HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Five high-rise towers with apartments, office space, stores and restaurants situated around a central greenspace will be developed near Buffalo Bayou Park, just west of downtown Houston.
The 14-acre development, called Autry Park, will be located at the western edge of Buffalo Bayou Park, not far from the upscale River Oaks neighborhood.
Construction is underway in Autry Park, which is the largest and most ambitious project new development to arise near Buffalo Bayou Park – a linear public space that has transformed the bayou’s waterfront with trails and gathering places.
Two well known Houston real estate firms, Lionstone Investments and Hanover Company have joined forces to develop Autry Park, which will have ultimate build-out value estimated to be over a half-billion dollars when completed years from now.
The three-phase masterplan for the Autry Park urban village includes five towers encompassing 1,450 residential units, 350,000 square-feet of Class A office space, and 100,000 square-feet of retail around centered greenspace.
Phase I, expected to deliver in 2021, is currently under construction and will feature two multifamily and retail buildings by Hanover Company totaling 750 residential units woven together in a winding network of streets and sidewalks shaded by mature live oak trees. The apartments will connect to 50,000 square feet of locally-sourced original restaurants, hidden paseos, and jewel box retail spaces creating an integrated urban lifestyle.
“Our data-driven analytics focused us on this exceptional land parcel as one that connects River Oaks to downtown, the Galleria, and Montrose. With a 14-acre blank slate, we saw an opportunity to ‘re-mix’ the concept of mixed-use by creating great spaces that integrate entertainment, technology and wellness in a way that meets the needs of today’s workers, residents, shoppers, and visitors,” said Lionstone’s CEO Jane Page. “Sustainable and healthier spaces can result in more productive people, and Autry Park combines best-in-class real estate in a walkable environment with access to the relaxation and outdoor activities afforded by the park.”
Hanover Company and Lionstone worked closely with the City of Houston and Memorial-Heights TIRZ 5 to make significant infrastructure improvements to the streets and public spaces surrounding the development. These improvements will include a new lighted intersection on Allen Parkway at the primary entrance to the development called Buffalo Park Drive, enhanced pedestrian crosswalks and traffic signals at Allen Parkway and Shepherd Drive, and a dedicated bike lane along West Dallas, all providing safer pedestrian and bike access into and around Buffalo Bayou Park.
“Buffalo Bayou is one of our city’s greatest natural resources. During the past five years, millions of dollars have been spent on improvements and redevelopment of Buffalo Bayou Park, facilitated by the generous support of foundations, corporations, and individuals. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue that investment in this valuable resource with a thoughtful and unique development at the gateway to Buffalo Bayou Park. We hope other individuals and organizations will recognize how this natural waterway improves quality of life for all Houstonians,” said Brandt Bowden, CEO of Hanover Company.
Buffalo Bayou Park encompasses 160 acres along the 10-square mile stretch of bayou that flows from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston. The transformative urban greenspace connects a vast network of waterfront hike and bike trails from the residential enclaves of River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood, The Heights and Montrose to downtown Houston — making it a natural nexus for walkable living, curated shopping and dining, next-generation working, and an experience of discovery in the heart of Houston.
“All of us at Buffalo Bayou Partnership are looking forward to the opening of Autry Park,” said Anne Olson, President of Buffalo Bayou Partnership. “The Hanover Company is one of our nation’s premier developers and this project is guaranteed to be spectacular. We’ve been very impressed at Hanover and Lionstone’s commitment to seamlessly blend their project in with the landscape of Buffalo Bayou Park.”
Retail merchants have yet to be announced, but the JV partners and Rebees, Autry Park’s retail development partner, are taking a locally-targeted approach to retail, food and beverage, and entertainment, recruiting some of Houston’s and the region’s most visionary restaurateurs and independent retailers. Elevated service providers and first-to-market national brands will also be included, with the assistance of RUE who is handling retail leasing for the project.
Project designers and consultants include Ziegler-Cooper Architects, W Partnership, Design Collective Inc.,FÖDA,and walkability expert Jeff Speck.
Austin-based Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was enlisted to create the architectural identity for Autry Park’s retail spaces as well as architectural features of its central public park.
Landscape architect OJB (Office of James Burnett) has created a design that emphasizes the pedestrian experience of the development, drawing the natural landscape of Buffalo Bayou Park into Autry Park’s streets and sidewalks.
Nov. 19, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020
File: Five High-Rise Towers iin new Autry Park