HOUSTON — (Realty News Report) – The historic Jones on Main office tower has been awarded the Fitwel certification for healthy buildings – the second in Texas to achieve this designation.
The Fitwel certification has gained value in the real estate industry over the last year as the coronavirus pandemic highlighted need for safe and healthy workplaces.
The 890,380-SF building, 712 Main, was recently redeveloped by Lionstone Investments and Midway Companies of Houston.
Originally created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), Fitwel is described as “a rigorous, third-party healthy building certification system operated by the Center for Active Design (CfAD) that sets the industry standard for evidence-based strategies to promote positive health outcomes for building occupants and communities.”
The developers said Jones on Main’s Fitwel Certification demonstrates Lionstone Investments’ and Midway Companies’ commitment to advancing the health and well-being of their employees and tenants by implementing health-promoting design and operational strategies.
“This prestigious certification reflects our commitment to enhancing wellness among our employees and building tenants,” said Hunain Dada, Senior Director of Real Estate Portfolio Management for Lionstone Investments. “Making these investments now, especially as companies are making plans to reopen offices following the COVID-19 pandemic, will help improve the health and well-being of our occupants.”
The 712 Main office tower, is a 37-story Art Deco building. The tower was commissioned in 1929 by Jesse Jones and it remained the tallest building in Houston until 1963. The tower is a City of Houston Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The building sits in a walkable and environmentally friendly location within the heart of Downtown Houston, with a Walk Score of 98 (out of 100) and a transit stop across from the main building entrance. The addition of dedicated lactation rooms for tenants, a green purchasing policy, and the in-process creation of an outdoor space for tenants with a rooftop patio and restorative garden are some of the new strategies implemented at the building, enabling Jones on Main to achieve a Fitwel 1 Star Rating.
“We are proud to recognize Lionstone Investments’ and Midway Companies’ commitment to advancing the healthy building movement by achieving Fitwel certification for Jones on Main,” said Joanna Frank, President and CEO of CfAD. “Through the implementation of Fitwel’s evidence-based strategies, these industry leaders are taking proactive steps to safeguard the health and wellness of their occupants. This is critical to building trust, strengthening relationships, and enhancing productivity.”
CBRE handles office and retail leasing for the building.
March 24, 2021 Realty News Report Copyright 2021
File: Tower Awarded Fitwel Certification. Midway. Lionstone Investments