In the News

Aug 11, 2026

A downtown Houston hotel has opened an inviting space for guests and locals to sip coffee in the morning and cocktails at night. Press & Pour is the latest addition to the Magnolia Hotel Houston.

Open daily from 6 am-11 pm, Press & Pour takes inspiration from the Magnolia Hotel’s history as the former home of both the Houston Post-Dispatch and Shell Oil. “Press” refers to both the media and the act of using a tamper to press espresso prior to brewing. Design details include vintage photographs, a 1920s typewriter, and a copper still.

In the morning, the shop serves espresso beverages, iced and blended coffee drinks, and match. Food options include French toast and a giant cinnamon roll that the hotel becomes a signature item.

Beginning at 3 pm, the shop shifts to happy hour and cocktail service. Bar bites include snapper ceviche, crab avocado salad, deviled egg trio, short rib sliders, chicken quesadillas, and short rib sliders. Pair them wine, beer, or cocktails such as a margarita and the Black Gold, a whiskey sour riff made with bourbon, blackberry, basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Press & Pour has 52 seats, plus a covered, pet-friendly patio with 10 seats. Wifi and outlets should appeal to remote workers, while five TVs ensure patrons can follow the night’s action.

Aug 10, 2026

The owners of the Houston Center complex have acquired a full city block in downtown where they will build a 12-story parking garage.

New Skybridge Connection to Houston Center

The new garage, which will have 2,053 parking spaces, a skybridge connection to One Houston Center, a 46-story skyscraper at 1221 McKinney.
...
The new parking garage is expected to have ground-level restaurants or retail space, improving the amenities for people working in the nearby office towers.

AustralianSuper and Stream March Onward

The 4.6-million-SF Houston Center campus was acquired in May 2025 by lender AustralianSuper, a pension fund working in conjunction with Texas-based Stream Realty Partners.

For the new garage, the partnership has acquired Block 95, located at 1215 Walker St. on a downtown block bounded by Walker, Rusk, Caroline, and San Jacinto streets.

Jul 29, 2026

Global law firm Squire Patton Boggs is preparing to expand its downtown offices to accommodate its current and future growth.
...
In a statement, Squire Patton Boggs Managing Partner Greg Wehrer said the expansion is part of the firm’s effort to double down on its presence in Houston.

Squire Patton Boggs currently has 12 lawyers in Houston, according to its website.

“Our firm has had a presence in Houston for over two decades, and the city remains an important part of our global footprint which spans over 20 countries, Wehrer said. “We are always on the lookout for strategic growth opportunities, and this expansion will accommodate recent additions to our team as well as expansion in the years ahead.”

Squire Patton Boggs’ downtown expansion follows several other law firms' moves to increase the size of their footprint.
...
Just last week, Norton Rose Fulbright announced it will expand its presence in its namesake downtown office tower — the most recent addition to the Houston skyline.

New York-based Skanska USA Commercial Development, which owns the 28-story Norton Rose Fulbright Tower at 1550 Lamar St., said the law firm plans to take an additional 20,000-square-foot floor in the building, bringing its total footprint to 139,000 square feet.

Norton Rose Fulbright said the additional space will be used to accommodate the firm’s continued growth while expanding access to the collaborative workspaces and the tower’s amenities.

Norton Rose Fulbright is among the largest law firms in Houston.

Jul 27, 2026

A Florida investor has acquired TotalEnergies Tower, a 35-story downtown high-rise that is home to the Petroleum Club of Houston.

The Wideman Company paid the building’s longtime owner, Brookfield Properties, an undisclosed amount for the 850,000-square-foot property.

Located at 1201 Louisiana, the building has an appraised value of $121.8 million, according to Harris County deed records.

The sale is another sign that well-maintained, trophy office assets continue to attract leasing and investment activity, even as the wider downtown office market faces a 24% vacancy rate, according to research from real estate firm Transwestern.

Wideman is doubling down on downtown real estate roughly two years after it acquired the Jones on Main historic office complex in 2024.

“We’ve done about 163,000 square feet of new leases at Jones since we’ve bought it and that reaffirmed to us the fundamentals associated with the Houston market,” said Harrison Loew of The Wideman Company, in an interview.

Jul 27, 2026

One of downtown’s most prominent office towers has found a new owner.

The Orlando, Florida-based Wideman Co. paid an undisclosed amount to acquire the 35-story TotalEnergies Tower at 1201 Louisiana St. from New York-based Brookfield Properties. Eastdil Secured represented Brookfield Properties in the transaction.

The Wideman Co. said the acquisition of the 850,000-square-foot tower represents a significant expansion of its portfolio of downtown Houston properties.

The company also owns the Jones on Main office complex at 708 and 712 Main St., which it acquired in 2024.

“We have been actively looking for the right opportunity to make another significant investment in Houston since acquiring Jones on Main,” Wideman Co. CEO Matthew Wideman said in a statement. “Houston continues to demonstrate the characteristics we look for in long-term investments: a globally significant economy, a deep corporate tenant base, and a downtown district that is seeing meaningful reinvestment and renewed momentum. TotalEnergies Tower represents a rare opportunity to acquire a premier asset with an exceptional location, institutional-quality tenancy, and a strong foundation for the future.”

Jul 22, 2026

International law firm Norton Rose Fulbright will expand its presence in its namesake downtown office tower — the most recent addition to the Houston skyline.

New York-based Skanska USA Commercial Development, which owns the 28-story Norton Rose Fulbright Tower at 1550 Lamar St., said the law firm plans to take an additional 20,000-square-foot floor in the building, bringing its total footprint to 139,000 square feet.
...
Norton Rose Fulbright signed a 15-year lease in the building before New York-based Skanska USA Commercial Development started construction on the tower in 2021.

The firm moved into the building in 2024.

In January, the HBJ reported that Houston-based Third Coast Infrastructure was preparing for a $2.8 million build-out of a 20,800-square-foot space in the building. The company announced in October that it planned to move its headquarters into Norton Rose Fulbright Tower from 1501 McKinney.

In addition to Third Coast Infrastructure's lease, other recent milestones for Norton Rose Fulbright Tower include the move-in of tenants Hicks Johnson, a litigation boutique; Boston Consulting Group, a business management firm; and Zaranda, the newest culinary concept from acclaimed Houston chef Hugo Ortega.

Jul 8, 2026

New York-based Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) is moving its downtown Houston office into one of the city’s tallest towers.

The wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp. leased 91,761 square feet across floors 31-34 at 1100 Louisiana, Houston-based Partners Real Estate said July 8.

Partner Winfield Haggard Jr. and Senior Vice President Diana Bridger with Partners Real Estate represented the landlord in the transaction. Tim D. Relyea, executive vice chairman at Cushman & Wakefield, represented the tenant.

“Houston is a critical hub for us, and this move to 1100 Louisiana represents an important investment in our team and our future here,” Shuji Kobayashi, executive vice president of business development for Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas) and general manager of the company’s Houston branch, said in Partners’ news release.
...
“We are very excited to welcome Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), a world class company to add to our roster of incredible tenants here at 1100 Louisiana,” Mark D. Janssen, vice president of asset management at Fantome Tower, said in the release.

Jul 7, 2026

How Voting Works
Every year in our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on their favorite travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. This year, more than 207,000 readers voted in the 2026 survey; they cast 661,000 votes, across more than 10,088 total properties (hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

What Readers Loved
T+L readers continue to search for hotels and experiences that draw them in—those with a rich backstory, entrancing interiors, and an authentic sense of place.

The Lancaster Hotel

Houston, Texas
No. 10 City Hotel in the Continental U.S.
The city's oldest continuously operating hotel has roots dating back to 1926; it continues to charm travelers with its prime location in the Theater District, plus a knockout art collection of over 200 pieces created by those connected to the Lone Star State.

Jun 13, 2026

Explore easy and convenient parking options and wayfinding projects like Via Futbol that help World Cup fans navigate to Downtown for exciting soccer festivities.

Jun 10, 2026

As Houston prepares to welcome fans from around the world for FIFA World Cup 2026 festivities, officials are rolling out a new navigation system designed to help people move through downtown with ease.

The initiative, called Via Fútbol, aims to guide visitors heading to major destinations like Houston Stadium, the FIFA Fan Festival, and nearby METRO stations.

Organizers say one of the easiest ways to navigate downtown will be by following blue ground markings throughout the area.

