HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Google is opening a new office in Houston, leasing 12,000 square feet in One Buffalo Heights, the boutique office component of a larger mixed-use development just west of downtown near Buffalo Bayou.
“Google is a major force not only for innovation and economic growth but also as an active community partner. We are delighted they selected Buffalo Heights as they expand their commitment in Houston,” said Russell Gordy, principal owner of BKR Memorial II, LLC, which is developing The Buffalo Heights District with his family.
The Buffalo Heights District began welcoming residents and customers last October with the openings of H-E-B Buffalo Heights and the St. Andrie apartments. The new neighborhood sits between Buffalo Bayou Park, South Heights Boulevard, Studemont, and Washington Avenue, forming a compact, walkable community adjacent to one of Houston’s most prominent green spaces.
“Buffalo Heights presents a rare chance to build a healthy, pedestrian-friendly lifestyle centered on Buffalo Bayou Park,” said Jonathan Brinsden, CEO of Midway, the Houston-based developer responsible for phase one of Buffalo Heights. “Progressive companies like Google recognize how walkable, mixed-use environments support recruiting and retaining top talent.”
BKR Memorial II, LLC was represented in the lease negotiations by Michael Anderson and Connor Saxe of Cushman & Wakefield. Google was represented by Weldon Martin of CBRE.
Future office leasing for subsequent phases of the Buffalo Heights District will continue to be managed by Michael Anderson and Connor Saxe at Cushman & Wakefield, while retail leasing will be handled by Lacee Jacobs of CBRE.
Arch-Con Construction served as general contractor for the seven-story, 742,000-square-foot Buffalo Heights District mixed-use development, which was designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects. The project includes a new, 96,000-square-foot urban prototype H-E-B on the ground floor and more than 111,000 square feet of parking on the second floor dedicated to H-E-B customers.
The third floor functions as the base level for One Buffalo Heights, the 36,000-square-foot office building, with separate parking provisions for residents and office tenants to ensure convenient access and separation of uses.
Midway, headquartered in Houston, has developed a notable portfolio of mixed-use properties in the region, including CityCentre, Kirby Grove, GreenStreet, and Kings Harbor. Midway is also redeveloping the former KBR headquarters into East River, a large-scale project expected to reshape the east side of downtown Houston. Across its completed and active projects, Midway’s portfolio totals approximately 45 million square feet in 23 states and northern Mexico.
Houston Endowment, the philanthropic foundation that previously owned the Houston Chronicle, has announced plans for a new headquarters site adjacent to Buffalo Heights. The foundation’s planned project is a 40,000-square-foot facility with a budget of about $20 million and will overlook Spotts Park, further increasing activity and investment in the neighborhood.
Google maintains a significant presence in Texas. In Austin, for example, the company is set to occupy a 35-story office tower under construction on the south shore of Lady Bird Lake, underscoring its continued expansion across the state.
June 17, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020