Transwestern Mobilizes Leasing Team at Brookfield’s Houston Center
Kevin Roberts
HOUSTON – Transwestern has been retained by Brookfield Property Partners to manage leasing for Houston Center, an iconic mixed-use campus in Houston’s Central Business District that includes 4.2 million square feet of office and retail space.
Transwestern’s office leasing team assigned to the account consists of Executive Vice President David Baker, Vice President Kelli Gault, Managing Director Doug Little and Senior Vice President Debbie Wilson. The retail leasing team includes Managing Director Nick Hernandez, Senior Vice President Crystal Allen and Senior Associate Kim Bernick.
“We are honored to have been chosen to work alongside the visionary leaders at Brookfield to lease this signature project,” said Kevin Roberts, Transwestern’s Southwest President. “Contributing to the repositioning of Houston Center is a unique opportunity, and we look forward to delivering exceptional results for Brookfield. Houston Center sits in one of the most dynamic areas of downtown, which has undergone substantial revitalization and now attracts new businesses while creating a compelling environment for tenants and visitors.”
Located near Discovery Green, the Marriott Marquis, the George R. Brown Convention Center, Avenida Houston and numerous residential towers, the Houston Center complex boasts a walk score of 98 — the highest rating in Houston.
Brookfield acquired Houston Center last year from J.P. Morgan Asset Management for $875 million, one of the largest real estate transactions ever completed in Houston. The complex sits east of Main Street around McKinney and Fannin streets. At the time of sale, occupancy was approximately 72 percent.
Brookfield plans significant investment for the property, budgeting in excess of $50 million for renovations. Constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, Houston Center will undergo upgrades to enhance amenities and reimagine public areas, lobbies, skybridges and plazas, according to Travis Overall, Executive Vice President and Head of the Texas Region for Brookfield.
“Once renovations are finished, Houston Center will offer the most amenity-rich office environment in the Central Business District and will be an ideal location to attract and retain employees,” said David Baker. “The development will provide a wide range of food, entertainment and fitness options, multiple indoor and outdoor workspaces across the complex, and convenient walking access to many new residential and hotel options.”
Houston Center includes:
LyondellBasell Tower – 46 stories; 1.1 million SF at 1221 McKinney St.
2 Houston Center – 40 stories; 1.0 million SF at 909 Fannin.
Fulbright Tower – 51 stories; 1.2 million SF at 1301 McKinney.
4 Houston Center – 16 stories; 674,000 SF.
The Shops at Houston Center – 3 stories; 196,000 SF.
Brookfield also owns the Allen Center complex in downtown Houston.
