Central Houston Inc. — Rapid Innovation and Growth in the CBD
Ed Emmett
HOUSTON – (By Michelle Leigh Smith for Realty News Report) – The annual Central Houston, Inc. meeting centered on building an innovation ecosystem to strengthen downtown Houston. For three decades Central Houston has brought together business leaders, property owners and civic partners to shape development and economic opportunity in the central business district. On Friday, more than 930 downtown professionals gathered in the Hilton Americas grand ballroom, accompanied by an all-women string quartet, to hear updates about the Innovation Corridor, which stretches along Jones on Main in the 700 block past the former Sears location on South Main.
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett remarked, “Not to take away anything from past events, but to me, this is the most exciting one of all. Now we are talking about what do we really want to be when we grow up? I remember when downtown Houston was a retail center, with Sakowitz, Foley’s, Neiman-Marcus and then Houston transitioned to purely office, with the major oil companies all downtown. Now, the older oil company buildings are lofts and highrises and we are here discussing an innovation corridor. The transition is fascinating to me. It’s really important that we have an organization like Central Houston to make sure we get it right. Central Houston is really central to this entire region. I am excited to see what comes out of it and make sure that Harris County helps in any way it can.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner
On a sunny morning, Emmett joked that he and Mayor Sylvester Turner often seem to “show up when the weather is really bad,” referencing their frequent partnership during hurricane preparedness and recovery efforts.
Mayor Turner praised his working relationship with Emmett and highlighted Emmett’s commitment to addressing the county’s mental health needs. “We were together a couple of weeks ago for the opening of Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center, which provides an alternative to jail for low-level, non-violent offenders,” Turner said. The diversion center is located at 1215 Dennis.
Turner also said he relies on Central Houston’s input to improve the downtown street grid and the coordination among trains, buses, cars and bicycles. He expressed enthusiasm about reimagining Park & Ride service to operate seven days a week, expanding transportation options for workers and visitors.
Central Houston fosters collaboration between the City, Harris County, METRO and downtown property owners to envision and build a vibrant future for the core. The organization facilitates dialogue to attract employees and employers downtown. “As exciting new workplaces come online, downtown will become more attractive,” said Bob Eury, President of Central Houston, Inc.
Economic measures underscore Houston’s strengths for startups and business. The Kauffman Index ranks Houston first in the state for startup activity, while Chief Executive Magazine has repeatedly named Houston the top Texas city for business. Reflecting that momentum, the panel discussion focused on startups, the role of mentorship and accelerators, and practical ways to support growth for emerging technologies.
President Bob Eury shared recent downtown statistics: 8,865 residents living in the central district, 70,000 residents within two miles of downtown and 8,300 hotel rooms—figures that underscore downtown’s growing residential and hospitality footprint. Last year Central Houston launched Plan Downtown as a framework for urban living and growth; the plan is advancing quickly to capitalize on unique civic opportunities.
Barbara Burger
The panel featured leaders from the entrepreneurship ecosystem: Jennifer Bonnett, who builds entrepreneurial ecosystems for the Savannah Economic Development Authority (SEDA); Adam Enbar, CEO and co-founder of Flatiron School, which occupies space in Jones on Main at the redeveloped 708 Main site alongside WeWork; and John Harthorne, founder and CEO of MassChallenge, the startup accelerator with MIT roots. The discussion was moderated by Barbara J. Burger, PhD, President of Chevron Technology Ventures, Chevron’s unit focused on external innovations that strengthen its core business.
Audience reactions highlighted the event’s resonance. “I loved John Harthorne’s analogy to start-up companies as babies that need to be nurtured,” said Ann Taylor, Senior Vice President for Marketing and Communications at Midway Companies.
Warren Savery, senior vice president at CBRE, noted downtown’s shifting growth patterns: “I think that the CBD is making all the right moves. The major growth is north (i.e., Capitol Tower and Chronicle site) along with the east side. Look at EaDo and what it has become in a short period of time. The amenities and life downtown have changed so dramatically over the years. It will only get better.”
John Loughran, President of Acme Party & Tent, welcomed the new entrepreneurial resources: “It was exciting to hear about the new ventures that are being promoted and developed for entrepreneurs. For years our city has been a hotbed for creative and talented entrepreneurs who often left for Austin, Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, Seattle and other markets. Now we have a network of mentors and resources to develop these individuals into viable, successful companies. We look forward to seeing Houston added to the list of ‘hotbed’ cities for creative people.”
Central Houston also announced new leadership: Scott Prochazka of Chevron is the incoming chairman, succeeding Anne Taylor of Deloitte. Jonathan Brinsden, CEO of Midway Companies, will serve as vice chair, and Alex Jerrett, CFO of Camden Property Trust, will serve as treasurer.
