HOUSTON – Opening Day holds special meaning for residents of 500 Crawford apartments: you can walk from your front door to Minute Maid Park in about 10 seconds. That makes being late for the Houston Astros’ season opener against the Seattle Mariners a lot less likely.
“There’s not an apartment building in the country with an entrance this close to a major league sports stadium,” says Mark Sullivan, spokesperson for the 500 Crawford community.
The new midrise development includes 400 units and sits adjacent to the left-field wall of Minute Maid Park. It would take an extraordinary hit from a slugger like Carlos Beltrán or George Springer for a ball to clear the wall and reach the building, but the proximity is unmistakable.
Developer Finger Companies has leaned into the ballpark location by adding major-league amenities, including a residents’ sports lounge and terrace on the sixth floor with direct views into the stadium.
The rooftop sports lounge, positioned to overlook the Astros scoreboard, is outfitted with large televisions and comfortable leather seating selected by interior designer Sherry Zucker. Designer April Littmann curated the artwork to complement the theme.
“We wanted a sports memorabilia theme since it’s across from the ball park,” says Sherry Zucker of Brittany Blake Interiors.
500 Crawford continues Finger Companies’ downtown Houston presence; the firm also developed One Park Place overlooking Discovery Green.
“Having developed and operated One Park Place over the last seven years, we felt 500 Crawford would be the perfect complement,” says Marvy Finger, president of Houston-based Finger Companies. “It reaches a different market while offering the same product, amenities and standards we’ve delivered for five decades. With such an iconic ballpark directly across the street and the addition of two great restaurants, we’re delighted our property is at the center of the Astros’ season excitement.”
Residents can also expect peace and quiet during big games: the building was engineered for sound isolation, with six inches of concrete between floors. “They hired a sound engineer to soundproof the building to make sure residents are not bothered by noise, even if the roof is open and the crowd is roaring,” Sullivan explains.
Despite a competitive Houston apartment market, 500 Crawford is already 70 percent leased. Rents begin at $1,500 per month for a one-bedroom and $2,400 for a two-bedroom, two-bath unit.
The building includes two new restaurants: Potente, an upscale Italian restaurant backed by Astros owner Jim Crane, will serve dinner in an elegant setting, while the more casual Ossa & Kristalla offers a rustic trattoria experience with wood-fired pizzas and locally sourced pastas, salads and sandwiches.
500 Crawford is located at the intersection of Crawford and Texas Avenue and sits across the street from Vic & Anthony’s steakhouse, operated by Tilman Fertitta’s company—placing several dining options within easy reach.
Walkability is a major selling point for downtown residents. From 500 Crawford, popular destinations are within a short walk:
- 791 steps / 8-minute walk to Discovery Green
- 975 steps / 10-minute walk to BBVA Compass Stadium
- 1,019 steps / 13-minute walk to Market Square Park
- 1,368 steps / 15-minute walk to Toyota Center
- 1,518 steps / 17-minute walk to 8th Wonder Brewery
- 448 steps / 6-minute walk to the GRB / Purple Line rail stop
And for baseball fans, the headline convenience: it’s only 38 steps to the Left Field Gate of Minute Maid Park.
April 2, 2017 Realty News Report Copyright 2017