These markings — including distinctive blue hexagon designs — highlight recommended walking routes and help direct foot traffic safely between key locations.

Jun 8, 2026

Soccer fans near and far have arrived or will soon arrive in Houston for the World Cup. Downtown is sure to be swarming, and luckily there are plenty of watering holes for visitors using the MetroRail’s red line running to NRG Stadium where the games take place.

Festivities officially kick off June 11 with the first Houston-hosted game June 14, in which half a million people are expected through the seven-game run.

We traveled up and down the key red line to identify good restaurant and bar choices — within a block or two walking distance from stations — between downtown and NRG. Preston, Central Station Main and Ensemble/HCC stops in particular had the greatest concentration of options.

Out-of-towners may come for the game but want to stay for the food. Here are our recommendations for where to catch a bite and a drink along the rail stops.

Jun 5, 2026

Houston promised a number of projects ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The city is staying true to those promises.
...
Downtown, the Main Street Promenade project, which transformed seven blocks of Main Street downtown from Congress Street to Rusk Street into a pedestrian-friendly walkway, was unveiled in May. Led by Downtown Houston+, the project added plazas, shaded walkways, outdoor dining and public spaces along a key corridor of downtown. The $12 million project is a permanent installation that will live on beyond the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Downtown Houston+ completed its Via Fútbol project, a series of painted pathways leading visitors from Main Street to the fan festival in East Downtown, prior to the tournament. That project will also include shade elements, restrooms and water stations along the route. The installation will be temporary.

“That is very specifically about creating better pedestrian experiences between the promenade and the fan fest,” Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson said May 11. “We want to make it easy for (visitors) to figure out how to explore. We want to make sure that we’re lifting up and creating the most comfortable and interesting pedestrian experience.”

Downtown Houston+ also spearheaded 120 blocks of road repairs downtown. The project started in December 2025 covering 85 blocks, then expanded after coming in ahead of schedule and under budget. The total cost of the project is about $11 million, which is being funded by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Jun 3, 2026

Houston ha trabajado para mostrar su mejor cara al mundo durante el Mundial 2026, pero muchos proyectos de infraestructura se quedarán para servicio de los residentes de la ciudad.

Ya todo está listo en Houston para recibir a los miles de visitantes que estarán aquí como parte del torneo de la Copa Mundial 2026. La ciudad ha planeado todo para dar la mejor cara a quienes vengan a recorrer sus calles.

Entre los lugares más destacados en los que se ha trabajado está el Main Street Promenade en el centro de la ciudad, que se quedará como un legado de este evento especial.

El alcalde John Whitmire y representantes de Downtown Houston+ se unieron a otras organizaciones para el corte de cinta de este lugar y el estreno de un emocionante video, “Ready for the World” (Listos para el mundo), que celebra la colaboración y el espíritu cívico que están forjando el rostro que Houston dará durante este torneo.

Jun 3, 2026

Over the weekend, Houston officials cut the ribbon on the Main Street Promenade, a downtown project that has been under construction since last summer.

The $17 million project included transforming seven blocks in Downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly corridor that would connect key areas with a variety of plazas, shaded walkways, public spaces and outdoor dining spots.

Jun 1, 2026

A citywide guide has been published and offered free of charge to answer most common questions on how to prepare operations, welcome visitors, and make the most of a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

The Houston Business Readiness Playbook gives business owners a practical guide to prepare them and their employees to deliver a world-class experience for FIFA World Cup 2026TM .

“Houston is no stranger to the world stage and collaboration is our greatest strength,” said Kris Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Houston+. “The lead planning organizations all contributed to this Playbook to help businesses be ready when the world arrives in June.”

Jun 1, 2026

Houston, for its part, is ready. Downtown has embraced the summer deadline to provide “better, more comfortable spaces so we can entertain well,” says Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston. Of the $30 million spent on improvements...$29.5 million goes toward long-term investments, such as a seven-block pedestrian promenade and cool, connected corridors, including one stretching from Downtown to EaDo, where the official FIFA Fan Festival will be held.

Each project aims to make the city more walkable and welcoming for the estimated half-million visitors expected this summer. “Through the introduction of smart, more resilient structures, we’ll be able to reshape the way we enjoy our city,” Larson says.

May 30, 2026

For decades, much of Main Street in downtown Houston was a place to move through - by car or by light rail on the way to something else. Now, downtown leaders are betting it can become somewhere Houstonians actually want to stay.

Downtown Houston recently completed construction on a $17 million overhaul of Main Street, transforming a seven-block stretch into a permanent pedestrian-friendly promenade. The project converted nearly 1 acre of roadway into a series of car-free spaces.

By reclaiming space previously dedicated to cars, the promenade is a major step toward changing how visitors and locals alike interact with the district.

Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston, envisions a future where the promenade itself becomes a destination to visit before an Astros game or theater performance.

"The big idea is that you could walk down any block and there are five to six options for patio dining and you have all these options clustered together, all creating this vibrancy and activation," Larson said.

May 30, 2026

Houston's Main Street Promenade opens as a vibrant pedestrian haven ahead of the FIFA World Cup, designed to serve as a long-term community space beyond the event.

HOUSTON — Houston’s new Main Street Promenade officially opened Saturday, with city leaders cutting the ribbon on the seven-block downtown project just weeks before the FIFA World Cup.

The redesigned stretch of Main Street transforms seven blocks into a pedestrian-focused corridor featuring expanded public space, greenery, shade and no through traffic — part of Houston’s broader effort to prepare for the World Cup.

May 29, 2026

The Main Street Promenade, a key piece of the city’s plan to revitalize downtown Houston, will officially open to visitors Saturday, May 30.

Downtown Houston+, the organization spearheading the revitalization effort, will hold a block party from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring remarks from Houston Mayor John Whitmire.

With the project completed before the end of May, the Main Street Promenade will be open to the public well before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, which Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson has said was the organization’s goal from the outset.

May 29, 2026

Over the past few years, downtown Houston has started to look and feel different: more murals, refreshed parks, new programming and now the Main Street Promenade.

Why it matters: The changes are part of a push by Downtown Houston+ to make the urban core more comfortable, colorful and walkable — so visitors, workers and residents want to linger instead of just driving in and out.

"What we are working on is sort of a park once approach. Once you're in downtown, you don't need your car anymore to get around," Downtown Houston+ CEO Kris Larson tells Axios.

May 29, 2026

Houston's Main Street Promenade will transform seven blocks of downtown into a pedestrian-focused corridor after years of planning and months of construction.

Why it matters: The historic Main Street corridor redesign aims to make Houston's urban core more walkable, shaded and lively.

It opens Saturday with a block party.
State of play: The World Cup, which is coming to Houston in June, was "our self-imposed deadline," Downtown Houston+ CEO Kris Larson tells Axios.

Zoom in: Seven blocks of Main Street from Allen's Landing to Rusk Street have been permanently converted into a pedestrian-priority corridor, removing vehicle traffic. What was previously one lane of vehicle traffic in each direction is now a large outdoor social hub downtown, lined with restaurants, storefronts, shaded walkways and public art.

The redesign includes nearly 100 trees, iron shade structures, store awnings and native plants, Larson says.
The project also adds expanded outdoor space designed for dining and storefront activations, along with Houston's signature blue-and-white tile on the street to reinforce Main Street's identity.

May 28, 2026

As Houston prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026, downtown business owners are hoping a newly transformed Main Street corridor will bring a surge of visitors — and much-needed economic momentum.

The City of Houston is officially opening the Main Street Promenade this weekend, a seven-block pedestrian-focused corridor stretching from Commerce Street to Rusk Street. The project features wider walkways, outdoor dining areas, shade structures, public art, landscaping, and gathering spaces designed to create a more walkable and vibrant downtown experience.

May 28, 2026

Morning espresso, afternoon spritzes, and candlelit dinners will soon define a new era at Market Square Park.

Petite Lucie, a French-inspired café, bakery, and garden bar from Houston hospitality group Culinary Matters, will soft open Saturday, May 30, at 301 Milam Street in Downtown Houston. The all-day concept will bring coffee, pastries, cocktails, dinner, and expansive outdoor gathering space to one of the city’s most historic public parks.

