Skip to main content

Submarket Spotlight: Midtown Houston

Published Apr 29, 2019 by A.J. Mistretta

Midtown Main Street

 

Located just south of Downtown and running along Main Street toward the Museum District, Midtown has evolved over the last two decades from a largely underdeveloped neighborhood of mom-and-pop restaurants and older bungalows into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly district filled with mixed-use mid-rises and a lively dining and nightlife scene. Today, thousands of people call Midtown home and thousands more will move to the area in coming years as multiple new projects now under construction are completed. One massive new project from Australian developer Caydon dubbed Laneways will include a 27-story residential tower, a hotel and retail spread across a 2.5-million-square-foot site on Fannin Street between McGowen and Elgin. Further south, Rice University is steering the creation of the city's new Innovation District that will be anchored by the Ion, a 270-000-square-foot facility housed in a historic building that will bring together entrepreneurs, corporations and academic institutions to collaborate under one roof.

To gain some insight into Midtown’s present and future, the Partnership spoke with Marlon Marshall, Director of Engineering and Construction for Midtown Houston, which includes the Midtown Management District. 

What has been the biggest recent change that has helped propel Midtown’s economic development efforts? 

Midtown Houston's significant investments in recent capital improvement projects along the Main Street corridor such as the recently opened Midtown Park, Main Street Streetscape, and Holman Streetscape  have been catalyst and helped propel economic development efforts in Midtown  It is anticipated that the development projects along Main Street will act as catalysts for additional high density mixed use investment in Midtown.

How has the focus of Midtown’s development effort changed through the years?

Initially, Midtown Redevelopment Authority focused its development efforts on multifamily residential developments to increase the number of residents in Midtown and create demand for commercial and mixed-use developments. We did this by encouraging and facilitating private sector development by funding of public infrastructure improvements adjacent to new developments through development agreements.  

As the residential population increased, Midtown’s focus transitioned to investments in capital improvements to accommodate growing mobility and infrastructure demands and to create a livable and walkable environment. Midtown’s current development efforts are to encourage mixed use vertical development, create safer streets for pedestrians and vehicles, promote neighborhood retail investment, and focus capital investment in areas with greatest private developer market potential and energy.

Existing infrastructure is important to companies considering a move. What types of companies would be most interested in the Midtown based on what you currently have in place?

Midtown’s investment in infrastructure has helped to make it Houston’s most walkable community. Midtown’s walkability combined with its quality of life amenities and attractive public greenspaces make it a desirable location for new mixed-use residential developments, as well as companies in the restaurant, arts, recreation, entertainment, and nightlife industries.

Midtown has been known for its restaurants and nightlife for years. What else should people recognize the district for? 

We're proud of our parks and how they continue to be developed through art installations, increased transportation options such as Bcycle and free, weekly programs to choose from. There are over 200 free events hosted at our four green spaces - Midtown Park, Bagby Park, Glover Park and Elizabeth Baldwin Park- every year.

What do you see as a few of the key advantages Midtown offers? 

In addition to our location, development, parks and events, we have 90 arts organizations, including flagship groups such as Lawndale Art Center, The Ensemble Theatre, Art Square Studios and Houston MET Dance, who all drive creative expression in Midtown. Additionally, we have eight Bcycle stations in our district, three MetroRAIL stops and three Zipcar locations, offering residents and visitors alike several options to get around while reducing their carbon footprint. 

Midtown is a critical component of the Innovation Corridor concept that’s been championed by the city, Rice University and others. What does Midtown provide that complements this idea?

Midtown’s investment in the Main Street corridor has tremendously improved visibility and accessibility for connections to the Innovation Corridor.  Midtown’s public transit options combined with the influx of recent developments, including mixed-use, high density residential properties, restaurants, cultural arts and entertainment venues provide the complementary assets to help make the Innovation Corridor a viable concept.

What are you most excited about in Midtown right now?

It is exciting to see the vision along the Main Street corridor coming to fruition. The new mixed-use transit-oriented development activity and active programming in Midtown Park is bringing a new level of energy to Midtown, and we plan to build upon this momentum for future economic development.

What are one or two major changes on the horizon that might help shape the future of Midtown?

The upcoming TxDOT North Houston Highway Improvement Project and the development of the Ion at the Midtown Innovation District will have a major impact on the future of Midtown. The transformation of the Sears building to the Ion will provide an innovation hub for future jobs, technology development, and educational programming. These projects will have a positive impact for redevelopment in Midtown by helping to facilitate future mixed-use development which will create incremental tax value.

What do you see as Midtown’s role in the broader economic development efforts of the Greater Houston region?

Because of its location between Houston’s two largest employment centers – Central Business District and Texas Medical Center – the redevelopment of Midtown is a critical component in the success of the broader economic development efforts of the Greater Houston region. Midtown offers residential and retail-driven mixed used concepts and the walkability millennials desire.  These amenities and assets play a key role in attracting the new talent and businesses necessary to sustain economic development efforts in Houston.

Learn more about the region's submarkets and communities through the Partnership's Regions and Neighborhoods program. 

