Transformative Apartments Opening in East River

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The initial residents will arrive soon at the 150-acre East River mixed-use development on the edge of downtown where pre-leasing hhas begun at the development’s multifamily community, called The Laura.

A five-story, modern-industrial multifamily community of 359 apartment homes, The Laura. is located at the entry of East River and is a westward extension of the Historic Fifth Ward and East End (Second Ward) neighborhoods.

East River, located near Jensen Drive along the banks of Buffafo Bayou on the site of the old Brown & Root campus, will also include office space, retail, restaurants and entertainment features.

“East River will be one of the most impactful urban revitalizations for a generation in Houston’s urban core,” according to the Midway organization, which is led by Brad Freels.

The first residential element in East River, The Laura will welcome its first residents in December. Ranging from 431 to 1,432 SF, the building offers studios, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms floor plans.

Seeking to support those who are making a difference in our communities, The Laura also offers quality workforce housing designed for professionals who have dedicated their careers to serving others and earn at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

The apartment building’s modern and reductive design conveys the industrial beginnings of the district and The Laura, pulling inspiration from steamboat steel cylinders, valves, paddlewheels and spokes to the terrain of railroads, warehouses, glass mosaics, and the port’s shipping containers.

The Laura’s “authentic architecture” and its connection to the Buffalo Bayou trail system are other highlights of the multifamily project, said Larry Sloan, Executive Vice President of Investment and Development for Midway.

The first phase of East River has also added retail and office tenants recently.

EaDo Eye Studio, which leased 2,000 SF, has joined the development’s diverse tenant roster. As the 150-acre project’s first phase nears completion, East River has also welcomed its first office tenants, Method Architecture, Impact Networking and OJB Landscape Architecture, with TEAL slated to move in this fall.

First Tenants Have Moved In

Method Architecture, the leading architecture firm known for its innovative design solutions in the commercial and brewery space, has moved into its new 9,079-SF office on the second floor of East River 1 (Building C). A uniquely ego-free firm and certified Minority Owned Business, Method specializes in tenant finish and ground-up projects encompassing industrial, office, breweries, retail and more. Featuring an open layout with hotel workstations, soft fabrics and warm lighting, Method’s vibrant new office at East River also includes a multi-wall mural from local artist David Maldonado, who also painted East River’s beloved 60’x20’ Houston-themed mural on the corner of Jensen Drive and Clinton Drive

Impact Networking has opened its new 16,058 SF Sales, Service, and Technology Showroom in East River 1 (Building C). Offering a holistic approach to managed business services, with specialists in IT, cybersecurity, digital transformation, marketing, and print services, Impact Networking provides clients with the competitive advantages necessary for them to thrive in an increasingly digital world. With expert consultation, implementation, and 24/7 live-answer in-house support, Impact can help any organization grow, improve their customer experience, streamline processes, and more by managing what’s needed to do business today.

OJB Landscape Architecture, the collective professional landscape design and urban planning practice, has purchased a 10,000-SF independent office structure within The Studios at East River. Signaling the first phase of completion, OJB recently moved their offices to East River from downtown Houston. Founded in 1989 by James Burnett, FASLA in Houston and led today by Burnett and his partners in six offices across the country, OJB’s team of landscape architects, architects, horticulturists, scientists, planners, and continuing care experts work collaboratively to develop sustainable compositions across a wide range of project types. Taking cues from the natural world, the firm is committed to health, wellness and increased productivity in its workplace and mixed-use projects. OJB is leading the site and landscape design of the entire East River project, focusing on a connection to the water, the pedestrian realm, central green spaces, active transportation and upgraded infrastructure.

TEAL will open their new 16,071-SF corporate headquarters in East River 1 (Building C) this fall. Inspired to increase efficiency and reduce the carbon footprint of mechanical systems in commercial buildings, TEAL helps developers, owners, and equity partners achieve their sustainability goals with a managed HVAC central plant solution.

Phase I Nearing Completion

Slated for completion this fall, East River’s 26-acre first phase sets the tone for a world-class destination by focusing on connecting Houston’s urban fabric to central green spaces, active transportation, upgraded infrastructure and an impressive mile of waterfront along Buffalo Bayou that was inaccessible to the wider community for decades.

Confirmed retail tenants in East River’s first phase include Broham Fine Soul Food & Groceries, EaDo Eye Studio, Lick Honest Ice Creams, Houston Maritime Center, Tomi Jewelry, URBN Dental, and Le Tesserae by The Astorian. Office tenants include Impact Networking, Method Architecture, Suderman & Young Towing Company and TEAL. OJB Landscape Architecture has purchased one of The Studios at East River independent office structures. Additionally, Midway, the developer of East River, is developing a new headquarters for Port Houston, which includes a 95,000-SF build-to-suit office building and dedicated parking garage.

Midway has completed building construction on all retail/office components of East River Phase I. Tenants continue to build out their spaces, with the majority slated to open in fall 2023.

East River is managed by Parkway and developed by Midway.

Image courtesy Midway

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