The concept comes from chefs Omar Pereney and Sahira Malherbe, the duo behind Culinary Matters, a restaurant consulting agency specializing in menu development, operations, training, and interior design. Pereney, a Venezuelan-born chef who first gained attention as a young television personality in Latin America, moved to Houston in 2014 to help open Uptown seafood restaurant Peska. Together, he and Malherbe have since become known for a style of hospitality defined by refined service and a storytelling-driven approach to food.

May 19, 2026

As Houston races to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, city leaders say many of the changes happening downtown are designed to outlast the tournament itself.

From the new Main Street Promenade to beautification efforts and pedestrian-focused infrastructure projects, leaders say the World Cup became a deadline to accelerate improvements already planned for the city’s future.

May 16, 2026

Progress is finally being made on revamping Houston's historic Tranquillity Park, a downtown green space that city leaders say has been overlooked for years.

Mayor John Whitmire shared an update Saturday after touring the site with Downtown Houston+ planners, highlighting ongoing work to transform the park into a more active gathering place across from City Hall.

"I'm so excited for Houstonians that a park across the street from City Hall, which has been neglected and ignored for years, is now going to be a gathering place for all types of events," Whitmire said in a video posted to X.

May 12, 2026

One Houston company plans to make the Bayou City a bit cooler during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

Rootlab, a design and manufacturing firm founded in 2014, partnered with the city of Houston to create 16 sets of "architectural trees" that will line Texas Avenue beginning downtown and extending into the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown. The trees will be made of large stainless-steel pipes, with the tops shaped into an assortment of large leafs, slightly tilted upward. The collection of architectural trees is expected to lower street temperatures by 10-to-15 degrees for those standing underneath, and they will also light up at night to guide fans down Texas Avenue.

May 12, 2026

Cassie Hoeprich, Director of Planning & Economic Development, lays out a series of preparations in Downtown Houston for the World Cup, including the completion of the Main Street Promenade.

May 12, 2026

With less than a month until the FIFA World Cup arrives in Houston, several major downtown projects are nearing completion as officials prepare for thousands of visitors expected to travel through the city center.

Along Main Street, work on the Main Street Promenade project is wrapping up after months of construction. The project widened pedestrian areas, added a 154% increase in trees and landscaping, installed four permanent shade structures and expanded maintenance and security services ahead of the tournament.

May 12, 2026

Houston is preparing to welcome the world in just over a month for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and multiple projects spurred by the tournament are set to be completed just in time.

Most notably, Downtown Houston+ and the Houston Airport System have been working on a number of projects downtown and at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).

The Main Street Promenade project, which will transform seven blocks of Main Street downtown from Congress Street to Rusk Street into a pedestrian-friendly walkway, is set to be unveiled in a ribbon-cutting event on May 30, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson said during a media event at NRG Park on May 11. The $12 million project will live on beyond the World Cup.

May 11, 2026

It’s no secret Houston is hosting seven 2026 FIFA World Cup games this summer. Beginning June 11, soccer fans from around the globe are expected to arrive in Space City.

In preparation, Houston has undergone a number of changes ahead of the international sporting event. Downtown streets are decorated with flags representing countries that will play at least one match in Houston.

There has also been a complete overhaul of Downtown Houston’s historic Main Street, transforming it into a promenade, or pedestrian walkway. Seven blocks, from Commerce to Rusk, have been surrounded by construction as the upgrades took shape. Now, former traffic lanes have been replaced with sidewalks, allowing for expanded patio space for restaurants.

Soon, another addition will line the streets of Downtown Houston.

May 10, 2026

Main Street has undergone changes with expanded sidewalks for more walking access and to connect businesses to the rail stations.

HOUSTON — Monday is a big day for all World Cup fans! It will be officially one month until the world’s largest sporting tournament begins.

There will be thousands of fans, grass is being installed in the temporarily named Houston Stadium, but also some major upgrades downtown.

You will also see the flags for each country playing a game in Space City and crews re-paving 120 blocks downtown.

May 3, 2026

But as stakeholders, including office tenants, told Downtown Houston+ that they want to prioritize business-friendly street-level environments, the public sector and commercial property owners alike are investing tens of millions of dollars in projects to create a more vibrant streetscape and public realm.
[...]
Now is the time to leverage the billions of dollars going into walkability-focused public sector projects, including the Main Street Promenade and the $2B renovation and expansion of the George R. Brown Convention Center, said Cassie Hoeprich, director of planning and economic development for Downtown Houston+.
[...]
Continued investment from landlords and the public sector can create a mutually beneficial ecosystem that will attract more office tenants, retailers and visitors, Hoeprich said.

May 2, 2026

In a city that feels like it's constantly building, expanding, or reinventing itself, the Julia Ideson Building stands as a reminder of what Houston has chosen to preserve.

The Spanish Renaissance-style landmark in downtown Houston is turning 100 this year, marking a century as both an architectural centerpiece and one of the nation's most extensive urban archives.

[...]

If the building began as a library, its role has evolved far beyond that. Today, the Ideson Building anchors the Houston Public Library's research division, preserving historical records that trace the city's growth—from early planning documents to publications reflecting life across different communities and eras.

"Libraries aren't just about books. They're about stories," Nicholas Sawicki said. "They connect us through time and space to people who came before us."

Apr 24, 2026

A new 17-story hotel opened this week in downtown Houston, just in time to take advantage of the tourism boost expected from the FIFA World Cup this summer.

The 275-room Holiday Inn Express/Staybridge Suites is situated at 1319 Texas Avenue, about two blocks from Daikin Park.

“The location is prime. You’re a few blocks away from Main Street, where the new Main Street 2.0 is coming in,” said Ali Momin, president of Neway Hospitality, referring to the Main Street Promenade project under construction. “But you’re also walking distance to (Daikin Park), as well as the George R. Brown Convention Center, so ideally the location is next to none.”

Apr 21, 2026

The Commerce National Bank Building made a mark on downtown Houston as one of the city’s first so-called skyscrapers when it opened 122 years ago. Now, its current owners hope to make their own mark as they complete a multimillion-dollar renovation of the tower.

At six stories, 917 Franklin is far from a skyscraper by today’s standards, but it was considered tall when it opened in 1904. It's one of the largest neoclassical buildings remaining from Houston’s original financial district.

[...]

The revitalized corridor comes alongside public investment aimed at making nearby Main Street more pedestrian-friendly and active ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup under downtown Houston’s Main Street Promenade project.

Together, the projects show how one of downtown’s most historically significant streets is being reworked to compete for a new generation of tenants and activity.

Apr 21, 2026

Houston's Main Street is undergoing some serious changes, and soon there will be seven blocks of wide walkways, shops, and restaurants. With a budget of $12 million, the ambitious "Main Street Promenade" project promises to put a new shine on a 190-year-old downtown.

[...]

Even without the Promenade, downtown Houston is remarkably friendly to non-drivers. The streets are easy to navigate, thanks to their traditional grid pattern, and there are several public parks, especially around City Hall and near the Buffalo Bayou waterway. Downtown is the main hub for the metro bus system, and you can stroll from one side of this perfect square to the other in about 30 minutes. The Promenade is designed to make walking even safer and more engaging...

Apr 8, 2026

Toyota Center, home of the Houston Rockets, is getting a $180 million facelift beginning this summer that will include the addition of a nearly 20,000-square foot atrium with a glass façade, creating a covered outdoor gathering space that will change the look of the front door of the downtown arena.

Mayor John Whitmire, who said the new look "will completely transform the arena," hailed the project as one that will come “at no cost to Houston taxpayers” with $95 million coming from the state in form of a grant from the Texas Department of Economic Development and Tourism for upgrades to the arena that were necessary for it to host the 2028 Republican National Convention. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is footing the rest of the bill for what is being dubbed Toyota Center Reimagined.

Apr 6, 2026

Various public works projects aim to put a crisp clean face on these areas for visitors.

“We are currently wrapping up $30 million of infrastructure work, and more than $29 million of those projects will be permanent improvements Houstonians will benefit from for years to come,” said Ann Taylor, engagement director for the Houston Downtown Management District.

That includes repaving 120 blocks of downtown streets, with work scheduled for completion in May. Crews also are turning more of Main Street into a pedestrian promenade and adding shade trees and seating along Texas Avenue.

All of the work, Taylor said, remains on track for completion in June, within days of visitors arriving.

Apr 4, 2026

The launch of the Artemis II mission on Wednesday was a reminder not only of the role that Houston has long played as the home of the sprawling NASA campus and mission control, but also of the growing private space industry that has taken off across Texas.

