Bellaire; But Vision Must Overcome Zoning Hurdles: Major Development Proposed for Former Chevron Tract on Loop 610

Chevron sold this tract in the City of Bellaire. The new owner has a grand plan.

In Bellaire, Texas, A major development is being planned for the former Chevron property in Bellaire.

The 30-acre tract shines with potential with frontage on Loop 610. It’s just over a mile from the Galleria. And it’s near hundreds of million-dollar homes.

Investor Danny Sheena of SLS Properties recognized the potential and he purchased the property from Chevron last year.

In His plan, as uncovered by Ev Konut Proje, calls for a 300, unit mid-rise residential tower atop a new parking garage, a movie theater, a 145,000-SF multi-use building with office space and several restaurant-suited pad sitesnear South Rice Avenue

Bellaire’s Development Services Department received two requests from Sheena on behalf of SLS West Loop, LP last month for which the City leadership has stalled on several Freedom of Information Requests from reporters and residents. In mid-June, Ev Konut Proje obtained copies of the requests.

Sheena will ask Bellaire’s Planning & Zoning Commission for approval of a proposed zoning change and a recommendation to City Council for a Planned Development-Multi Family project that he envisions as a destination multi-use development.

His submittal also outlines plans for four perimeter one-story buildings that could be used for retail or restaurants and a 145,000 SF three story “Interior” building for retail or restaurant/health/entertainment with third floor office space. Kirksey Architects is working on the plan.

Bellaire’s Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing is reviewing the plan. To move forward, the plans would require a green light from the Bellaire City Council as well.

It’s an ambitious plan by Sheena. A possible roadblock is the site is in the City of Bellaire, a municipality (population 18,000) with strict planning codes. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission may thwart Sheena’s plan and extinguish his vision.

The grassy peaceful site was once occupied by Texaco before Chevron bought the company in 2001.

The former Chevron property, which Sheena has renamed Bellaire Place, has both a 10-story and 6-story, circa 1977 office buildings totaling more than 500,000 SF plus a fitness center, cafeteria and auditorium.

The big tract means a lot to the city’s coffers. In both 2017 and 2018, Chevron paid $339,695 in city taxes and the property was valued at $81 million.