HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The iconic intersection in Montrose at Westheimer and Montrose Boulevard is coming alive with a series of pop-up events featuring farmers markets, food trucks and live music.
Presented by Curb Coalition, the pop-up activations are a temporary use while property owner Skanska USA Commercial Development advances plans for a major project on the 2.86-acre site.
Skanska purchased the parcel for $27 million. The site, at the southwest corner of Westheimer and Montrose Boulevard, previously housed a retail center anchored by Spec’s liquor store that was demolished several months ago.
Curb Coalition, a local organization led by Jessica Ivins, stages farmers markets and neighborhood festivals across the city, including the Heights Morning Market, Shop Along the Creek and the White Oak Fall Festival.
The Montrose pop-up program begins this weekend. In addition to traditional farmers market vendors offering produce, preserves, nuts, salsas and vegan fare, Curb Market – Montrose will showcase a wide variety of artisans and local makers that reflect Houston’s creativity and diversity. Offerings will include canvas paintings, handmade jewelry, home goods and vintage clothing. Evenings will feature live performances from local bands, a food truck court, craft vendors, drinks from neighborhood bars, and family-friendly activities such as yard games and face painting.
Skanska is concurrently developing design plans for a multi-story mixed-use project on the site that is expected to include retail, multifamily residences, office space and potentially a hotel, according to Matt Damborsky, Executive Vice President at Skanska USA Commercial Development.
Once construction begins — possibly in 2022 — the pop-up series will conclude and the food trucks and temporary activations will make way for the new development.
Skanska acquired the Montrose property last year from a partnership controlled by Madison Marquette. Since the purchase, the firm has been soliciting input from Montrose community leaders, business owners, city council members, neighborhood activists and local institutions such as the Menil Collection, the LGBTQ Victory Institute and the Montrose Resident Coalition to inform the project’s planning.
Montrose has seen several new developments recently, with projects underway by developers including Hines, Radom Capital and Hanover. Immediately adjacent to the Skanska site, the former Disco Kroger store has been demolished ahead of future development.
“Montrose is the cultural heart and soul of the city,” said Matt Damborsky, who is also overseeing Skanska’s major new project in downtown Houston. “This area illustrates Houston’s evolving urban landscape and reflects our continued commitment to the market.”
Aug 13, 2021 Realty News Report. Copyright 2021.
Photo courtesy Curb Coalition
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File: Montrose Alert: Pop-Up Fun Starts. Skanska