HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Groundbreaking took place Thursday on the first phase of East River, a transformative 150-acre mixed-use development that will reshape the eastern edge of downtown Houston.
“Today marks the beginning of what will be one of the most impactful revitalizations in a generation for Houston’s urban core,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said, addressing guests sheltered from the August sun beneath a white tent.
Developed by Houston-based Midway, East River sits about a mile from downtown on the north bank of Buffalo Bayou and is designed to become a new waterfront destination that blends residential, commercial, recreational and cultural uses.
“East River will transform the city’s waterfront east of downtown into a new economic center, creating jobs and welcoming a wide variety of residents, workers and visitors of all ages and diverse cultures,” Turner said.
The first phase occupies 26 acres at the intersection of Jensen Drive and Clinton Drive. It includes 250,000 square feet of office space, 110,000 square feet of retail, and a five-story, 360-unit multifamily community called The Laura.
The remainder of the 150 acres will accommodate a 40-acre golf course and driving range called East River 9, along with sites reserved for future development and public open space.
Midway Executive Vice President E.R. “Bo” Sanford II said the full buildout of East River is expected to take roughly 15 years, possibly a bit longer, as the project evolves in phases.
New Office Tenants
Sanford announced early office tenants for the Phase One building. Commercial architecture firm Method Architecture has leased 9,000 square feet, and TEAL has signed a lease for a 12,000-square-foot space to house its new corporate headquarters.
Midway said it is currently negotiating leases for approximately 30,000 square feet of additional office space and about 31,000 square feet of retail space.
Midway has appointed Limestone Commercial Real Estate’s Brandi McDonald Sikes and Sobi Qazi as exclusive leasing agents for the remaining office space in Phase One. Retail leasing will be managed in-house by Lacee Jacobs and Laura Harness from Midway’s Strategic Leasing and Advisory team.
East River is located in the historically Black Fifth Ward, adjacent to the East End (Second Ward). Local leaders anticipate the development will create economic opportunities and community benefits.
“A rising tide will float all boats,” said the Rev. Harvey Clemons Jr., chairman of the Fifth Ward Redevelopment Authority, expressing optimism about the project’s impact on the neighborhood.
The East River Project Team
The Midway team for Phase One includes experienced design and construction partners: Page as commercial architect of record; OJB Landscape Architecture as landscape architect; BGE, Inc. as civil engineer; Burton Construction as commercial general contractor; Harper Brothers for infrastructure; Daly as commercial structural engineer; Telios for mechanical, electrical and plumbing; EDI International as multifamily architect of record; Munoz + Albin as multifamily design architect; Mayfield and Ragni Studio (MaRS) for multifamily interior design; OHT Partners as multifamily general contractor; HE for multifamily mechanical, electrical and plumbing; and Schultz Burman Engineering, PLLC as multifamily structural engineer.
Aug 26, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
Images: Courtesy Midway
File: East River Makes Splash in Fifth Ward