Downtown Houston, Texas, is undergoing a renaissance, especially in its east of downtown (Eado) neighborhood that has seen a growing collection of unique restaurants, breweries and coffee houses, in addition to new multifamily growth.
The developer, Midway, is embarking on a massive development plan over a period of 15 to 20 years, called East River, that will ultimately be 150 acres along the city’s Buffalo Bayou River. This will create a new day-to-night go-to spot for the greater Houston community.
“Just minutes from downtown, East River is a unique urban mixed-use destination that continues the homegrown food and beverage scene currently established in Houston’s Eado/East End as it stands today,” said Lacee Jacobs, senior vice president, strategic leasing and advisory for Midway.
East River will be a “live-work-play” environment with 360 multifamily units, 100,000 square feet of retail, 300,000 square feet of office and three acres of green space in Phase One alone.
“With a stunning view of downtown and connection to the Buffalo Bayou Hike & Bike Trail, this project will be a true community hub for the area that will expand and grow with the community for years to come as future phases of this project develop,” she said.
Taking over space that had previously been a manufacturing/shipping industrial site, Midway’s first phase of the construction will include retail tenants that appeal to a wide range of customers. The East River project recently announced signed leases with locally-known Texas brands including an ice cream parlor, a jewelry shop, a coffee house, a dental chain, a special events venue and a soul food-oriented market.
Jacobs said East River is targeting restaurants and retailers that complement what has organically developed in Eado/East End today: best-in-class restaurants, destination entertainment users, and Class-A services to serve residents and employees in the nearby area.
“Welcoming a wide variety of residents, workers and visitors of all ages and diverse cultures, the project will serve these direct surrounding communities as well as urban Houston residents and visitors for years to come,” she said.
Before the end of this year, East River will be debuting a 25-acre, nine-hole golf course, which will also feature a 300-yard driving range, six pickleball courts, a 1,000 square foot pro shop and a family friendly bar/restaurant that will feature live music as well as an outdoor kids’ playscape section. Expect to continue to see more exciting developments in this emerging section of East Houston.
