HOUSTON – (By Michelle Leigh Smith for Realty News Report) – MLB Capital Partners, a Houston-based commercial real estate investment firm, broke ground Tuesday on the Houston Farmers Market redevelopment project near The Heights.
The 77-year-old market on Airline Drive will be upgraded with improved facilities, modern infrastructure, a broader range of products and sustainable community programming to create a distinctive destination retail experience. Project consultant and James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd announced plans to develop a concept tailored specifically for the Houston Farmers Market.
“As the country’s fourth-largest city and a leading culinary capital, Houston has been ready for a world-class market,” said Todd Mason, Managing Principal for MLB Capital Partners. “We are excited to reinvigorate this local landmark into an experiential destination for both residents and visitors.”
Several offers were considered for the property, but the Farmer’s Market Association favored MLB Capital Partners because Mason and his team committed to preserving the site’s identity as a farmer’s market.
To protect and enhance this cultural landmark, MLB Capital Partners will invest in the 17.67-acre site on the east side of The Heights, creating an environment suited for extended shopping hours, social gathering and entertainment. Planned upgrades include modern utilities, new climate-controlled vendor spaces, shaded open-air market areas, upgraded restrooms and common seating. Improvements to parking and traffic flow, clearer sidewalks, enhanced landscaping and dedicated green spaces will improve the visitor experience. Those green areas will host community programming such as chef demonstrations, wine tastings and local entertainment. The redevelopment will also add square footage to accommodate specialty coffee, interesting merchants and diverse culinary concepts.
Current vendors include Flores Spice & Trade, Manzano’s Produce, De Mi Tierra Chiles, Mex Luna Produce, Pereyda Produce and Tierra Nuevo Produce. The market will continue operations during the redevelopment, with many areas expanded and upgraded in phases. “Co-op shopping will continue and most tenants are happy to have them,” said Mason. “Northside Banana has even created a specific space for co-op activity and is working to grow that business.”
MLB Capital Partners assembled a team of experienced consultants and partners, including Clark Condon Associates and Studio RED Architects, to guide the revitalization. Chef Shepherd will help shape the market’s distinctive culinary concept and oversee the functional design of new build-outs to ensure cohesive tenant experiences.
Other project partners include Gunda Corporation and Arch-Con Construction. Over the past two years, the team conducted in-depth analysis of neighborhood needs, market conditions, visitors and vendors to prepare a thoughtful master plan.
In May 2017, MLB Capital Partners acquired the 17.67-acre property at 2520 Airline Drive on the east side of The Heights from The Farmers’ Marketing Association of Houston Inc., which had owned and operated the market since its founding in 1942. For 77 years the market has served as a place where farmers sell fresh produce and goods to surrounding Houston neighborhoods.
MLB Capital Partners is a Houston-based commercial real estate investment firm focused on niche redevelopment. With a combined 80 years of experience, principals Todd Mason, Jeff Lindenberger and Fred Baca specialize in revitalizing commercial properties.
Midwest-raised, James Beard Award-winning Chef Chris Shepherd is a prominent figure in Houston’s culinary scene and opened the acclaimed Underbelly restaurant in 2012.
Shepherd began his fine dining career at Brennan’s of Houston, where he spent seven years working in the kitchen and later managed the wine program. He left Brennan’s in 2006 to open Catalan Food & Wine, which Esquire named one of its Best New Restaurants in America that year.
Aug. 7, 2019 Realty News Report Copyright 2019
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