In the News
Stay informed, connected and discover articles and stories highlighting the exciting, vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Downtown Houston
For media questions, please contact Jenna Beasley at jenna.beasley@downtownhouston.org
Featured News
Downtown Ready to Soar
May 3, 2024
Just as modern parks and public spaces have learned that active programming really draws interest and attendance, downtown Houston appears to be adopting the playbook to boost reasons to work, live, play – and even stay there.
In a 1Q 2024 market report shared by Downtown Houston Plus – which represents Central Houston, Downtown Houston District and Downtown Redevelopment Authority – the findings’ takeaway is in its title: On Solid Ground.
“The pandemic is in the rear-view window,” said Kris Larson, CEO and president of the organization, which stewards and monitors the economic performance of downtown.
In a 1Q 2024 market report shared by Downtown Houston Plus – which represents Central Houston, Downtown Houston District and Downtown Redevelopment Authority – the findings’ takeaway is in its title: On Solid Ground.
“The pandemic is in the rear-view window,” said Kris Larson, CEO and president of the organization, which stewards and monitors the economic performance of downtown.
Realty News Report
Exclusive: Historic towers that have been a Downtown Houston landmark for nearly 100 years have been sold
May 2, 2024
A Florida real estate firm has purchased Jones on Main, a mixed-use complex that has been a landmark in downtown Houston for about 100 years.
The deal is a sign that some investors are still willing to bet on Houston office space in spite of the broader challenges facing landlords post-pandemic.
The Wideman Co., an Orlando-based real estate firm, paid an undisclosed, all-cash price for the complex on April 30, the company said. The acquisition includes the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building, a 34-story, 794,000-square-foot tower at 712 Main as well as its companion building, the Great Jones Building, a 10-story, 95,000-square-foot tower at 708 Main.
The deal is a sign that some investors are still willing to bet on Houston office space in spite of the broader challenges facing landlords post-pandemic.
The Wideman Co., an Orlando-based real estate firm, paid an undisclosed, all-cash price for the complex on April 30, the company said. The acquisition includes the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building, a 34-story, 794,000-square-foot tower at 712 Main as well as its companion building, the Great Jones Building, a 10-story, 95,000-square-foot tower at 708 Main.
Houston Chronicle
7 Blocks Of Downtown Houston Are Slated To Go Car-Free For Good
May 1, 2024
The latest progress on that effort is the More Space: Main Street 2.0 project moving into its final design and engineering phase. Downtown Houston+, the organization previously known as Central Houston, is spearheading the project that will permanently transform seven blocks of Main Street, from Rusk Street to Allen’s Landing Park, into a pedestrian promenade.
This is one part of the solution to negating Houston’s notoriety for being a place that requires a vehicle to get around, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kristopher Larson told Bisnow.
This is one part of the solution to negating Houston’s notoriety for being a place that requires a vehicle to get around, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kristopher Larson told Bisnow.
BISNOW
New Downtown housing priced for essential workers
Apr 14, 2024
A Houston developer is planning a nearly 500-unit district in downtown Houston offering housing priced for low- and moderate-income residents — a unique offering for an area with some of highest rents in the region.
“With 25% of our employment base working in the service industry and similar jobs, providing housing for them is an essential ingredient of a healthy downtown economy,” said Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston+.
“With 25% of our employment base working in the service industry and similar jobs, providing housing for them is an essential ingredient of a healthy downtown economy,” said Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston+.
Houston Chronicle
The Oldest Black Church in Houston Tells the Story of America
Feb 7, 2024
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has held strong for 158 years through wars, civil rights movements, and two pandemics.
By Uvie Bikomo
By Uvie Bikomo
Houstonia
Houston's office buildings are sitting empty. Convert them.
Jan 10, 2024
The old days are never coming back, which is fine. Nostalgia isn’t how Houston rolls. The office vacancies today are a chance to make a better city, one where people of all income levels and backgrounds can benefit from the vast potential of creating new housing.
Houston Chronicle
Service Corporation International plans $150M headquarters project near Buffalo Bayou
Dec 14, 2023
Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), one of Houston's largest publicly traded companies, is one step closer to building a new headquarters tower on the site of KHOU's former home.
The Downtown Redevelopment Authority board, which administers Houston's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, voted on Dec. 12 to authorize a tax increment reimbursement of $13.79 million for public infrastructure improvements and storm resilience related to the $150 million SCI project. The move will provide significant public benefit — including job retention, enhanced public storm water management, pedestrian amenities and environmental resiliency — without incurring upfront cost or new debt for the city, the DRA said.
The Downtown Redevelopment Authority board, which administers Houston's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, voted on Dec. 12 to authorize a tax increment reimbursement of $13.79 million for public infrastructure improvements and storm resilience related to the $150 million SCI project. The move will provide significant public benefit — including job retention, enhanced public storm water management, pedestrian amenities and environmental resiliency — without incurring upfront cost or new debt for the city, the DRA said.
Houston Business Journal