Ballet Building Officially Named in Honor of Margaret Alkek Williams at Downtown Fete

Wilson Parish
Ballet Building Officially Named in Honor of Margaret Alkek Williams at Downtown Fete

Jim Nelson, Margaret Alkek Williams and Stanton Welch

IT'S OFFICIAL! THE Downtown Houston building that houses Houston Ballet has been named the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance building, and a group of Williams’ friends and Ballet faithful gathered there to celebrate.


The Houston Ballet announced in May that Williams, perhaps the Houston cultural scene’s more generous patron, had made a $10 million legacy gift to the company. “This philanthropic commitment was directed to the Houston Ballet Endowment and provides unrestricted support to maintain the Ballet’s home and ensure the Houston Ballet’s mission to inspire a lasting love of dance flourish in permanence,” noted a Ballet rep.

“In honor of Margaret Alkek Williams’ legendary devotion to the Houston Ballet, the home of the Houston Ballet, standing six stories tall at the entrance of downtown Houston, was named the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance.”

About 80 guests turned up to mark the occasion and honor Williams in the building’s lobby, decorated with florals in the grand dame’s favorite shades of pink and purple. “To be able to do this for the Houston Ballet means so much to me,” said Margaret Alkek Williams. “I am honored that you are all here to celebrate with me, and I thank you for joining me in supporting the Ballet.”

Kelley Lubanko and Jo Furr

Phoebe Tudor, Ileana Treviño and Leigh Smith

Mark Grace and Alex Blair

Danny Ward and Nancy Ames

Duyen Nguyen, Sunday Shepherd and Martha Finger

Bill Stubbs, David Wuthrich and John Mangum

Chase Untermeyer, Peggy Smith, Diana Untermeyer and Ashley Smith

Margaret Alkek Williams and the Margaret Alkek Williams Center for Dance

Mignon Gill, Kristy Bradshaw and Ann Graham

Jim Daniel and Hallie Vanderhider

Art+Culture

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

Tena Faust, Sue Smith, Tama Lundquist

AN IMPRESSIVE CROWD of 650 ladies who lunch turned up at the Post Oak Hotel to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The “Tickled Pink” affair was a resounding success, breaking attendance and fundraising records for the event while generating support for survivors and caregivers.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties