar.com DiGangi Outdoor Living www.digangioutdoorliving.com Fagan Answering Service www.fagananswering.com First Victoria www.firstvictoria.com Gulf Bend Center www.gulfbend.org Helping Hearts Sitter Service www.helpingheartssitterservice.com Homewood Residence www.brookdaleliving.com Jung Tile & Granite www.jungtile.com Klean Corp. International www.kleancorp.com Lauger Companies Incorporated www.laugercompaniesinc.com New Distributing/Fastop www.newdistributing.com Port Lavaca Auto Group www.ptlavaca.com Shannon Bradley Pools www.shannonbradleypools.com State Farm Bruce Woods www.bruceewoods.com Texas Vocational Schools www.texasvocationalschools.com Torin Bales Fine Jewelry www.torinbales.com University of Houston Victoria www.uhv.edu Victoria Chamber of Commerce www.victoriachamber.org Victoria College www.victoriacollege.edu Victoria Communication Services www.vcscompanies.com Victoria Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitvictoriatexas.com Victoria Vein & Surgery Clinic www.veinandsurgeryclinic.com Wells Fargo www.wellsfargo.com YMCA of the Golden Crescent www.ymcavictoria.org
visit our
46
vic To Ria
community profiLe
community overview
nestled beside the meandering Guadalupe River, victoria is a splendid blend of the past, the present and the future. Proud old homes, some dating back to the pre-civil War era, line the streets in the citys historic sections. And for a community of its size, victoria boasts an extraordinary number of cultural activities.
cost of Living
marItaL statUs
$53,760
median household income
59%
married
$113,408
median home Price
41%
single etHNIcItY
$719
weatHer
median Rent for a Two-Bedroom apartment
48%
White
93 F
HouseHoLD information
age
6%
Black
44 F 40
44%
hispanic
30%
19 and under
2%
other
45%
20-54
transportation
time zone
central
25%
55 and over
14 minutes
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
47
Ad Index
44 Bestway 1 Blanton Builders 44 Calvos Janitorial 18 Caterpillar 38 Citizens MediCal Center 18 Coldwell Banker the ron Brown CoMpany 2 detar healthCare systeM 25 Fagan answering serviCe 35 First viCtoria 40 gulF Bend Center 40 helping hearts sitter serviCe 5 hoMewood residenCe C3 Jung tile & granite C2 klean Corp. international 44 lauger CoMpanies inCorporated 25 new distriButing/Fastop 24 port lavaCa auto group 1 shannon Bradley pools 46 state FarM BruCe woods 44 texas voCational sChools 46 torin Bales Fine Jewelry 47 university oF houston viCtoria 37 viCtoria College 23 viCtoria CoMMuniCation serviCes C4 viCtoria Convention & visitors Bureau 18 viCtoria vein & surgery CliniC C3 wells Fargo 40 yMCa oF the golden CresCent
more online
See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at throughthelensjci.com.
48
vic To Ria
Complete Design & Construction Pool & Spa Landscapes Outdoor Kitchens
i m ag e s v i c T o R i a . c o m
49