Houston is undergoing a transformative wave of redevelopment, driven by the efforts of local organizations and developers to enhance the city’s quality of life and urban landscape.   A Downtown Transformation  Click to expand GreenStreet, the four-block mixed-use district in downtown managed by Texas-based real estate firm Rebees, is slated for a multimillion-dollar makeover. Already home to popular destinations such as House of Blues and The Laura Hotel, this renovation project will further enhance its appeal, positioning it as a premier destination for residents and visitors.  Planned updates include converting the former Forever 21 building into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly alleyway filled with dining, retail and nightlife attractions. Additional enhancements feature the installation of rooftop solar panels, improved landscaping with lush gardens and upgraded office spaces with multi-level amenities. Phase one of construction is expected to commence in Q1 2025 and be completed by Q3.  “The readaptation of GreenStreet will create a new model for urban space in Downtown Houston,” said Mark Motonaga, Creative Director and Partner, RIOS, the design firm leading the project, in a statement. “Our vision draws inspiration from Houston’s diverse culture and seamlessly blends nature, sustainability, and architecture to create a new urban streetscape experience that unfolds across three distinct blocks and builds toward a central hub of activity connecting people at the ground level.”  Breathing New Life into Baytown  Click to expand In Baytown, Fidelis Realty Partners recently broke ground on the redevelopment of the former San Jacinto Mall, which closed its doors in 2022. The 105-acre project, dubbed San Jacinto Marketplace, will include 500,000 square feet of retail and dining space, complemented by a public green space known as Pelican Green, designed for community gatherings and events. Pedestrian walkways will also be constructed to connect key areas throughout the marketplace, enhancing accessibility and walkability.  According to the Houston Business Journal, phase one of the project is expected to be completed by 2026, while phase two, which includes the development of multifamily, hotel and office space, is still in the planning stages.  Walkable District in Westchase  Click to expand Meanwhile, Johnson Development has unveiled plans to transform the former Halliburton campus in the Westchase District into Park Eight Place, a walkable, 70-acre mixed-use destination. The $1 billion project will feature a mix of residential, retail, hotel and office space with access to nature and recreational amenities in the adjacent 200-acre Arthur Storey Park.   Park Eight Place is set to become Houston’s first developer-initiated Walkable Place, a designation granted by the Houston City Council to promote pedestrian-friendly urban development. This designation allowed Johnson Development to secure additional land for the project. Construction on roads and utilities is scheduled to begin next year.  “This is a prime location that is just about 15 minutes from anywhere you want to go in Houston,” said Charles Lusk, General Manager of Park Eight Place, in a statement. “But within Park Eight Place, you will find everything you need and all within a five- to eight-minute walk from your door. Park Eight Place will emerge as a vibrant urban village where health, connection, sustainability and convenience converge.”  Learn more about living in Houston. 

In this episode of the Greater Houston Partnership's Rise to the Top podcast, we're speaking with Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations of the Houston Rockets. She runs the day-to-day business operations of Houston’s beloved team. Host and Partnership Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Katie Pryor talks with Gretchen about her career journey and how her life as a former athlete has shaped her as a leader today.  Listen now on Spotify. Launched in 2021, the Greater Houston Partnership's Rise to the Top podcast aims to amplify the insight of accomplished female leaders in the Houston region. Learn more about the Partnership's female-focused business resource groups Executive Women's Partnership and Women on the Rise.