Houston’s Hottest ’Hood? With Development Galore, Walkable Communities Emerge in East End

Houston’s Hottest ’Hood? With Development Galore, Walkable Communities Emerge in East End

East River 9 and Riverhouse Houston

IMAGINE EVERY RESIDENT being able to get most everything via a 15-minute-or-less walk, in a neighborhood convenient to major employment areas of Houston. That’s the vision for the fast-emerging East End district’s new multiuse development called The Plant/Second Ward, created by Concept Neighborhood, a Houston real estate investment, development and management company. Concept Neighborhood is focused on creating walkable communities combining accessible housing with innovative retail and creative maker space.


“Our goal is to create an international, inspired neighborhood that resonates with the flavor of Houston — one of the most diverse cities in the western world,” says Concept’s managing principal Jeff Kaplan. “Houston lacks an authentic walkable corridor that celebrates the diversity within one neighborhood.” The Plant — named for the nearby Coffee Plant/Second Ward station on the MetroRail’s Green line — is being brought to life in a master plan architected by Gensler, and is the first real estate redevelopment of its kind in Houston to connect the light rails to the bayou trails of our heavily car-dependent city.

“It’s a multiyear project,” says Kaplan, noting that it will eventually include more than 1,000 multifamily units and will also prioritize locally owned and operated retail tenants, such as the trendy Eden Plant Co. (which doubles as a coffee shop). Current restaurants include Neighbors Pizza, paleta shop Popston, The Re-Up Juice Bar, and newly relocated Street to Kitchen by James Beard awarded Chef “G” Painter and her husband Graham Painter. “We think the result will be a neighborhood with supercharged vibrancy and that feeling you get when you’re in a city that’s cool, creative and authentically weird.”

It’s one of many transformative projects currently underway in the East End, a newfound hub for the cool, creative and weird. Just across the bayou, East River is a striking property from Midway that was recently honored as the winner of the Houston Business Journal Mixed-Use Landmark Award for its urban revitalization. Current tenants include event venue Le Tesserae by The Astorian, the Houston Maritime Center + Museum (opening soon!), and several restaurants.

But perhaps its main draw is East River 9, a nine-hole public golf course with a driving range, putting green and pickleball courts — and a full-service restaurant that boasts a mean burger and frequent live music. “East River … will redefine Houston’s urban landscape,” says David Hightower, Midway’s VP of investment and development, citing “focus on pedestrian-friendly design, innovative mixed-use spaces, and cultural amenities” as the project’s cornerstones.

Nearby, Agrigole Hospitality — which can take at least partial credit for turning Houstonians’ attention eastward several years ago, opening several restaurants on St. Emmanuel St. in EaDo — recently debuted a sister location of its Heights-area staple Eight Row Flint.

Sunset Golf at East River 9

Brass Tacks

A rendering of East Blocks

Le Tesserae

Lightnin's Good Times

Pepperoni pizza at Vinny's (photo by Ralph Smith)

People + Places
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

IN THE SEVENTH annual portfolio, meet luminaries from all walks of life who have helped make Houston — and beyond — a better place. Sponsored by Valobra Master Jewelers

Keep ReadingShow less
People + Places

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep ReadingShow less
Style