It seems good things really do come to those who wait, as the recent groundbreaking on Houston's 150-acre East River mixed-use development illustrated for those on hand to celebrate developer Midway's big move.
In a much-heralded transformation, the riverfront will welcome more than 1 million square feet of commercial and residential development spread across 60 city blocks, according to Texas Real Estate Research Center. A nine-hole, par-three public golf course is just one of the attractions on a scenic site that will include 13,000 square feet of open space, the research center said. Think restaurants like a rooftop bar and events venue operated by those behind The Astorian, outdoor recreation like kayaking on the Buffalo Bayou and much more, says papercitymag.com. The project is located in the Fifth Ward, near its intersection with the Second Ward or the vicinity of 49 Bayou St. per Google Maps, says papercitymag.com.
"It's an exciting time to be in the Fifth Ward," the Rev. Harry Clemons Jr., founder of the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp., said at the groundbreaking ceremony, as reported by papercitymag.com. "Some of you people have never been in Fifth Ward," he told the crowd. Until now, many have simply driven through on the freeway but never set foot there, papercitymag.com said.
Houston mayor Sylvester Turner agreed this Houston community is getting attention like never before, after years of simply being "In the shadow of development," papercitymag.com said. "This is a project that can uplift the Fifth Ward, the Second Ward," Turner said.
With so much to be accomplished, East River will be taking shape over the next 20 years, says papercitymag.com. But folks don't have to wait that long to start enjoying its amenities. Targeted for a 2023 completion, the first phase will feature a 360-unit apartment complex called The Laura, 110,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, 250,000 square feet of office use, and green space for events, REBusiness Online said.
For those who can't wait to take a swing at things, the golf course is expected to open at East River as early as next year, according to REBusiness.
