Just what is it with these Atlanta developers and their ground-floor retail? More than a dozen years ago, Atlanta’s Post Properties interrupted Midtown’s otherwise consistent record of first-floor parking, gated windows, and shrubbery with a shopping street along its Gray St. apartment development. And now comes the same city’s Novare Group with plans to wrap the base of its Main St. and Leeland frontage of its 24-story SkyHouse Houston apartment tower downtown with a trio of shop spaces — including more than 2,300 sq. ft. on the ground floor of the building’s separate parking garage.
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Two spaces totaling a little more than 5,000 sq. ft. will front the rail line:
The spaces at the base of the garage facing Leeland may be only 20 ft. deep, but they’ll have a 20 ft. ceiling height.
Also on the SkyHouse’s retail horizon: a leasing office for the apartments — but not here. It’s planned for neighboring GreenStreet (formerly known as Houston Pavilions) and it’s scheduled to open early next year.
- SkyHouse Houston [Wulfe & Co.]
- Previously on Swamplot: Where Downtown’s New Residential Tower Will Go
Renderings: Wulfe & Co.
I really hope they put a Bork in the ground-level retail.
Wow. Why didn’t we think of that!?
@ jefe please enlighten me on what a Bork retail store is? My only knowledge of Bork is the Russian appliance maker. I’ve seen several post calling for a Bork store and I’m wondering why and how would a Russian brand make since in Houston. If you are referring to the same Bork as I am, it may be a good idea. Certainly something new, because I always thought a Lloyd’s or some other foreign retailer would be good to attract tourists. thanks. peace
SimplySid, I think the first reference to Bork was a post that contained an artist’s rendering for a new commercial development (possibly in the Galleria area?). The rendering showed some stories that most readers assumed were fictitious, including the fantastically named “Bork.” Then someone pointed out that there actually is an appliance chain named Bork.
But now, any time a story with any reference to ground floor retail comes up, there is a mandatory call for a Bork franchise.
I’m still holding out for that flagship Bork at the Galleria we’ve been hearing about.
If you have to ask SimplySid, you can’t afford it.
I’m waiting for the Icelandic electronics giant, Bjork.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d4rdat3HdA
They would have to really have some uniquie places.. given how seperated it is from normal foot traffic.
It’s called wishful thinking, or marketing with no shame. Either one.
It’s still just a tiny bit too far off the downtown beaten path.
That area won’t be off the beaten path for long. Between that project, block 334, and 4 or 5 other South DT blocks slated for residential, South downtown foot traffic is about to explode. The mayor’s downtown living initiative might not be getting people exactly where she wanted (I think it was aimed at the eastern side) but it’s still getting rooftops downtown.