HTX-HRM: Impact 10/1/2025

Designed by Iranian-born British architect Farshid Moussavi, the Ismaili Center in Houston is preparing to be the first of its kind to open in the United States later this year.

The center serves as a community hub for the Shia Ismaili Muslim community as a place of prayer, social gatherings, cultural events and intellectual pursuits, according to the center's website. It is also open to the public.

What we know: The Houston center is only the seventh of its kind worldwide and the first in the U.S. It will be approximately 11 acres and offer amenities such as education facilities, a library, a black box theater, a cafe, exhibition spaces, gardens and green spaces.

The timeline: The project originally broke ground in 2021 along Montrose Boulevard and Allen Parkway and is now nearing completion. As of Sept. 30, project officials stated that there is no firm opening date, but the center is expected to be completed in late 2025.

• 2323 Allen Parkway, Houston

According to a Sept. 26 press release, Target has launched a first-of-its-kind accessible self-checkout experience designed for guests with disabilities, including those who are blind or have low vision.

The self-checkouts will roll out nationwide beginning this holiday season and in early 2026 as part of Target's ongoing checkout improvements, according to the release.

What to expect: Per the release, the innovation is a guest-first design that primarily supports people who are visually impaired while supporting those with motor disabilities.

The technology works with Target’s existing self-checkout system and includes:

• Braille and high-contrast button icons
• A headphone jack with adjustable volume controls
• Physical navigation buttons and a dedicated information key

Here are some of the top trending Community Impact stories in Houston throughout September.

1. The Ritz-Carlton to bring first branded residences, hotel to Houston: Officials with the luxury hospitality brand, The Ritz-Carlton, announced Sept. 10 of its first-ever branded residences and hotel to Houston. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel & Residences, Houston, will be located in the Uptown district near the Galleria along Post Oak Boulevard.

The project will be 44 stories and over 600 feet tall, with 154 guest rooms and 114 private residences.

Read more from Editor Cassandra Jenkins.

2. See all the candidates running for Texas' 18th Congressional District: This November, a special election will be held to fill the vacant Texas 18th Congressional District seat after incumbent Sylvester Turner, who also previously served as Houston mayor, died March 4.

According to the Texas Secretary of State, 16 candidates are running for the special election. The last day to register to vote is Oct. 6. Early voting begins Oct. 20, and Election Day is Nov. 4.

Read now by Reporter Kevin Vu.

A number of celebrations for National Night Out, an annual community campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, will be held Oct. 7 in the Greater Houston area.

Conroe
City of Conroe police are participating in National Night Out with free food and music in the community.

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• JCPenney parking lot, 3165 I-45 N., Conroe

• Oct. 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Free
• Katy City Park, 5850 Franz Road, Katy