[...]

Mr. Whitmire also said Houston has been working to clean up some of the tributes to its spaceflight heritage, such as Tranquillity Park, across from City Hall. Named for the area of the moon where Mr. Armstrong took his first steps, it has fallen into disrepair since it opened a decade after the moon landing.

Mar 25, 2026

Amanda Marquez, program and events manager for Downtown Houston+, an umbrella of organizations that support the area, has lived in the 500 Crawford apartments on the stadium’s northwest side since 2017— the year the Astros won their first World Series. Marquez told Homes.com News that she and her husband — both longtime Astros fans — moved from the Kirby area because they wanted “to be in the center of everything.”

Nearly a decade later, the couple and their two children, a 2-year-old and 10-month-old, plan to enjoy Thursday's opening-day festivities — a tradition that has grown from a few guests to nearly 10 as more family and friends join them each year.

Mar 20, 2026

Downtown Houston is in the midst of a “glow up” in anticipation of the FIFA 2026 World Cup — and one major project drew inspiration from the "Wizard of Oz."

Downtown Houston+, the umbrella organization that oversees and promotes the central business district, is working to create comfortable corridors that will help guide World Cup attendees and those wanting to get in on the festivities to where the action is.

Mar 19, 2026

A series of Houston government agencies and organizations are teaming up to move ahead with the next stage of a significant effort to improve the sustainability and environmental appearance of the connections between many of the FIFA 2026 World Cup venues.

[...]

For instance, Downtown Houston+ has been overseeing a major effort to improve the Main Street Promenade, which includes four permanent shade structures, native plants and expanding the tree canopy by 154. Additionally, the agency’s Cool + Connected Corridors on Texas Avenue will add new shade structures, native plants and more.

“Downtown Houston+ initiatives that align with the Green Corridor’s goals help tell a broader story about how Houston is evolving its public spaces: investing in comfort as essential infrastructure; adapting streets to a changing climate; strengthening connections between districts; and shifting from destinations-focused planning to improving the experiences between," Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson said in the release.

Mar 18, 2026

The Houston Downtown Management District will now be responsible for implementing, operating and managing programs and outdoor spaces in the Main Street Promenade.

[...]

Rather than individual businesses creating their own enhanced pedestrian spaces within the public street right of way as part of the program, now the HDMD will maintain and manage the spaces.

Mar 18, 2026

Main Street is in the middle of a facelift!

Wednesday, Houston city councilmembers gave another stamp of approval for seven blocks from Commerce to Rusk to become the Main Street Promenade. And it’s on schedule to be ready for the FIFA World Cup kickoff this summer.

It’s an idea that was birthed back in 2022, and today we can hear and see it happening.

Mar 5, 2026

The organization Downtown Houston+ funded the street art, partnering with UP Art Studio—with whom Maksiov previously worked—to create a collection of street-art replicas of oversized baseballs along Texas Baseball, with one baseball for the five WBC participants in Houston: Brazil, Great Britain, Italy, Mexico, and the United States.

Maksiov's experience made him a natural choice. Renderings were drawn in February. In March, Maksiov's painting.

Mar 5, 2026

The Mill and Overlay project began in December 2025 and is expected to be completed in May 2026—just before the start of the FIFA World Cup in June, according to an update from Downtown Houston+

While timelines for individual blocks vary depending on the extent of repairs needed, typically, work on a full street is completed within three weeks. As of early March, work has completed on at least 47 blocks, with another 15 blocks currently under construction.

Feb 26, 2026

From a new Main Street Downtown to added shade along some of the busiest walking routes, there's a huge effort underway in Houston to be on its best for an expected 500,000 World Cup visitors.

[...]

“The World Cup provides a platform for us to show the whole world that this is a place, not only that it’s a good place to live, but it’s also a great place to visit,” said Jorge Franz, Senior Vice President, Tourism and Industry Relations and Tourism at Houston First. “We want more visitors to come. We want them to stay longer when they come, and then we also want them come back.”

Feb 17, 2026

When Omar Pereney started cooking at age 12 in Venezuela, he never imagined his culinary journey would lead him to cooking for a U.S. president.

After his high-profile role with the Bush family, and despite a successful job consulting to open other restaurants, Pereney took an unexpected turn – perfecting a croissant recipe.

“It wasn’t meant to make any money or anything because I had a job,” he said.

But when he started selling at farmer’s markets, something clicked.

...

“This entire park is going to smell like butter and almonds and chocolate and cardamom,” Pereney promised as he showed off the construction zone that will become Petite Lucie.

Feb 17, 2026

A recent analysis for Downtown Houston+ (DTH+) reinforces what many leaders already know on the ground: Houston’s energy ecosystem runs deep – and it’s no accident where it shows up. It concentrates across the region’s major business districts, where talent, partners, customers, and capital collide quickly.

...

As one Chevron executive noted, Downtown has “hundreds of companies co-located,” making frequent in-person coordination easier. DTH+’s recent analysis strengthens that proposition; public realm investments, strategic retail support, and office-to-residential conversions are helping create a more livable, connected, mixed-use Downtown that supports business growth.

Feb 13, 2026

Plans to transform time-worn Tranquillity Park in downtown Houston into a more welcoming and energized outdoor space gained traction with Mayor John Whitmire’s announcement of an upcoming reboot during the annual State of the City address.

The project is in its conceptual stages and appears to be an update, not an overhaul. Early work is underway, tending to the live oaks that ring much of the park and repairing pavers. Look for further upgrades to begin in March.

Feb 13, 2026

"The idea is really to make Main Street and Texas Avenue a cool corridor," said Houston City Council Member Mario Castillo.

According to city officials, installing shade structures can lower temperatures directly by as much as 10 degrees, sometimes even more. Cooling the pavement also plays a major role by reducing the heat that radiates upward and reflects onto pedestrians.

In addition to the shade installations, the city is adding vegetation throughout the area to further improve cooling and enhance the overall streetscape.

Feb 13, 2026

[Mayor John] Whitmire, in his second State of the City address to key business leaders and members of the community, launched an initiative that aims to reinvest into the downtrodden Tranquillity Park, located outside of City Hall at 400 Rusk St. The park opened in 1979 in commemoration of the historic 1969 lunar landing, honoring Commander Neil Armstrong, who was the first human to walk on the moon. The park is named after the Sea of Tranquillity on the moon and references Armstrong's announcement after landing there: "Houston, Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed."

The work on Tranquillity Park will be done in partnership with Downtown Houston+ and aims to give Houstonians a more welcoming, cleaner park. Work has already started on the city's part with better care and maintenance from the Houston Department of Public Works. Paver repair has started, and more upgrades will start in March.

Feb 12, 2026

Downtown Houston’s Main Street is undergoing a $14 million transformation that promises to revolutionize the area’s dining and entertainment scene, with completion targeted before the World Cup arrives in the city.

The ambitious project, spanning seven blocks from Rusk to Commerce, is converting former car lanes into expanded pedestrian spaces, adding greenery and artistic elements that will give businesses room to grow and create more inviting outdoor spaces.

Feb 10, 2026

A major downtown Houston project is underway to make the city center more walkable and cooler through strategic shade installations and green infrastructure, just in time for the upcoming World Cup.

The ambitious nearly $3 million initiative spans 27 downtown blocks on Main Street and Texas Avenue and aims to reduce temperatures by up to 10 degrees through a combination of new shade structures, tree plantings, and artistic installations.

Feb 8, 2026

The project grew out of a successful pilot program during the COVID pandemic, proving that Houstonians were hungry for more walkable, outdoor spaces. When the final brick is laid in May 2026, the Promenade will feature expanded dining patios, shaded canopies, and public art.

While the World Cup is the catalyst for the speed of the project, city officials say the Promenade is a permanent gift to the city, one that small business owners hope will keep downtown vibrant long after the final whistle blows.

Feb 2, 2026

Connections, collaborations and continuity link the 2026 Top 20 initiatives presented by Downtown Houston+ at its annual Outlook showcase, held at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Among the broad strategic goals: to gain attention “on the world map” for Houston’s downtown and to entrench “legacy” improvements for all Houstonians to enjoy — during and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup hits town this summer.

“It’s a big year with a big list,” said Kris Larson, Downtown Houston+ president and CEO. The 200 attendees represented city leadership, downtown property ownership, the urban planning and design communities, businesses and groups targeting solutions that up downtown’s livability and workplace appeal.

