Houston: Midtown eyesore to 300,000-SF beauty

HOUSTON – Central Square Plaza, originally developed in 1957 by legendary Texas oilman Glenn McCarthy, is being redeveloped into 300,000 sf of office and retail space after laying vacant for more than ten years.

Located at 2100 Travis St., the property is owned by Houston-based Claremont Properties Co.

The property received a building permit for the core-and-shell work for $6 million. The building does not yet have any tenants signed on, but is going for $21 to $30 per sf, according to an online listing.

Claremont Properties also bought an adjoining space, and the renovated property will occupy the entire block bordered by Travis St., Milam St., Gray St. and Webster St.

Central Square Plaza originally consisted of a connected 12-floor and 14-floor office building as well as a parking garage and was formerly the Central Bank building. 

Keeley Megarity, owner of Claremont Properties, said they were able to use the original engineers of the building, Houston-based Walter P. Moore, for the remodel.

Megarity said he expects renovations to be finished early in the second quarter of this year, and could see restaurant and retail tenants open in July.