Developments Driving the Houston Real Estate Market
The Houston landscape can change almost as quickly as the Houston weather. One moment, massive industrial buildings were bustling with workers and machinery, helping shape and build the city. Now, they’re transforming into mixed-use spaces housing artists, designers, tech innovators, and entrepreneurs. Once a forsaken, somewhat scary bayou system, is now an ecosystem of green space and manicured tree-lined trails within our city to jog, walk the dog, or bring the family for a picnic.
From sea level to penthouse level the city is changing. Shall we take a drive around and see what’s in the works?
Main Street Promenade
Let’s start in the heart of downtown Houston. Downtown has had its fair share of makeovers over the last few decades starting back in the early 2000s in preparation for Super Bowl XXXVIII. Unfortunately, many of these efforts seem to be short lived. Always starting with a lustrous launch, but then somehow slowly being removed from the destination list.
Enter Downtown Houston +, a group of organizations including Central Houston, Inc./Central Houston Civic Improvement, the Houston Downtown Management District, and the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. This strategic allegiance is bringing some amazing pedestrian friendly changes to downtown one of which is the Main Street Promenade. At completion it will encompass 11 blocks of downtown from Dallas St. to Allen’s Landing that according to the organization is
“aiming to attract more visitors to the Downtown area, activate public realm throughout the day and night, enhance mobility, ensure safety, and establish a vibrant identity for this stretch of Main Street.”
East River
Take a quick jog out of Downtown and over the bayou and you’ll run into what is touted as the largest mixed-use development in Houston. The East River project spans 150+ acres on the north side of the Buffalo Bayou. The vast size of the project will allow many opportunities for businesses and residents alike. As the East River continues to add new commercial and residential tenants it’s sure to become a destination for the Houston community.
The Ritz-Carlton Residences-The Woodlands
“Howard Hughes Breaks Ground on The Ritz-Carlton Residences in The Woodlands”
Ground Breaking? More like Earth Shattering! A first of its kind in The Woodlands, this luxury condo residence is moving from concept to reality. The project features 100+ residences overlooking approximately 1,250 feet of coveted shoreline on Lake Woodlands. With a guard-gated entry and country club-style amenities, The Ritz-Carlton Residences at The Woodlands will deliver a truly unique luxury living experience. As of mid-February, over 70% have already been sold, with completion slated for early 2027.
Village Green @ Bridgeland Central
Heading to the northwest side of town, you’ve likely heard of the 11,000+ acre master-planned community of Bridgeland. The next big addition is Village Green. According to their team, it’s a 70-acre mixed-use Urban District with a focus on “walkability.” With Retail, Restaurant, and Entertainment facilities on the way, it seems that goal is well within reach. A highlight of the new development will be One Bridgeland Green, a 49,000 SF Mass Timber Office Building, set to become an iconic example of sustainability for the Bridgeland community and future developments.
The Swift BLDG
As we make our way back into the beloved Heights, we stumble across a development that may be small in stature but grandioso in impact. The Swift Building, as coined by the developers, is “A Historic Redevelopment.” That’s because this building, originally constructed over 100 years ago as a meat-packing plant, is being reinvented into a vibrant space filled with restaurants, boutiques, and green spaces. Conveniently located along the Hike and Bike Trail, it’s sure to add value to the already sought-after area. Construction is slated to begin in April 2025, with completion expected within 12 months.
Other Notable Developments
Toney Marron Park
The Grand @ 249
Park Eight Place
Texas Heritage Marketplace
Bellaire Market District
Flyway Webster
Texas A&M University Space Institute
Clearly this is not an exhaustive list of all the developments in the Houston area, rather a snapshot of the creativity and foreword thinking that continues to drive Houston and its real estate market. Strong job markets, plentiful resources, and powerful innovators have been the backbone of Houston growth and sustainability.