Major Renovations Planned for Houston Office Tower
Keppel-KBS US REIT's 400,000-square-foot building will feature upgrades intended to maximize the property’s appeal to multiple generations of workers.
Keppel-KBS US REIT has revealed plans for a capital improvement program at 1800 West Loop, a 399,777-square-foot Class A building in Houston’s Uptown Galleria submarket. Recently, the property underwent renovations to meet energy efficiency standards and is the first existing office high-rise in the city and the state of Texas to receive LEED Gold certification under the LEED for Existing Buildings: O&M program.
“We are differentiating the building from the market by adding above-standard offerings that appeal to all generations, especially younger professionals,” Louann Pereira, Transwestern’s senior vice president, told Commercial Property Executive. “Every space has been designed to deliver comfort and function to keep tenants engaged.”
Changes are coming
Nimble Design Co. is handling the project’s updated design, while O’Donnell Snider Construction will serve as general contractor. CDI Douglass Pye Inc. will work as the architect on what’s to be an immersive, speculative-suite program. Transwestern is spearheading leasing efforts at the property.
Among the interior renovations—slated for completion in the summer—are a refreshed lobby and common areas, the addition of a grab-and-go market offering healthy snacks, drinks and convenience foods, and a Wi-Fi café with booth seating. “We are also updating the existing public spaces and partnering with Fooda to bring local favorites to the building,” Pereira said.
Some of the upcoming amenities include a social hub on the first floor, a tenant lounge and a private patio. There will also be a 32-person meeting space and a new fitness center with private showers, Peloton bikes and a 20-person studio room for streaming private classes. Parking at the property is available via an 11-story double helix parking garage located directly north of the building.
The property is situated at 1800 W. Loop St., on the corner of Interstate 610 and San Felipe Street and is accessible to major business areas. It’s close by the West Loop/Galleria area, Houston’s premier shopping and business district and provides easy ingress and egress with direct access to Loop 610.
In October, Health Care Service Corp. renewed its lease for 48,214 square feet in the building. Other tenants in the building include GSA, Third Coast Bank, Roscoe Properties and HCSC.
