Transforming local history: Iconic buildings in Heights, Montrose to be redeveloped into mixed-use spaces

Zooming out

Kelly said he has seen more of a demand in Houston for transforming old structures into revitalized mixed-use spaces. The process of repurposing existing buildings or structures for a new function instead of demolishing and rebuilding them is known as adaptive reuse, according to the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

ConnectCRE, a real estate news service, reported in mid-2023 that Houston was seventh in the country at the time and the top city in Texas for adaptive reuse projects. A RentCafe survey showed 60% of the 2,205 projects were intended to repurpose office spaces, with 30% of projects converting former hotels.

An example of adaptive reuse is POST Houston, a former abandoned United States Postal Service facility in Downtown Houston that was transformed into an entertainment venue. The ConnectCRE report noted that 85% of adaptive reuse projects in the construction pipeline are located downtown.

However, the Heights has also had its fair share of similar projects. A recent project includes the M-K-T shopping center, which was developed in 2020 by Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners. The 1980s historic industrial area was transformed into a popular mixed-use space adjacent to the Swift Building.

The Historic Houston Heights Fire Station, located on West 12th Street and originally established in 1910, is now a popular event venue and park. Meanwhile, the Heights Waterworks, a 1949 pumping station located between West 19th Street and West 20th Street, is also a protected landmark and on the market for redevelopment, according to Preservation Houston.

Anya Marmuscak, co-chair of the land use committee for the Houston Heights Association, said the committee spends a lot of time talking about new developments and redevelopments with a focus on trying to preserve the history and charm of the Heights.

“We welcome the development that honors the character of what the Heights is and especially when there are opportunities to save or repurpose historic buildings. That has become increasingly more important to us. We have some incredible buildings that still have a lot of life left in them.”

The history

According to the city of Houston’s website, there are 123 National Register of Historic Places listings within the Houston Heights area, and two in Montrose. To receive a designation, a property must be at least 50 years old and meet criteria demonstrating its significance, such as an association with important events, people, design or pattern of history.

The Swift Building received its official designation as a historic landmark in December and was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Montrose Tower Theatre is also considered a historical landmark, although it is not a registered historic place.

Other key landmarks in the two neighborhoods, which have been redeveloped or repurposed, include the Heights Clock Tower and Heights Theater. The Main Street Market Square in Montrose is also known as the only commercial historic district in Houston, according to the Historic Preservation Manual.

Marking history

The Heights and Montrose are some of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods in Houston, and the two areas include several historical landmarks.

Houston Heights:

• Founded in 1891
• 3 city-designated historic districts
• 123 National Register of Historic Places
• Culturally significant landmarks include the Burnett House, Donovan Park, Heights Theater and the Houston Heights City Hall and Fire Station

Montrose:

• Founded in 1911
• 6 city-designated historic districts
• 2 National Register of Historic Places
• Culturally significant landmarks include the Link-Lee House, Rothko Chapel, The Menil Collection and Three Sisters of Montrose

Looking ahead

Construction started on the 1111 Westheimer development in 2024 and was completed in early 2025. Kelly said tenants will begin opening over the next eight months, with a scheduled opening date for Doc’s in early fall.

The Swift Building will break ground this spring after almost a year of delays, which Kelly said were due to issues with historic designation, permits and tariffs. However, it is on track to be open to the public by late summer or early fall 2026.