Australian Developer Proposes 2.5M-SF Mixed-Use Project in Midtown
Rendering of Caydon’s 27-story tower, which is under construction in Midtown. Architecture by Ziegler Cooper. Photo credit: Caydon Property via Lovewell Creative.
HOUSTON – Australian developer Caydon Property Group has unveiled plans for Laneways, a 2.5 million-square-foot mixed-use development in Midtown Houston near the intersection of Drew and Dennis streets.
Spanning 3.5 acres, the project will feature retail, restaurants, high-rise multifamily residences and condominiums. Modeled on the celebrated Laneways districts of Melbourne, the development aims to create a pedestrian-friendly environment combining urban living with vibrant street-level activity.
Caydon is already active in Midtown with a 357-unit high-rise at 2850 Fannin. That 27-story tower is scheduled to open later this year.
“We are excited by the Midtown location, being in the heart of Houston—between downtown and the Medical Center, on the light rail, surrounded by bars and nightlife and a new Whole Foods opening up,” said Joe Russo of Caydon. “Our vision for our Laneways project will enhance the already thriving neighborhood, as we look to bring the Melbourne lifestyle to Midtown, all while infusing Houston’s culture and creativity.”
The long-term goal is to create a park- and transit-oriented neighborhood serving the area’s roughly 10,000 current residents.
Phase 2 plans recently released by Caydon call for three additional residential towers delivering about 1,000 multifamily units and 200 condominiums; roughly 55,000 square feet of eclectic retail space designed to attract a mix of tenants from wellness concepts to wine bars; and a boutique hotel, with its operator to be announced.
The project name, Laneways, reflects the concept: inspired by Melbourne’s boutique- and bistro-lined alleys, the design emphasizes pedestrian lanes and an intimate streetscape. Company representatives say the development will draw on local culture, cuisine and creativity to create an experience they summarize as “Melbourne’s lanes, Houston’s way.”
Explaining the local fit, Russo noted that Houston, like Melbourne, has a diverse café and culinary scene that suits an alleyway-style development. “We want to bring walkable lanes to Houston, but complement them with local restaurant operators, and with Houston art and culture,” he said.
Laneways is expected to begin its next construction phase in early 2020 at 2711 Main Street. The site includes a 1940s-era low-rise building and an adjacent parking lot that formerly housed Art Supply on Main Street; the store recently held a moving sale and plans a temporary pop-up at a different location.
The full 3.5-acre site, assembled through a series of acquisitions, is bounded by Main, Tuam, Fannin and McGowen streets. It sits adjacent to Midtown Park—a three-acre amenity with programmed events and green space—and is located on Metro’s Red Line, providing direct transit access between downtown and the Texas Medical Center.
Drew and Dennis streets run through the Laneways site and will serve as primary access routes and the public face for future towers, retail outlets and pedestrian lanes, according to company sources.
Caydon Architecture and Design, the developer’s in-house studio based in Melbourne, is leading the project’s conceptual design work.
Caydon has not disclosed a development budget for Laneways. The company’s first U.S. project—the $200 million, 27-story luxury apartment tower on Fannin Street—is on track to welcome its first residents this summer. That tower also includes about 13,000 square feet of retail space, with Atlanta’s Flying Biscuit Café confirmed as a tenant occupying an outdoor terrace, as well as the Laneways sales center for future condominiums (pricing pending) and a health-and-wellness concept.
