Downtown growth

Growth in downtown Houston has been dramatic.

“Over $4 billion in construction for private and public buildings has been spent in downtown Houston since 2004. For example, parking lots have given way to mid- to high-rises, and retail follows residential,” said Bob Eury, chief executive officer, Houston Downtown District.

Moreover, downtown is seeing more mixed-used buildings — with retail, bars and restaurants — on the first floors of residential and office buildings.

“We are also seeing more families move in, because they want their children to have the experiences, activities and opportunities that can be found only downtown. Plus, downtown is becoming more of a walkable city, which is also a draw,” Eury said.

Downtown Houston is the center for activities, cultural experiences and an array of opportunities that include the arts, Theater District, festivals, night life, restaurants, sports, green spaces, outdoor events, top private and public schools, universities, and more.

“In the past, one drawback in living downtown was the limited number of, and distance to, grocery stores, pharmacies and other basic needs. But that has changed, with many grocery stores that have moved in,” Eury said.

At the time of the Super Bowl there were 33 residential properties. One recently was added, six more are under construction and at least five more are planned. The majority of these are for lease. Those looking to live downtown have many choices, from renovated older buildings to the new mid-rise and high-rises that are mainly in three residential clusters: the Historic District, north of Discovery Green and the southern area of downtown. “I have lived downtown for the past 16 years and love it. I hope more people will consider moving downtown,” said Terry Stanfield, a Realtor with Heritage Texas Properties.