Bayou City's philanthropic legacy Photo of Diane Cowen Diane Cowen Nov. 22, 2017 Updated: Nov. 22, 2017 8:09 p.m. More Comments Print 4 1 of 4"Hello, Trees! A Walking Serenade," by the Montreal design studio Daily tous les jours, debuts at Discovery Green's Brown Foundation Promenade during the park's annual Frostival celebrations, Nov. 18-Feb. 25Photo: Courtesy of the Artists 2 of 4Exterior of the main street side to the house. The New Rice University president David Leebron and his family have just moved into the historic Wiess house that has been restored and remodeled. The Leebron family have moved to Houston from New York. 07/21/2004 (E. Joe Deering/Chronicle).Photo: E. Joseph Deering, Houston Chronicle 3 of 4Travel Advance. Houston arts. The new Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Staff photo by Dan Goddard. June 2002.Photo: DAN GODDARD, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS 4 of 4Rothko Chapel

In 1969, businessman Alexander "Mike" McLanahan was on the phone with a Boston man, hoping for encouraging words.

McLanahan then was president of the board of trustees for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. With his board and their supporters, they set out to raise $15 million - what would be more than $100 million today, he said.