Planned developments set to transform Downtown Houston in the next five years
The recent downturn notwithstanding, the 
city of Houston continues to grow, with new plans and developments in the works. Some have already broken ground, while others are nearing completion or have just been completed.
Some of the most notable projects over the past year include the METRORail Expansion, which connected residents to even more parts of the Inner Loop’s major districts faster. And who can forget the incredible renovations that transformed Buffalo Bayou Park last fall.
There were more than 25 planned projects and renovations throughout Downtown last year. These range from major public amenities to new restaurants, shops, cafés, galleries, nightspots, and more.
This year is set to see even more projects finished.
Here are some of the most anticipated developments in Downtown to look forward to:
The Downtown Historic District Revival – Ongoing
A wide variety of new and exciting bars, restaurants, and residential developments are further revitalizing Downtown Houston’s wonderful Historic District.
These new additions will be centered around Market Square Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor entertainment, dining, and other park activities.
The Marriott Marquis Convention Center Hotel – October 2016
The Marriott Marquis, which broke ground in 2014, is set to be the premier cosmopolitan center in the heart of Downtown, adding a thousand new luxury hotel rooms to the Downtown Convention Center District.
Overlooking the Discovery Green Park, guests will be treated to a commanding view of Houston’s incredible skyline.
Some of its most distinctive features include:
- The largest ballroom in Houston measuring 39,000 square-feet
- 52 rooms/100,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces
- A 5,000-square-foot whole-service spa and fitness center
- Two specialty restaurants and up to six food/beverage outlets
- A sky bridge that connects it to the George R. Brown Convention Center
New Campus for the Houston School for the Performing and Visual Arts – Mid to late 2017
The HSPVA’s new 5-level, 168,000-square-foot campus is located right in the heart of Downtown, between Austin and Caroline Street, a few steps away from the Arts and Theatre District.
Students will enjoy a host of new amenities and improvements such as:
- A new 800-seat main theater with balcony
- 150-seat recital hall
- 200-seat black box theater
- 200-seat mini theater
- Outdoor art studio
- Dance, and music studios
- A rooftop garden
The building itself is a work of art. Its eye-catching contemporary aesthetic and abundant use of double-high glass windows will make it one of the most recognizable structures Downtown.
Located on its own block, all four corners of the new school will face the streets. Architects designed two “drive-through” lanes within the grounds for dropping students off to avoid traffic.
Downtown Retail Corridor – Ongoing
The opening of a new retail corridor in the heart of Downtown is perhaps the most exciting of all upcoming developments this year. The Downtown Redevelopment Authority is already taking proposals from eager developers.
The plans stem from a formal request issued early 2015. The objective outlined in it calls for the creation of a new mixed-use project with about 90,000 square feet of retail space and possibly hotels and residential units.
A committee has been set up and is already reviewing responses from more than half a dozen developers.