Jan 21, 2026

Two iconic Houston buildings along the $12 million Main Street promenade project that Downtown Houston+ aims to deliver ahead of the World Cup will receive a major makeover.

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority’s board of directors recently approved two façade grants in its rebooted grant program, which was reintroduced in 2025 to match 2:1 every dollar a property owner invests in qualifying improvements. The façade grant program will be available for all downtown properties inside the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone #3.

The first two grants — to the historic Kiam Building at 320 Main St. and the historic St. Germain Lofts condominium at 705 Main St. — were approved at a December 2025 DRA board of directors meeting and will use TIRZ #3 funds.

Jan 13, 2026

One of downtown Houston's oldest historic buildings is undergoing a major renovation as redevelopment continues in the Market Square Historic District.

The Kiam Building, which was first constructed in 1893 at 320 Main Street, touted itself as Houston's first building with an electric elevator, according to Realty News Report. It later became the home of Sakowitz’s first department store, a cornerstone of Houston retail for decades.

The building's owner, M.T. Mercantile Company, was recently given a generous $250,000 Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) façade improvement grant by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority aimed at helping property and business owners upgrade exterior appearances. The 8,500 square-foot building is expected to maintain its historical essence with 13 studio suites, eight residential units, ground floor retail and 100 new windows.

Jan 12, 2026

Downtown Houston’s five-story Kiam Building, believed to be the city’s first building with an electric elevator, is getting a thorough renovation.

The building, constructed in 1893 at 320 Main Street, later became the site of Houston’s first Sakowitz department store, a major brand in Houston retailing for many decades.

A $250,000 TIRZ façade improvement grant was recently awarded to Kiam Building owner M.T. Mercantile Company by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority.

The 8,500-SF building is expected have 13 studio suites, eight residential units, ground floor retail and 100 new windows. A new 140-foot canopy will wrap around the building’s frontage on Main and Preston streets.

Jan 8, 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 looms as a deadline for Houston stakeholders to complete renovations and infrastructure projects.

It’s not just aspirational. FIFA mandates construction be halted in the cities where games will be hosted, said Cassie Hoeprich, director of planning and economic development for Downtown Houston+.

Hoeprich spoke on a panel at a CREW Houston luncheon Wednesday about the commercial real estate impact of seven World Cup matches and a 40-day FIFA Fan Festival in Houston this June and July.

“Communities from The Woodlands to Sugar Land will see an influx of visitors, but we have a unique opportunity here in the urban core to ready ourselves for a massive influx of people,” she said.

Jan 2, 2026

Houston’s Main Street, long a transit corridor, is being reinvented as a seven-block pedestrian promenade through the heart of downtown. The Main Street Promenade will feature shaded walkways, plazas, outdoor dining, and a series of flexible public spaces designed for lingering, not just passing through.

Led by Downtown Houston+ in partnership with the City of Houston, and designed by Workshop, the project builds on the success of the “More Space: Main Street” initiative, a temporary program launched in 2021 to test reduced vehicle access. Its permanent transformation is timed to welcome visitors for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, but the redesign is meant to serve residents long after the crowds leave.

Dec 31, 2025

The Main Street Promenade project in Downtown Houston embodies a strategic pedestrianisation and public-realm upgrade of one of the city's historic thoroughfares through a clearly defined timeline and construction phases.

Led by Downtown Houston+ in partnership with the City of Houston, the initiative builds on earlier temporary programs by permanently reconfiguring seven blocks of Main Street into an expanded, walkable promenade with plazas, shaded walkways, greenery, outdoor dining, and enhanced accessibility, connecting downtown districts from Dallas Street toward Allen's Landing with dynamic public space elements.

Dec 16, 2025

Houston is one Sun Belt city that has been remaking its central business district into a more sustainable and resilient place. While downtown Houston was mixed-use until the early 20th century, midcentury suburbanization and sprawl led it to become a place that people mostly drove in and out of to go to work. Since the 1980s, Houston has been adding hotels, convention centers, stadiums, and an arts and culture district. "We’ve been on a multidecade journey around this question of diversification," says Kris Larson, the president and CEO of Downtown Houston+, a nonprofit organization that has been shaping the growth strategy of the area since its founding in 1983.

In recent years, the organization has been advocating for more residents in the area. Since Downtown Houston+ launched its downtown living initiative in 2013, developers have constructed over 15,600 units of housing with more on the way. Thanks to a number of state and local subsidies, office-to-residential conversions have become a new avenue to add these units.

Dec 16, 2025

One of Downtown Houston’s oldest buildings is being transformed into a Henderson & Kane market that will sell essential groceries, produce and prepared foods in the Market Square Historic District.

The market will be located in a two-story brick building, constructed circa 1870, at 315 Travis. The building has been vacant since Treebeards moved out over five years ago.

Three high-rise residential towers, including Hines’ 46-story Brava apartments, are located within one block of the new 5,000-SF Henderson & Kane downtown market location.

Dec 10, 2025

Henderson & Kane — a popular Sixth Ward market known for locally sourced foods, prepared offerings, coffee and barbecue — is set to open its second location, this time in the heart of downtown.

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority has approved a $500,000 economic development incentive, which will allow Henderson & Kane to convert a 5,000-square-foot property at 315 Travis St. into a combined market, grocery and restaurant. 315 Travis St., which has been vacant for sometime, features the brightly colored “Houston is inspired” mural — a well-known downtown landmark — on its side.

...

“This project reflects exactly what our community has asked for: a more complete, livable downtown with access to everyday essentials,” Allen Douglas, executive director of DRA/TIRZ #3, said in the release. “By investing directly in the building, we’re lowering the barrier for a high-quality local operator and helping meet the needs of downtown residents, workers and visitors.”

Dec 9, 2025

Henderson & Kane General Store, a hip boutique grocery store in the Sixth Ward, is planning a new location in downtown Houston in a key economic development boost for the central district.

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority this week approved $500,000 in incentives to help Henderson & Kane convert a vacant space into a market, grocery store and restaurant. The location at 315 Travis Street is across from Market Square Park and was occupied by the iconic Treebeards restaurant until 2020.

Expected to open in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the new store will include 5,000 square feet of grocery and restaurant space on the first floor of the building, with additional room on the second level of the building for restaurant seating and venue space, said Veronica Avila, co-owner of Henderson & Kane, in an interview.

Nov 6, 2025

I don't understand everything that goes into what makes a Michelin-worthy taco, but I like to think I know what good food tastes like. It's how I felt about Papalo Taqueria in Downtown Houston's The Finn (formerly Finn Hall). The taco joint spinoff of the celebrated Casaema in the Heights was one of a handful of taquerias in Texas to earn a nod in the Texas Michelin Guide's 2025 update.

Last week, Papalo earned a Bib Gourmand at Michelin's 2025 ceremony in Houston. The Bib is reserved for restaurants that serve quality food at an affordable price. And it seems pretty apt for the bright little restaurant that's nestled in the corner of Finn Hall.

Oct 31, 2025

The University of Houston-Downtown is entering the second phase of its $45 million "Gator Expansion" initiative to expand and reconfigure campus spaces to support student success.

This summer, the university started the 38,500-square-foot build-out of the Girard Street Building's fourth floor and an 8,350-square-foot renovation on the third floor to support the Welcome Center student registration experience.

That $20.5 million phase is slated to be delivered in August 2026. After that, the third phase will be a renovation of 30,200 square feet at the adjacent One Main Street building to reconfigure instructional and administrative spaces. The $18 million project will renovate levels 3, 7, 8 and 9.

Oct 30, 2025

Don’t call it a comeback, but downtown Houston is preparing to reintroduce itself to the world next year via a series of global sporting events. And Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson thinks the city couldn’t be better positioned for such an opportunity.

During a packed “State of Downtown” event Oct. 30 at Post Houston’s 713 Music Hall, Larson said the city’s central business district is preparing to enter a new era just as it is set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the World Baseball Classic — two events that are expected to draw huge crowds to Houston.

