In the News
Stay informed, connected and discover articles and stories highlighting the exciting, vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Downtown Houston
For media questions, please contact Ann Taylor at Ann.Taylor@DowntownHouston.org and for urgent matters call or text 281-702-3111
Featured News
DOWNTOWN RECOVERY CREWS RESUME WORK AT 7 A.M. TOMORROW, MAY 18TH
May 17, 2024
Tomorrow, May 18, our crews will start work at 7 AM to complete the shattered glass removal and begin mulching the downed trees and other damaged landscaping. It’s estimated that at least 200 trees were seriously damaged or uprooted by the storm.
To protect the public, HPD will assign officers to intersections where storm damage is the greatest, an area roughly from Walker Street to Clay Street and Smith Street to Fannin. Road closures and limited pedestrian access will remain until the properties and area are deemed safe. Before traveling to Downtown, please confirm the event you are attending has not been cancelled and your planned route remains open.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperations.
To protect the public, HPD will assign officers to intersections where storm damage is the greatest, an area roughly from Walker Street to Clay Street and Smith Street to Fannin. Road closures and limited pedestrian access will remain until the properties and area are deemed safe. Before traveling to Downtown, please confirm the event you are attending has not been cancelled and your planned route remains open.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperations.
Read More
DOWNTOWN EMPLOYERS URGED TO ALLOW EMPLOYEES TO WORK FROM HOME, FRIDAY, MAY 17TH
May 17, 2024
At Mayor Whitmire's request, Downtown Houston+ encourages all Downtown Houston employers to permit workers who are able to work from home on Friday, May 17th. Last night's violent storms have caused power interruptions, downed trees and shattered windows. Debris, downed power lines, and traffic signal outages are creating driving hazards. Safety and clean-up crews are working through the night and assessing conditions. Please stay home if possible and allow emergency responders to do this essential work. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Downtown Houston+
Downtown Ready to Soar
May 3, 2024
Just as modern parks and public spaces have learned that active programming really draws interest and attendance, downtown Houston appears to be adopting the playbook to boost reasons to work, live, play – and even stay there.
In a 1Q 2024 market report shared by Downtown Houston Plus – which represents Central Houston, Downtown Houston District and Downtown Redevelopment Authority – the findings’ takeaway is in its title: On Solid Ground.
“The pandemic is in the rear-view window,” said Kris Larson, CEO and president of the organization, which stewards and monitors the economic performance of downtown.
In a 1Q 2024 market report shared by Downtown Houston Plus – which represents Central Houston, Downtown Houston District and Downtown Redevelopment Authority – the findings’ takeaway is in its title: On Solid Ground.
“The pandemic is in the rear-view window,” said Kris Larson, CEO and president of the organization, which stewards and monitors the economic performance of downtown.
Realty News Report
Exclusive: Historic towers that have been a Downtown Houston landmark for nearly 100 years have been sold
May 2, 2024
A Florida real estate firm has purchased Jones on Main, a mixed-use complex that has been a landmark in downtown Houston for about 100 years.
The deal is a sign that some investors are still willing to bet on Houston office space in spite of the broader challenges facing landlords post-pandemic.
The Wideman Co., an Orlando-based real estate firm, paid an undisclosed, all-cash price for the complex on April 30, the company said. The acquisition includes the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building, a 34-story, 794,000-square-foot tower at 712 Main as well as its companion building, the Great Jones Building, a 10-story, 95,000-square-foot tower at 708 Main.
The deal is a sign that some investors are still willing to bet on Houston office space in spite of the broader challenges facing landlords post-pandemic.
The Wideman Co., an Orlando-based real estate firm, paid an undisclosed, all-cash price for the complex on April 30, the company said. The acquisition includes the JPMorgan Chase Bank Building, a 34-story, 794,000-square-foot tower at 712 Main as well as its companion building, the Great Jones Building, a 10-story, 95,000-square-foot tower at 708 Main.
Houston Chronicle
7 Blocks Of Downtown Houston Are Slated To Go Car-Free For Good
May 1, 2024
The latest progress on that effort is the More Space: Main Street 2.0 project moving into its final design and engineering phase. Downtown Houston+, the organization previously known as Central Houston, is spearheading the project that will permanently transform seven blocks of Main Street, from Rusk Street to Allen’s Landing Park, into a pedestrian promenade.
This is one part of the solution to negating Houston’s notoriety for being a place that requires a vehicle to get around, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kristopher Larson told Bisnow.
This is one part of the solution to negating Houston’s notoriety for being a place that requires a vehicle to get around, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kristopher Larson told Bisnow.
BISNOW
New Downtown housing priced for essential workers
Apr 14, 2024
A Houston developer is planning a nearly 500-unit district in downtown Houston offering housing priced for low- and moderate-income residents — a unique offering for an area with some of highest rents in the region.
“With 25% of our employment base working in the service industry and similar jobs, providing housing for them is an essential ingredient of a healthy downtown economy,” said Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston+.
“With 25% of our employment base working in the service industry and similar jobs, providing housing for them is an essential ingredient of a healthy downtown economy,” said Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston+.
Houston Chronicle
The Oldest Black Church in Houston Tells the Story of America
Feb 7, 2024
Antioch Missionary Baptist Church has held strong for 158 years through wars, civil rights movements, and two pandemics.
By Uvie Bikomo
By Uvie Bikomo
Houstonia