Related News

Economic Development

From HVAC to Home Runs: How Daikin Fuels Economic Growth in Houston

3/27/25
Daikin Comfort Technologies North America is making history in Houston—not just on the field, but across the region. As the new namesake of the Astros’ ballpark, Daikin’s investment in the Houston region has been a game-changer for the regional economy and community.  Daikin’s journey in the Houston region has been one of steady growth and impact, and it all began over a decade ago. In 2012, the Japanese company acquired Goodman, a leading U.S. manufacturer of residential air conditioners. The acquisition strengthened Daikin’s foothold in the U.S. market and expanded its product offerings.  In 2017, the company opened the Daikin Texas Technology Park in Waller – just outside Houston – after consolidating Goodman’s four U.S. factories, headquarters, and distribution bases. The 4.2 million square-foot facility also serves its North American headquarters.  Since then, Daikin has invested more than $1 billion in the region, including over $500 million in the technology park alone. In 2023, the company announced the launch of a new product line focused on digital HVAC technology.   “Since establishing their campus in the region, Daikin has continued to grow, invest, and create jobs,” Steve Kean said. “Their expansion has brought new opportunities, strengthened our economy, and reinforced Houston’s role as a hub for global manufacturing and advanced technology.  Their knowledge and technology will also be valuable to our community as we maintain and grow our position as the world’s energy capital.”   As the Astros take the field at the newly renamed Daikin Park, the partnership marks more than a new name on the stadium — Daikin’s commitment to Houston goes far beyond the stadium. Through community programs focused on education and sustainability, the company is helping strengthen the region while reinforcing its commitment to innovation, economic growth, and global recognition for the region.  In partnership with the Astros, Daikin is launching two major programs. The Most Valuable STEAM Scholarship will provide Houston-area students with resources to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Daikin’s community cooling program will bring energy-efficient HVAC systems to underserved households, helping families stay comfortable while lowering energy costs.  Complementing these developments, the City of Houston has undertaken infrastructure improvements around Daikin Park. Texas Avenue, between Crawford and Hamilton Streets, was repaved — with crews removing 10 inches of pavement and replacing it with concrete and asphalt. Work began March 8 and continued around the clock to ensure the street reopened ahead of Opening Day, showing the city's commitment to creating a seamless experience for fans.  Daikin’s long-standing commitment to Houston shows that when global companies invest in our region, everyone benefits. From job creation and workforce development to education and sustainability, Daikin’s work in Houston is a strong example of what can happen when business, government and community come together.  Click to expand Daikin’s naming rights deal for the stadium runs through the 2039 season.  Learn more about what makes Houston the ideal place to live, work and build a business.
Read More
Economic Development

George R. Brown Convention Center’s $2 Billion Transformation Project

3/10/25
The George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) is set to undergo a major transformation that will reimagine downtown Houston into a pedestrian-friendly convention and entertainment district.  Mayor John Whitmire and Houston First Corporation recently unveiled a master plan for the project, marking the first substantial renovation since 2016, which opened the building to Discovery Green and created the Avenida Houston Plaza.   The $2 billion project aims to bolster Houston’s position as a global hub for sports, entertainment and tourism, an especially timely investment as the city prepares to host FIFA World Cup matches in 2026 and the Republican National Convention in 2028.   Phase One  Click to expand The first phase of development includes a 700,000-square-foot building, GRB Houston South, which will serve as a key connector between downtown and Houston’s East End. The building will include two exhibit halls, a multipurpose hall opening to the new Central Plaza, an atrium flex hall, ground-level retail and dining spaces and what is set to be the largest ballroom in Texas.  Click to expand Additionally, the Avenida Plaza will be extended south to connect Discovery Green with the new Central Plaza, creating an expanded gathering space for large-scale events and community activities.  “This project is truly transformative for downtown Houston, a lasting legacy that will solidify our position as a top-tier convention and entertainment destination,” said Mayor Whitmire in a press release. “Most importantly, we are creating a space that will build community, foster connection, and shape the future of Houston.”  Click to expand The project's design is inspired by Houston’s bayous and natural prairie landscape. Along with its nature-inspired elements, the building will use eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, including rainwater collection and water-saving features, to minimize its environmental impact and strengthen the city's sustainability efforts.  The groundbreaking project will be funded by a portion of the state’s hotel tax revenue, made possible by Senate Bill 1057, which passed in 2023.  The Need for Expanded Infrastructure  With Houston’s hospitality and tourism industry rapidly expanding, the demand for expanded infrastructure has never been greater. In 2024, the city welcomed more than 54 million visitors, an increase of six percent from 2023 and nearly 10 percent since 2019, according to Houston First.  Click to expand “It is imperative for us to stay competitive and meet the needs of our meetings and convention customers,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First, in the same release. “This project will not only accomplish that but will "establish a gathering space that will be the epicenter for entertainment, sports, and city-wide events, accentuating our ability to capitalize on Houston's unique offerings.”  GRB Houston South is scheduled to open in May 2028, with the full project expected to be completed by 2038.  Discover more about living in Houston. 
Read More

Related Events

Economic Development

Economy Series - April

Join the Greater Houston Partnership on Wednesday, April 23 for an exclusive discussion on the U.S. and Houston economies, featuring Jeff Korzenik, Chief…

Learn More
Learn More
Executive Partners