HOUSTON – (By Cynthia Lescalleet for Realty News Report) – Levcor is undertaking a major modernization and expansion of MarqE, its 36-acre retail, entertainment and services campus, to broaden and enhance the site’s experiential offerings.
Envisioned as a mixed-use destination with an emphasis on interactive attractions, the redevelopment will introduce more experience-driven retail, dining and entertainment options while refreshing the center’s look and functionality.
“Our goal is to create a bigger, brighter and more connected environment for our retail partners and visitors,” said Justin Levine, vice president at Levcor. The company’s multi-phase plan is designed to enhance both aesthetics and usability across the property.
The complex occupies 36 acres adjacent to the Katy Freeway near Loop 610 and includes roughly 350,000 square feet of leasable space, with current occupancy around 90 percent.
Key components include a new two-story building totaling about 49,000 square feet to accommodate additional retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues. BRR Architects is part of the project team leading the design.
Construction was scheduled to begin in May 2021 and will be completed in phases through 2022. The phased approach aims to minimize disruption to operations while allowing incremental improvements to open for the public.
Site plans prioritize better use of the property’s abundant outdoor areas, adding shaded structures that link walkways and buildings, raising storefront heights to admit more natural light, and introducing large-scale art and play installations to boost interactivity and family appeal.
Outdoor seating and lounging zones will be added and equipped with wireless internet to support local professionals who want a comfortable, connected place to work or meet. Landscaping upgrades will include large canopy trees, refined hardscaping and colorful planting beds to soften the environment and improve the pedestrian experience.
Programming will play a larger role in the center’s identity, with outdoor events and activities planned as the project reaches completion. Tenant selection will reflect the center’s strong family audience drawn from nearby communities such as Spring Branch, Memorial and Uptown Houston.
During redevelopment, retailers, restaurants and services that are not affected by temporary COVID-19 closures will remain open to serve patrons. The Edwards Cinema, which closed temporarily during the pandemic, is expected to reopen when conditions permit.
Levcor, a Houston-based firm with four decades of local presence, has developed, owned and managed more than 25 million square feet of real estate across the United States. The company acquired MarqE in 2014 from a joint venture that included Canyon-Johnson, the Los Angeles firm co-led by NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, and Houston-based Fidelis Realty Partners.
Originally built in 2003, the entertainment complex has undergone visibility and layout changes over the years. The current redevelopment continues that evolution, balancing refreshed architecture and public space improvements with the center’s established role as a neighborhood hub.
While work proceeds, the majority of on-site businesses remain open, including Bank of America, Big City Wings, Chick-fil-A, Class 502 Rolling Ice Cream, Dave & Buster’s, Dolce & Cafe, Edwards Cinema (closed temporarily), EightOne, Four Seasons Massage, Hugh O’Connors, Improv Houston, Jersey Mike’s Subs, LA Fitness, Little Beakers, Maine-ly Sandwiches, NW Dental, Panda Express, Paris’s Nails and Spa, Pump It Up, Red Robin, Rocket Fizz, Russo’s New York Pizzeria, Subway, T-Mobile and Warehouse 72.
Feb. 10, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
File: Rediscovering Magic: Redo of Complex
Image: Courtesy Levcor
File: Levcor. Houston. Retail. MarqE. Rediscovering Magic: Redo of Complex Once Owned by Magic Johnson. Justin Levine