Partners to Lease Downtown Project

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Partners Real Estate has been selected by The Wideman Company to take over the leasing efforts for Jones on Main, a 1 million SF historic office complex that reigned as Houston’s tallest skyscraper until 1963.

Vince Strake and Lesley Rice of Partners will lead leasing initiatives for the paired properties at 712 & 708 Main Street in downtown Houston.

Earlier this year, the Wideman Co., an Orlando-based firm, acquired the 1929 Art Deco influenced tower at 712 Main St. (aka JP Morgan Chase building, nee Gulf Building) and its conjoined neighbor at 708 Main St., now called the Great Jones building.

A major redo is planned by Wideman.

“The vision that The Wideman Company has for this building is truly impressive, and I don’t think people fully realize it yet—but they will soon. Jones on Main is a Houston landmark, blending iconic architecture with cutting-edge amenities in a way that few buildings can. It creates a vibrant and authentic environment where people want to work and thrive,” said Strake of Partners. “This property resonates with tenants who are seeking more than just an office—they’re looking for a space that sparks creativity, fosters community, and makes coming to work something to look forward to..”

Previous building refurbishments in 2017 by then-owners Lionstone Investments with project partner Midway opened up the lobbies, linking and expanding the connections to interior amenities.

In 2018, the development attracted city-wide attention when Finn Hall, a 20,000 SF food hall opened the ground level.

“Our decision to partner with Partners was driven by their deep understanding of the Houston market and their innovative approach to leasing. We are confident that their expertise will help us position Jones on Main as a top destination for businesses seeking more than just office space—they want an experience,” said Matthew Wideman, Chief Executive Officer of The Wideman Company.

Finn Hall, is undergoing a major culinary transformation that aligns with the building’s innovative vision. The Wideman Company has partnered with Michelin-star chef Mike Collantes—known for his acclaimed omakase sushi restaurant, Soseki—to reimagine the space. The collaboration aims to create one of the nation’s first “Michelin-curated” food halls, adding sophistication to downtown Houston’s dining scene. Planned upgrades include an upscale restaurant, a vinyl-record listening lounge, and other concepts that will make Finn Hall a central hub for tenants and visitors alike.

The building at 712 Main is a 34-floor tower of 794,000 SF and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Properties. Its neighboring office building at 708 Main rises contains 95,000 SF in 10 stories.

Many year ago, Houston business titan and developer Jesse Jones tapped architect Alfred C. Finn with Kenneth Franzheim for the 712 Main project, built in 1929 for National Bank of Commerce and Gulf Oil regional offices, with Sakowitz Brothers department store in the six-story limestone base, architectural guides recount. At 450-feet tall, the buff brick building reigned as downtown’s tallest tower until 1963, when the Humble Oil building (Exxon) at 800 Bell was completed.

“This building is a huge part of Houston’s history, and we’re excited to help shape its future,” said Lesley Rice. “We’re also rolling out new spec suites and upgraded spaces that will blend the building’s historic charm with modern touches. It’s all about creating flexible, collaborative environments that fit today’s workforce downtown. We know these spaces will draw people in, and we can’t wait to see the new energy they bring to Jones on Main and downtown Houston.”

Jones on Main offers include concierge-level tenant events hosted on the sixth-floor rooftop terrace, known as The Veranda, or in the historic Heritage Hall. The property also boasts flexible and customizable office spaces to accommodate a range of industries—from startups, with new leases like the recently signed Spaces.

Photo:. Cynthia Lescalleet, CALpix Copyright Realty News Report 2024

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