Downtown Houston Construction Buzz

[hindesky]

Downtown Houston construction still abuzz despite COVID

 

Katherine Feser Jan. 25, 2021 Updated: Jan. 25, 2021 2:48 p.m.

Construction on a range of projects has forged ahead in downtown Houston, which has otherwise been quiet since the coronavirus pandemic prompted many companies to keep workers at home in early 2020.

The lack of activity on streets and in buildings has created a favorable environment for construction in downtown, where projects in the works total more than $1.9 billion, according to the Houston Downtown Management District.

"For the last 10 years, we've had a lot of construction in downtown. That pace right now has not diminished," said Bob Eury, CEO of the district.

 

About 16 percent of the workforce has returned to downtown offices, according to Downtown District estimates. Building occupancy expected to remain low until companies feel it is safe to bring workers back, once the vaccination is widely distributed.

 

More than 12.8 million square feet of office space renovation projects have been completed or are near completion over the past year, according to a Downtown District report. New office construction and renovations are underway on projects totaling more than 1.5 million square feet. The total market consists of 51 million square feet.

Downtown, which has grown to more than 10,000 residents, has several residential buildings under construction totaling nearly 1,400 units, according to the report.

 

The central business district has attracted new restaurants, including Nash on the ground floor of the Star apartments in the former Texaco building. The Halal Guys plan to open in the lobby of 609 Main at Texas; Common Bond will open a full-service restaurant in the Understory food hall in Bank of America Tower. Chef Chris Shepherd plans to open Georgia James Tavern at Market Square Tower this spring.

Hotels, which have been hard hit by the sharp decline in conventions and business travel, have been updated during the slow period. The Four Seasons Hotel Houston unveiled new guest rooms in 2020 as part of renovations that will include ballroom and event space transformation, according to Downtown District. The Hilton-Americas Houston’s $54 million renovation of rooms and meeting spaces was completed in 2020.

Here is an overview of projects underway and in the works for 2021:

Skanska recently launched 1550 on the Green, a 28-story office building as part of a three-block project that will include restaurants, retail and green space near Discovery Green park.

 

Lovett Commercial is transforming the former Barbara Jordan Post Office into POST Houston, a 550,000-square-foot development with coworking, event space, an international food hall and retail. The first phase is expected to open this fall.

Brookfield Properties is bringing a central plaza, new building facades and updated skywalks to its Houston Center office complex. Brookfield is also redeveloping the 53-story Heritage Plaza at 1111 Bagby with a new lobby, sky lobby and glass curtain wall at the corner of Dallas and Brazos. Brookfield's Total Plaza and Allen Center have also received major updates.

Hines, in partnership with Cerberus Capital, is renovating the lobby and plaza at 600 Travis after securing a lease from JPMorgan Chase.

Hines and Ivanhoe Cambridge are developing 47-story Texas Tower at the site of the Houston Chronicle building at 845 Texas Ave. near the Theater District. Completion is planned in the fourth quarter.

 

M-M Properties is updating TC Energy Center at 700 Louisiana with restaurant space, creative office space a new lobby and mezzanine level with collaborative workspaces. Completion is planned in late 2021.

FC Tower Property Partners is bringing a conference center as part of $20 million in updates at 1001 Fannin.

Amegy on Main is undergoing renovations including the lobby and amenities and a new garage.

Hines and partners are on track to complete Brava, a 46-story apartment tower at 414 Milam in 2022.

 

High Street Residential, part of Trammell Crow Co., is developing a 43-story apartment tower with 309 units at 808 Crawford, next to Discovery Green. Completion is targeted in late 2022.

Fairfield Residential is developing a 10-story, 286-unit residential building at 1810 Main.

McKee City Living, a 120-unit apartment community at 625–650 McKee, will bring affordable workforce units to the Warehouse District.

Sovereign the Ballpark, a six-story, 229-unit apartment building is under construction at 100 Crawford near Minute Maid Park.

 

Pride Management is redeveloping the former Southwestern Bell Telephone Company building at 1114 Texas Ave. into a 150-room Hyatt Place Hotel.

Houston-based Triten Real Estate Partners is planning renovations at the recently acquired 1111 Fannin office building.