HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Hines’ new office tower in downtown had landed a seafood-focused restaurant by high-profile restaurateur Benjamin Berg, founder and CEO of Berg Hospitality Group of Houston.
Berg will open a seafood-centric restaurant called Dune Road in Hines’ and Ivanhoé Cambridge’s Texas Tower office complex at 845 Texas Ave., in Downtown Houston. The eatery is slated to open in Fall 2023.
The 47-story tower sits on the site of the former Houston Chronicle, on a block bounded by Texas, Travis, Milam and Prairie. In 2015, Realty News Report reported in an exclusive story that Hines was working to buy the Chronicle’s downtown property for more than $50 million.
With architecture by Pelli Clarke Pelli, Hines erected a LEED Platinum building that is now the global headquarters for Hines itself, and the venerable Vinson & Elkins law firm and other companies.
The Texas Tower is located in the northern end of downtown, adjacent to the Theatre District, where Hines has a significant presence of high-rise office and residential tower..
In Texas Tower, Berg’s new 5,430-SF upscale restaurant will be an interpretation of New England-style seafood restaurants.
“Dune Road will be a key addition to the hospitality-driven experience at Texas Tower,” said John Mooz, senior managing director at Hines. “With the goal of providing a curated F&B offering to the north side of Downtown, this new concept from Ben Berg’s powerhouse team will offer our tenants and the surrounding community the perfect setting to dine, recharge and exchange.”
The Hines office was designed to have a hotel-like lobby, unlike office towers of the past that were uninviting, cold and empty. Berg’s restaurant on the ground floor is part of warmer, hospitality feel on street level.
“We’re proud to welcome Dune Road to Texas Tower, bringing an elevated experience that bolsters our human-centric vision for this project,” said Sunita Mahant, Head of Social Impact and Inclusion, Sustainable Investment at Ivanhoé Cambridge. ]
Berg said the restaurant will “exude sophistication and rustic elegance” in the Northeastern tradition.
“Our first fully seafood-centric restaurant introduces a unique New England-inspired food and beverage experience to this bustling sector of Downtown in the world class Texas Tower,” says Benjamin Berg, founder and CEO of Berg Hospitality Group. “With Dune Road, we aim to elevate the flavor of seafood, by keeping it clean, simple and mostly grilled, sourced from only the finest suppliers around the country. Can you get a steak? Of course. But seafood is the star here.”
At Dune Road, open for lunch, happy hour and dinner, will feature New England-style clam and lobster bakes, seafood chowder, fried clams and an overstuffed lobster roll, to name a few.
A raw bar will be connected to the restaurant’s 56-seat circular bar. Along with the comfortable lounge area and beautifully appointed dining room, a private dining space is available for large private parties. A westward-facing patio seating 44 will incorporate “green” elements for a relaxing outdoor happy hour or dining experience. Total restaurant seating capacity is 214.
The design, by the award-winning New York City-based ICRAVE, will incorporate wavy, curvy nautical elements with an undulating ceiling, tailored fabric, polished metals, shiplap-inspired details and beautiful, lacquered wood finishes.
Berg Hospitality was represented in lease negotiations by Jonas Fertitta of Ancorian. Crystal Allen with Transwestern represented Hines and Ivanhoé Cambridge, the building developers and owners. The construction contractor for Dune Road is Case & Associates General Contractors, while Cisneros Design Studio is the architect of record.
Berg created B&B Butchers & Restaurant in Houston and Fort Worth, B.B. Lemon, The Annie Café & Bar, Turner’s, NoPo Café, Market & Bar, Trattoria Sofia, B.B. Italia Bistro & Bar, and Emilia’s Havana.
March 30, 2023 Realty News Report Copyright 2023
Rendering Credit: ICRAVE
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File: Hines Lands Berg Restaurant in Downtown Tower