Americas Plaza development takes shape

Retail center, residential site planned east of downtown

By KIM JACKSON
Chronicle Correspondent

In a city where the old is often replaced by the new, developer Alan Atkinson is making a statement by using two historic buildings as the centerpiece for the modern, mixed-used Americas Plaza development in the eastern shadow of downtown Houston.

Situated on the corner of the Navigation Boulevard/Canal Street intersection, the 116-year-old former Anson Jones Elementary School building has evolved into the One Americas Plaza office building and reception hall.

Directly across the street, a 58-year-old warehouse, which most recently housed used office furniture and a retail blood bank, is taking shape as Two Americas Plaza — a 28,000-square-foot retail center built around a central plaza.

Atkinson, owner of AVA Limited, purchased seven adjoining properties over a four-year period before launching the Americas Plaza development. The ultimate goal is to add mid-rise and high-rise residential development to the 10-acre mix, Atkinson said.

"We are trying to do things differently. We are not following the traditional development models," Atkinson said. "This part of town has had low development expectations for several years, so all of the spaces are being designed to a high level of finish. We want local residents to take pride in what is happening to the neighborhood."

The Americas Plaza development is similar to the more established mixed-used Midtown district, Atkinson said. He said the two areas are like "bookends" on opposite sides of downtown Houston.

"That area has become a hotbed of life and activity, and that's what I see happening here," Atkinson said. "We are four blocks from the (Minute Maid) baseball stadium, four blocks from the proposed (Dynamo) soccer stadium, and one block from Guadalupe Park and hike-and-bike trails on Brays Bayou."

Atkinson added with the completion of the Alexan Lofts complex and 71 townhomes across Canal, there are about 900 more residents in the neighborhood.



AMERICAS PLAZA

Two historic buildings are being used as the centerpiece for the modern, mixed-used Americas Plaza development east of downtown Houston.

• One Americas Plaza: Situated on the corner of the Navigation Boulevard/Canal Street intersection, the 116-year-old former Anson Jones Elementary School building has evolved into the One Americas Plaza office building and reception hall.

• Two Americas Plaza: A 58-year-old warehouse building, which most recently housed used office furniture and a retail blood bank, is taking shape as Two Americas Plaza — a 28,000-square-foot retail center built around a central plaza.


Continue Reading