A series of new development projects that are either planned or are already underway will only help to spur more economic activity downtown, he said.
Even without events as high-profile as the World Cup, downtown Houston drew nearly 40 million non-employee visitors last year, continuing a steady uptick that has been underway since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oct 29, 2025

A multimillion-dollar renovation is underway at the 50-story 910 Louisiana St. tower, which was once known as One Shell Plaza.
The tower will add new restaurant and retail spaces on the first floor and a new amenity floor for tenants.
The renovation project comes as 910 Louisiana's anchor tenant, NRG Energy, is preparing to to move to another downtown office tower.
...
In a statement to the Houston Business Journal, Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston+, the organization charged with promoting the city's central business district, said downtown is becoming more interesting, comfortable and dynamic thanks to design upgrades, retrofitting and other key moves like those planned for 910 Louisiana.

"Downtown Houston boasts many unique destinations, but a constant refrain we hear is the need for improved human experiences, connectivity, and vitality between its buzzing activity centers," Larson said. "From theaters and parks to food halls, sports venues, and office towers, the experience of moving between these activity centers has fallen short of contemporary expectations.

"Today’s downtown attracts many audiences with new expectations for street experiences. We’ve been advocating for and supporting the kinds of interventions that the investor team will bring to 910 Louisiana: softening hard edges of buildings with landscaping, adding transparency and shade, and introducing opportunities for more consumer-facing services at the street level."

Oct 27, 2025

...One month out from Thanksgiving — and less than 60 days until Christmas — the city of Houston is transitioning into holiday mode. City and community leaders shared their plans Monday for some of the city's biggest holiday festivities.
...
City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic

City leaders also offered a sneak preview of the annual City Lights Downtown Holiday Magic events taking place this December.

Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston+, said Monday the events will be set up in two spots — called the North and South Poles.

The “North Pole” is going to be around the Theater District. Lynn Wyatt Square is going to be centered around live performances, popup locations for hot cocoa, movies and fun activities after shows and performances in downtown Houston. Market Square Park will have singalong concerts, photos with Santa and an ugly sweater-edition of the popular blanket bingo.

Meanwhile, the “South Pole” will focus on Discovery Green's ice rink as well as lights along Avenida Plaza. Plus, the Houston Astros are launching their new "Light Up the Park" event at Daikin Park, starting Nov. 22, with Astros-themed light shows and displays. Tickets for Astros Light Up the Park go on sale Nov. 4.

Larson also said the city will be bringing back its popular Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunts across the city.

Oct 17, 2025

Acclaimed Houston chef Hugo Ortega and his wife and business partner, Tracy Vaught, are ready to open their latest restaurant in downtown's newest office tower.

The couple's company, H Town Restaurant Group, will open Zaranda in the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower at 1550 Lamar St. on Oct. 18. The tower overlooks Discovery Green and was previously known as 1550 on the Green until its anchor tenant moved in last year under a 15-year lease.

Oct 13, 2025

Today, Market Square Park and the surrounding district is now a lively pocket of lofts, restaurants, hotels and an urban park with a new restaurant. A major redevelopment by Downtown Houston + is underway on a neighboring stretch of Main Street.

“We didn’t set out to romanticize the past. We set out to make the past useful again so the city could grow around it,” said [Minnette] Boesel, founding Director of the Market Square Historic District Project.

...

After the completion of the Market Square Park renovation in 2010, the Downtown Management District entered into an operational agreement with the City to manage the park in terms of maintenance, programming and food operations. This has been a game changer for the Historic District.

Sep 20, 2025

The inaugural edition of Untitled Art, Houston, though half the size of its Miami Beach counterpart with 88 participating galleries, was a buzz, with robust sales, strong attendance, and a commitment from local collectors that seems to be following a shifting market all the way to Texas.

By the end of opening day on Thursday, September 18, Los Angeles–based gallery Megan Mulrooney, who showed artists Mason Owens and TJ Rinoski, completely sold out, while others like Rajiv Menon from Los Angeles and Swivel Gallery from New York reported steady sales.
Leading the sales was Houston–based gallery Sicardi | Ayers | Bacino, which sold a work by Carlos Cruz-Diez for $415,000. Additionally notable acquisitions include San Francisco’s Jessica Silverman who sold a bronze piece by Clare Rojas to the tune of $150,000 and Houston’s McClain Gallery, which fetched between $70,000 and $125,000 for two John Alexander paintings.

Most galleries reported consistency with strong mid-market sales in the $25,000–$50,000 range. A mix of local and (somewhat) regional collectors from Houston, Dallas, Austin, the Bay Area, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were in attendance and acquiring. Houston’s Laura (The Gallery) said it had sold five works by Shuling Guo to prominent local collectors, a trend echoed by other dealers.

Aug 29, 2025

Downtown Houston officials and stakeholders are preparing for one of the most unique sporting events of their lives: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Houston will host seven matches at NRG Stadium, including two knockout rounds. While the matches will be played away from downtown, the city's core will still serve as a hub for hotels, transportation and the official fan festival in East Downtown. Officials expect about 500,000 people to visit the fan fest over the 39-day tournament.

Downtown’s hotel inventory will expand just in time, with occupancy expected to spike. The matches will be held in June and July — typically slow months for Houston’s hospitality industry — providing a significant boost. The World Cup is projected to generate $1.5 billion in regional economic impact.

Aug 26, 2025

Houston is transforming downtown's Main Street with a massive cooling project designed to reduce temperatures by 10 degrees ahead of the World Cup, which is less than a year away. The Main Street Promenade will span seven blocks from Commerce to Rusk Street, creating a pedestrian-friendly corridor with expanded shade and cooling elements.

Construction crews have been working on the project for two months, with workers currently digging tree wells to accommodate 80 new trees that will be planted starting next month. The ambitious undertaking aims to make downtown more comfortable for both visitors and locals in Houston's notorious heat.

Aug 5, 2025

Buffalo Bayou Park visitors can now charge electric vehicles there after Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin launched newly constructed chargers at the park Tuesday.

The charging station with two chargers is the first to be built using city council district funds, with a $100,000 allocation from Kamin's District C office.

[...]

The charging station, located off Allen Parkway in the Buffalo Bayou Park lot near Eleanor Tinsley Park, was constructed by Houston-based company EV Bolt. The initiative was organized through a partnership between city departments and District C; Downtown Houston+, a coalition of organizations and authorities that oversee downtown Houston's development; CenterPoint Energy; and Evolve, an organization that encourages electric vehicle adoption in Houston.

Aug 1, 2025

You’ll miss it if you’re just driving by, but head up three flights of stairs (or hop in the elevator) and you’ll discover something unexpected at POST Houston.

Sitting atop the former Barbara Jordan Post Office is the largest rooftop park in the country, a five-acre green space that’s as innovative as it is beautiful.

When Lovett Commercial took over the building four years ago, they set out to reimagine, not just the design of the building, but what Downtown Houston could be. Partnering with NASA, they have since designed an environmentally friendly building and then took it a step further by creating a living roof.

Jul 12, 2025

As cars speed by on winding highways taking thousands of Houstonians to their jobs and schools across the city, high above there are thousands of other workers buzzing along.

More than 750,000 bees thrive under the care of urban beekeepers across the tops of parking garages and skyscrapers in the heart of Houston.

There are over 15 beehive communities across commercial buildings downtown, Ann Taylor, Downtown Houston+ director of engagement, said.

Jul 11, 2025

Downtown living is booming.

[...]

For Kris Larson, president and CEO of Downtown Houston+, the management district of the area, the rise of residential living simply represents a return to fundamental principles of urban development.

“Residential density is a critical component of building a multifaceted downtown," he said. "This is not even just a Houston story, but a lot of what’s happening in American cities is really putting the pieces back together from the cities that we tore down in the 1970s and building back the multifaceted communities that once occupied the core of our cities.”

Jul 10, 2025

As of the third quarter of 2025, the vacancy rate stands at 11%, a six-year low.

[...]

Downtown Houston is home to a thriving cultural scene, ranking second nationally for the most number of theater seats, behind only New York. Amenities here include the Downtown Aquarium, sporting and music venues such as Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, the Wortham Theater and Discovery Green Park. Furthermore, downtown is transit-rich, with several Metro Rail stops running through the area. It holds a distinct advantage in capturing renters looking for density, walkability and public transit options in an infamously car-centric metropolitan area.

Jun 30, 2025

When it comes to great comeback stories, Downtown Houston is one for the books. Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic did a number on the neighborhood—office towers hollowed out overnight, restaurant lights flicked off, and the tunnels and streets echoed like empty subway platforms.

