Lindsey Properties, a family-owned commercial real estate company in Conroe, is redeveloping three historic downtown Conroe buildings.
Owners Curtis and Melani Lindsey, along with their son Noble, said the family started developing properties in the city of Conroe 10 years ago. After Melani Lindsey opened her bakery, Flour-ish, in downtown Conroe in 2017, she said the family started to consider the potential for redeveloping the downtown area.
Flour-ish closed in February 2022 and will reopen in the first development the couple has under construction, the Simonton-Cable building on the corner of Main and Metcalf streets. The location previously was the original Ford Dealership in the 1900s.
Lindsey Properties tore the building down in 2022, the couple said, although construction on the new building had not started as of press time.
"Besides Flour-ish, the building will have space for a drive-thru coffee shop and a couple other retail spaces that are unknown at this point," Noble Lindsey said in an interview. "The floors above that are going to be executive suites and office flex space with conference rooms and offices for lease. The building will also include a rooftop terrace."
Melani Lindsey said she is eager to reintroduce Flour-ish to the community.
"There is a need for more food in downtown," she said. "There's a lot of businesses and nightlife, but we really need to get more food and restaurants in order to attract more people and families."
Lindsey Properties will also redevelop the old Southwestern Furniture store. Previously owned by Robin and Ed Bartholet, the building will be the site of the new Pacific Lofts, Noble Lindsey said.
"Pacific Lofts will have about 6,000 square feet of retail space and 22 apartments above that," he said. "That's really to pay homage to the fact that the site was originally the Conroe Hotel."
The Conroe Hotel burned down in the fire of 1911, Noble said. According to Noble Lindsey, it was later rebuilt as a new hotel and eventually as the furniture store.
Each property continued to use repurposed bricks from the original hotel. Noble Lindsey said the family intends to do the same with Pacific Lofts.
The last downtown project Lindsey Properties has planned is called The Everett.
Noble Lindsey said the name pays homage to another old Conroe family business known as the Everett Hardware Store. It is occupied by The Homestead House furniture store.
The 27,000-square-foot property will house shell, office and retail space for lease, he said.
"Our goal with this transition is partly to bring some retail," Curtis Lindsey said. "The city has worked hard to put a lot of resources into downtown, including sidewalks, lamp posts, and the culture, protection and beautification of all of it. After all of the money the city has spent downtown they want to see some development down there, and we want to be a partner in bringing value to that area. We are excited to be able to do that with three distinct properties."
Curtis Lindsey said the family hopes to break ground this summer on at least two buildings, but the goal is to build all three at the same time. The family is anticipating a 12-16 month timeline.
Simonton-Cable, Pacific Lofts and The Everett are expected to open in spring 2025.
