Downtown Grocery Set for Historic Building Redo, Market briefs

In Houston, One of Downtown Houston’s oldest buildings is being transformed into a Henderson & Kane market that will sell essential groceries, produce and prepared foods in the Market Square Historic District.

The market will be located in a two-story brick building, constructed circa 1870, at 315 Travis. The building has been vacant since Treebeards moved out over five years ago.

Three high-rise residential towers, including Hines’ 46-story Brava apartments, are located within one block of the new 5,000-SF Henderson & Kane downtown market location.

Demand for downtown groceries has increased as Houston’s supply of downtown housing has surged in recent years.

The grocer will be located in 9,000-square-foot brick structure is located across the street from Market Square Park, a city block bounded by Travis, Milam, Congress, and Preston streets.

The conversion of building will be enabled with $500,000 of economic development funds designated to sustain and advance the growth of Downtown Houston.

Downtown’s population density, the historic buildings, and the vibe of Market Square Park will enhance the business prospects for the new grocery market, said Kris Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Houston+.

Kris Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Houston+

“This deal marks a watershed moment for Downtown Houston and is emblematic of the importance of layering strategic implementation atop insightful and visionary planning. It occurs in a part of town buoyed by high density residential, adorned with our delightful Market Square Park, and made unforgettable by the charming authenticity of the neighborhood’s historic fabric. After years of experimenting with a farmer’s market in Market Square Park for a few Saturdays each year, we are so proud to deliver a permanent market to the neighborhood,” Larson said.

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority TIRZ #3, which is affiliated with Downtown Houston+, approved the $500,000 economic development inducement to convert the property.

“This project reflects exactly what our community has asked for: a more complete, livable Downtown with access to everyday essentials,” said Allen Douglas, Executive Director of TIRZ #3. “By investing directly in the building, we’re lowering the barrier for a high-quality local operator and helping meet the needs of Downtown residents, workers and visitors.”

As stated by Downtown Houston+, more than 3,400 residents, 18.7 million SF of office space and 2,600 hotel rooms are located within a 10-minute walk of the new Henderson & Kane store location.

The building has been owned by the Meyer family for many years. In the mid-1800s, an early version of Houston’s City Hall was located on the park’s site before it was destroyed by fire.

In In 1867, Joseph F. Meyer opened a hardware and wagon, wheel parts store at the corner of Milam and Franklin. He went on to acquire a number of downtown buildings including the building that is destined to become the Henderson & Kane market.

“We’re grateful for the progress and investment happening in Downtown Houston, which created the environment for this opportunity,” said building owner Kenny Meyer, president of the Meyer Carrington real estate firm. “One of the oldest buildings in Downtown, this building has been in our family for five generations, originally part of the estate of Rebecca Baker, who married Joseph F. Meyer, Sr. We were patient in finding the right use, and Henderson & Kane is exactly the kind of partner that honors the history while adding new energy to the Downtown community.”

The cost of redeveloping the ground floor of the building with the cold storage, refrigeration and other necessities are too high to make the redevelopment feasible, Meyer said.