Zadok Plans Five-Story MXU on Post Oak Blvd.; Strip Center by Gerald Hines to Be Demolished
Zadok’s new mixed-use development project on Post Oak Blvd was designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.
HOUSTON — Houston’s upscale Uptown district is set to gain a new landmark as Zadok Jewelers, a Houston-based jeweler, unveils plans for a five-story, 112,000-square-foot mixed-use development at 1801 Post Oak Blvd. The project, designed by the acclaimed Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, will sit adjacent to the Uptown District’s Boulevard redevelopment and reinforce the neighborhood’s reputation for high-quality design and amenities.
The property currently contains the one-story Post Oak Row retail strip, originally developed by Gerald D. Hines Interests. Zadok plans to demolish the existing retail center and begin construction on the new mixed-use building on the 1.65-acre site.
According to Zadok’s announcement, groundbreaking is planned for August, with tenant turnover for build-out expected in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Located on the east side of Post Oak Boulevard just south of San Felipe, the site previously housed several retail tenants, including Al’s Formal Wear, BLVD Dentistry, Alfred Angelo Bridal, Post Oak Poker Club and Abrahams Rugs. Those tenants have vacated and construction fencing now surrounds the parcel.
“Since purchasing this prime parcel, we considered a wide range of partnership opportunities—from luxury hotels to office towers—and explored many concepts for the site,” said Dror Zadok in the announcement. “We’re pleased to retain full ownership and creative control, and to collaborate with such a talented team at Michael Hsu. We believe the scale and quality of the project fit this stretch of Post Oak Blvd. and complement the world-class Uptown neighborhood.”
This site just north of the Galleria will be developed by Zadok. Photo credit Kyle Hagerty.
Dror Zadok, along with his wife Helene and sons Jonathan, Segev and Gilad—each a G.I.A. Graduate Gemologist—founded Zadok in 1976 and have operated from 1749 Post Oak Blvd for more than four decades. The family business has expanded several times; upon completion of the new development, Zadok will relocate to a new 26,000-square-foot, two-story flagship store within the project, more than doubling its current retail footprint.
The mixed-use development will include a 26,000-square-foot Zadok flagship, 11,000 square feet of double-height restaurant space, valet pick-up and drop-off (with self-parking available), and a concierge lobby serving three floors. Above the retail and dining levels, approximately 68,000 square feet of boutique office space is planned. Zadok’s announcement did not disclose tenants for the office and restaurant spaces.
“Our goal is to elevate the traditional retail experience by creating an inviting arrival—whether by car or on foot—that radiates positive energy,” said Jay Colombo, partner at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. “We defined the ground floor storefronts with staggered entry points and varied exterior materials to add texture, visual interest and a human scale to the building.”
Architecturally, the project will tie into Uptown District’s Boulevard vision, which includes generous 15-foot setbacks to expand sidewalks and improve pedestrian connections, including access to the Bus Rapid Transit line. The ground level will feature native Texas cut stone. Restaurant spaces will use brick in varying colors, while the office floors above will be expressed with a sleek glass curtain wall to create a refined, layered façade.
Austin-based Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has been active in Houston in recent years, contributing to projects such as Heights Mercantile, the upcoming Understory food hall at Capitol Tower, and a new Ninfa’s location at BLVD Place near Zadok’s project.
Uptown District’s Boulevard Project, which adds tree-canopied sidewalks and a dedicated transit lane along Post Oak Boulevard, is expected to wrap up soon, according to district officials. The Boulevard improvements have catalyzed several major developments nearby, including Dinerstein Companies’ 39-story Arise Post Oak at 1650 Post Oak at San Felipe and McNair Interests’ planned 1.2 million-square-foot mixed-use development at Richmond Avenue and Post Oak Boulevard, which is expected to break ground this year.
