SpacesHOU

SpacesHOU explore view showing Houston gathering spaces on a searchable map and list.
SpacesHOU venue detail view showing source-linked information for a gathering space.
SpacesHOU project cover art.
SpacesHOU current live app interface (captured 2026-09-27 19:40 UTC).

Inspiration

The challenge brief described organizers piecing together venue information from organization websites, PDFs, and word of mouth. SpacesHOU focuses on making that first discovery step calmer without pretending that a directory can know a host's live availability.

What it does

SpacesHOU combines a map and searchable list of Houston gathering spaces. Visitors can filter by neighborhood, capacity, cost signal, and amenities, open a source-linked detail page, save a local shortlist, and share a canonical venue link. Owners can submit a lead for review.

How I built it

The prototype uses Vite and vanilla browser modules with an Express and TypeScript backend, PostgreSQL and Drizzle ORM, Google Identity Services for owner and reviewer flows, and source-linked seed records. The UI is anonymous-first and keeps shortlist data in the browser.

Challenges

Venue data changes, and a polished card can easily look more certain than its source. The design uses last-checked dates, provenance links, unknown values, and a repeated prompt to confirm details with the organization. Real identity and owner-review transactions were outside this release verification.

Accomplishments

The production directory publishes ten source-backed spaces from Houston Public Library, Houston Community College, and United Way of Greater Houston. The live prototype supports map and list discovery, filtering, detail pages, shortlists, sharing, and an owner-lead path while keeping booking language out of the product.

What I learned

Unknown is useful information when it is presented clearly. A small directory with a source and a next action is more honest than a large inventory that implies current availability.

What's next

The next step is to expand coverage with organizations that can maintain their own records, add a lightweight reviewer loop, and test which fields organizers actually need before they contact a host. Live pricing, availability, and reservations would remain host-confirmed.