In 2025, the numbers tell a different story. Data from Downtown Houston+ show residential inventory climbing from 6,729 apartments at the end of 2020 to 8,222 today. At the same time, vacancy shrank from 17.4 percent to about 12 percent. Downtown Houston+ CEO Kris Larson notes that the district now welcomes roughly 30 million tourist visits each year, surpassing the 22 million annual work trips taken by Houston residents with jobs downtown.

Jun 27, 2025

Struggling office districts have emerged as a major economic and urban planning challenge for cities across the country.

As older, Class-B and C office buildings become emptier and owners have less money to put into them, they become a drag on the surrounding area while contributing little to the tax base.

[...]

“When we look at the genesis for a lot of our local mechanisms to facilitate economic development, they're around that notion of blight remediation, because blight creates a sprawling effect on real estate around it,” [Kris Larson] said.

Jun 23, 2025

Kris Larson, President and CEO of Downtown Houston+ sits down with the Hello Houston crew to discuss new economic developments in Downtown, including office-to-residential conversions, return-to-office trends, the visitation economy, the Main Street Promenade, and more.

Jun 18, 2025

“The fact that you can leave and walk around, and there’s so much culture… I really embrace all that stuff,” [Resident Stephanie] Rojas said. “The other day, I walked to Discovery Green and they had 100 people out there doing yoga, and I was like, ‘Man, that’s kind of cool.’”

Rojas is one of thousands of people who moved to Downtown between 2018 and 2023, making Houston’s central business district one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the city, according to a Houston Chronicle analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data.

Long burdened with the reputation of a place where the daily life cycle is dictated by the hours in the workday, Downtown leaders are trying to reimagine the area as a genuine urban hub where people don’t just come to work — they come to live and take advantage of everything a global city like Houston should offer.

May 30, 2025

Downtown Houston+ CEO Kris Larson: 'We're expecting the biggest event that Houston's ever hosted'

Ahead of the start of a $12 million project to modify seven blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian walkway, Downtown Houston+ President and CEO Kris Larson sat down for an exclusive interview with the Houston Business Journal.

The project, which kicks off officially on June 2, is part of preparations the city is doing to be ready for the onslaught of soccer fans that will be traveling throughout the city during the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer.

Larson also discussed Downtown Houston+'s newest grant program to expand outdoor dining in downtown, the importance of supporting connectivity to the East End as Polk Street gets swallowed up by the massive George R. Brown Convention Center expansion and the goal to end homelessness in downtown Houston by the end of the year.

May 23, 2025

Two electric vehicle charging stations are being installed along Allen Parkway at Buffalo Bayou Park, the latest in the city's clean energy initiative.

Each station will support two vehicle connections and is expected to be operational by the end of the summer.

[...]

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority, also known as Downtown Houston+, will manage the installation and maintenance of the charging stations.

May 8, 2025

Cassie Hoeprich explained that connecting communities goes beyond a single block—it's about linking major destinations...[Downtown Houston+] will continue enhancing walkable areas and improving safety in dark locations by initiating the underpasses project.

“It's also great for us to get the installation up now, because we have people moving there every day (and) we want to create a safer passage right away,” Hoeprich said.

“We heard from the people,” she added. “The people said they want cooler places, well-lit places to walk between their favorite destinations.”

May 5, 2025

Walking around some stretches of downtown Houston after dark is going to get a lot brighter –and playful — as Downtown Houston+ implements part of its masterplan for a better pedestrian experience.

At the organization’s quarterly update and outlook event, held earlier this week, Moon Papas Art’s team of creatives debuted the color-filled, animated pathway installation they’ve designed, dubbed “Underpassage.”

Apr 16, 2025

Houston’s office workers lead the nation in the return-to-office trend which helps to keep Downtown Houston hopping with foot traffic, according to a new report.

Houston has been on a winning streak in 2025, ranking No. 1 among 10 top U.S. metros in employee return to office, Downtown Houston+ announced this week.

[...]

In March, Downtown Houston broke its own monthly record for employee recovery at 74.3% of pre-pandemic levels.

Apr 11, 2025

A new, nonstop bus route between Downtown Houston and George Bush Intercontinental Airport is launching...offering an alternative to rideshare, longer bus routes and parking at the terminal.

...Metro will begin service on the 500 IAH Downtown Direct, which will run every 30 minutes between the George R. Brown Convention Center and IAH's Terminal C from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Apr 8, 2025

Downtown Houston was once known more for its parking lots than its art, but these days, the city center looks Instagram-ready.

That’s thanks to a coordinated effort that has brought dozens of vibrant murals from local and international artists to Houston’s central business district, beautifying the city and turning it into a massive, open-air art gallery.

Mar 28, 2025

Several downtown businesses will soon be getting facelifts thanks to several new grant programs offered by Downtown Houston+.

[...]

Cassie Hoeprich, the director of planning and economic development for Downtown Houston+, said the goal of the grants is to help develop a more cohesive Downtown environment.

"The hope is that [residents] can come Downtown in a year, park their car once or hop off the light rail and say, ‘Oh, I know how to get around. I'm going to take these streets because they're always cooler, they're always really well lit and it makes me feel comfortable and it's fun."

Mar 25, 2025

A new initiative is transforming Downtown Houston into a bustling area with up to $750,000 available in grant money for eligible businesses to expand their outdoor presence with patios, greenery or facade improvements.

The funds are part of the Thrive Storefront Grant program launched by Downtown Houston+, the organization leading the previously announced $12 million project to modify seven blocks of Main Street into a pedestrian walkway.

Mar 5, 2025

Danish wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has opened an office in downtown Houston.

The new office at 609 Main St. has space for up to 80 employees. A spokesperson for Vestas told the Houston Business Journal the company will be hiring new employees consistently over the next few years.

[...]

“Houston is the ideal location to expand our office operations in the U.S. due to its central proximity to many of our wind projects, customers, and suppliers,” Vestas North America President Laura Beane said in a statement.

Feb 6, 2025

A new collection of murals is decorating the streets of Downtown Houston while expanding on an ongoing beautification initiative.

Ten larger-than-life works of art are being created as the latest installments in the "Big Art. Bigger Change" project, which launched in the fall of 2022. Four of the new murals were unveiled Monday, bringing the total number of Downtown-area murals to 50.

Feb 6, 2025

More visitors, more in-office workers and more residents are helping Downtown Houston evolve as it heads into the new year as a place to live, work, play – and invest.

A high energy 2025 outlook event by Downtown Houston+ highlighted 20 of the management and vision organization’s 180 initiatives for this year. While “Downtown is back,” speakers said, its future is taking on a more vibrant, connected and layered environment.

Feb 4, 2025

Downtown Houston is well positioned to convert some of its neglected office properties into residential towers — but not just any residential towers, a new study has found.

Between the central business district’s relatively low barriers to construction and the number of buildings with high vacancy rates, developers have greater opportunities for office conversions than in many other parts of the country, according to the study, which was authored by San Francisco-based Gensler in collaboration with the Pew Charitable Trusts.

Feb 3, 2025

On a stretch of Main Street that will soon be closed to auto traffic in a transformative promenade design, a 116-year old historic office building is being converted into a boutique hotel.

Yes, Houston’s newest hotel will open in the oldest part of Houston.

The site – at the southeast corner of Main and Preston streets – was once the location of the Texas “White House” when Texas was an independent nation in the 1800s.

...Decades later, the 11-story Scanlan Building was erected there. When the office tower opened in 1909, it was the tallest building in Texas.

Today, the rebirth of the Scanlan Building is about to unfold.

Dec 27, 2024

“My ‘love letter’ to Downtown Houston, Petite Lucie will be the perfect spot to start your day with a freshly baked croissant and a steaming cup of coffee,” says Chef Pereney. “We’ll be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. As the day progresses, the café transforms into an inviting lunch spot, offering a variety of savory dishes and refreshing beverages, as well as an expertly curated selection of wines, handcrafted cocktails, aperitifs, and premium beers.”.

In the evening, Petite Lucie exudes a romantic ambiance, ideal for a leisurely dinner or a drink at the bar. Their market-driven bistro menu is a global tribute to the culinary genre, drawing inspiration from regions like Provence, Normandy, and the Mediterranean coast. Chef Pereney also plans to customize the menu for fan-favorite events, including Movies Under the Stars, Blanket Bingo, and other park programming.

Dec 19, 2024

At Barbacana, chef Christian Hernandez is serving what he calls Houston-inspired cuisine, giving American dishes a flare of international flavors.

The restaurant opened this week downtown in the Bayou Lofts building, 907 Franklin. For now, it is serving a tasting menu before debuting its a la carte options in a couple of weeks. Hernandez, 34, has a resume of working at fine dining restaurants in Houston and New York, including Michelin-starred establishments.

Nov 20, 2024

The plan – a joint effort by the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston and Harris County, the city, the county and their partners – involves an increased focus on preventing people from falling into homelessness and providing those who do with a place to stay off the streets while they’re awaiting housing.

Nov 13, 2024

Downtown Houston+ invites Houstonians to embrace the magic of the holiday season at Historic Allen’s Landing Park with the debut of Snow Glow on the Bayou, a captivating light and music spectacular that combines cutting-edge technology with the natural beauty of Buffalo Bayou. Presented by the Houston Downtown Management District, this immersive installation brings the bayou to life with music, dazzling digital art, and light projections on a water screen that is four stories tall and six stories wide.

Oct 30, 2024

There’s a big change coming to Downtown Houston, one designed to make it more of a destination in time for the eyes of the world to be on the city.

Downtown Houston+ is teaming up with the City of Houston to permanently turn a stretch of Main Street into a pedestrian promenade with restaurants and bars along the walkway. It should be completed before the FIFA World Cup matches are played at NRG Stadium. Houston is hosting seven World Cup matches that will run from June 14 through July 4.

Oct 28, 2024

Neway Hospitality marked a construction milestone at the 17-story Holiday Inn Express/Staybridge Suites going up near Daikin Park.

The dual-branded hotel at 1319 Texas Ave. at Austin Street topped out, reaching a final height of 204 feet, last week. Sugar Land-based developer Neway Hospitality broke ground on the 275-room hotel in early October 2023 and plans to open it in October 2025.

[...]Neway will build an Urban Street Market grocery to serve guests of the 131-room extended stay Staybridge Suites and area residents.

Oct 25, 2024

By the time the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Houston, a seven-block stretch of Main Street is expected to be a car-free, pedestrian walkway lined with retail, patios and greenery.

Downtown Houston+, the organization leading the $12 million project, is unveiling its final design and renderings this week for the Main Street Promenade.

“This is going to create an environment that's unlike anything else that we have in Downtown,” said Kris Larson, CEO of Downtown Houston+.

Oct 17, 2024

GreenStreet, the downtown development that is home of House of Blues, is about to get a multimillion dollar update aimed at transforming how Houstonians interact with the 15-year-old mixed-use project.

Oct 17, 2024

GreenStreet, the bustling downtown mixed-use development, will soon undergo an extensive reimagining that its property managers promise will make it more vibrant and sustainable than ever before.

The project was highlighted during the State of Downtown presentation at the annual meeting hosted by Downtown Houston+ on Oct. 16.

Sep 26, 2024

University of Houston-Downtown will begin its 25-year campus expansion project with an acquired space in a skyscraper, more than 1 mile down the road in the business district.

The tenth floor at 1801 Main will house programs that focus on post-college success, helping students and alumni in a location near many of the places they hope to gain employment, UHD President Loren J. Blanchard said Thursday at a “State of the University” address.

Sep 24, 2024

Public safety guides walk around downtown, and are easily identifiable by their uniforms that say "public safety guide" and baseball caps. If there isn’t one in the immediate vicinity, residents can have one dispatched to their location by calling 713-223-2003 anytime between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Guides are not available outside of those hours.

Sep 19, 2024

New concept from Houston chef Omar Pereney to debut in Spring 2025

HOUSTON, TX – Today, the Houston Downtown Management District board of directors officially selected Houston chef Omar Pereney to operate a new Market Square Park restaurant.

Sep 17, 2024

A Downtown Houston landmark, Jones on Main, has secured the largest office deal so far this year, signing a tenant to take over a seven-floor space previously occupied by WeWork.

Sep 17, 2024

The new owners of Jones on Main, a historic office complex that has been a fixture downtown for 100 years, said they were partnering with a Michelin-star chef to revamp the complex’s food hall. They also recently landed downtown’s biggest office lease of the year to backfill a major space vacated by coworking giant WeWork.

Aug 2, 2024

The city continues to look at ways to enhance the gameday experience for fans downtown, looking at how the business community, properties and rights of way can be more expressive as it relates to that fan engagement, Larson said. The city also plans to continue adding hotels, restaurants and other high-density, mixed-use developments on the east side of downtown.

Jul 24, 2024

The Houston City Council has approved Houston First Corp.'s proposal to acquire additional properties for the planned George R. Brown Convention Center expansion.

Jul 10, 2024

The Houston Astros’ mixed-use entertainment district project planned next to Minute Maid Park is expected to be a significant driver of economic activity downtown.

Jun 12, 2024

Nearly a month after that devastating derecho, a number of downtown Houston streets and sidewalks are still closed to repair damaged buildings. At least eight people died during that May 16 storm. Downtown windows in several high-rises shattered, among other storm debris that is still, in some cases, being replaced.

May 31, 2024

While young professionals have responded positively to urban renewal efforts across the country over the last two decades, a few key hurdles remain: namely affordability, mobility and safety. In an effort to better understand the unique challenges faced by each of Texas’ four major cities, the Austin Business Journal recently gave a platform to urban advocates from across the state.

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.

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.

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.

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+.

Jan 10, 2024

The old days are never coming back, which is fine. Nostalgia isn’t how Houston rolls. The office vacancies today are a chance to make a better city, one where people of all income levels and backgrounds can benefit from the vast potential of creating new housing.

Dec 14, 2023

Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), one of Houston's largest publicly traded companies, is one step closer to building a new headquarters tower on the site of KHOU's former home.

The Downtown Redevelopment Authority board, which administers Houston's Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 3, voted on Dec. 12 to authorize a tax increment reimbursement of $13.79 million for public infrastructure improvements and storm resilience related to the $150 million SCI project. The move will provide significant public benefit — including job retention, enhanced public storm water management, pedestrian amenities and environmental resiliency — without incurring upfront cost or new debt for the city, the DRA said.

Dec 2, 2023

Nearly 40 years ago, the U.S. Post Office named its regional post office at 401 Franklin St. after trailblazing congresswoman and Houston icon Barbara Jordan.

Jordan was remembered again Saturday at the same spot with the unveiling of a monument titled “I Am Barbara Jordan” at the site, now home to POST Houston, which bills itself as a dining, cultural and workplace hub.

The sculpture, designed by artist Angelbert Metoyer, features Jordan sitting, facing south toward the skyline with her right hand outstretched.

Nov 22, 2023

Houston shows it’s not inevitable or hopeless. We may not eliminate homelessness altogether, but if we could reduce it by 60 percent, as the city has, we would be a better nation. And one sign of the success of Houston’s approach is that others are copying it.

Nov 3, 2023

Sometime in the future, going to an Astros game might also include a stop at a themed bar for some pregame Karbach Crawford Bocks, shopping for a sweet Tequila Sunrise-style jacket, and shoving down some tacos al pastor with friends mere steps from Minute Maid Park. All within an hour and on the same piece of land.

That’s the idea behind the planned multi-million-dollar "entertainment district" the Astros unveiled Thursday at the 2023 State of Downtown event hosted by economic development nonprofit Central Houston.

Nov 3, 2023

Despite the well-publicized challenges facing Houston’s office market, Central Houston Inc. President and CEO Kris Larson said there are plenty of reasons to remain bullish on downtown as a place to do business.

During Larson’s annual “State of Downtown” address Nov. 2, he said downtown’s office buildings are well positioned to benefit from the ongoing flight-to-quality trend that has been underway across the city for many years.

“Seventy percent of all our downtown office space is Class A space, and 36% has either been constructed or renovated since 2020,” Larson said. “We also have another 375,000 square feet of Class A space under construction.”

Aug 4, 2023

Investments pouring into downtown promise to breathe life into the area. Kristopher Larson, president and CEO of Central Houston, is the person tasked with overseeing downtown’s revitalization. And he has some big ideas about what comes next.

Nov 28, 2022

When Kris Larson landed in the job that made him the new face of downtown Houston, he knew he had big shoes to fill. His predecessor, Bob Eury, had led the downtown economic development group Central Houston since its inception about 40 years ago. Larson is working to knit together the three organizations under a shared vision to shepherd in the next phase of growth for downtown.