Downtown Houston is being transformed into a trendy hot spot with the arrival of a mixed-used development, the Houston Pavilions. The $170 million project will contain 360,000 sq. ft. of retail space, 200,000 sq. ft. of office space and a 480,000 sq. ft., 1,525-space parking garage.

“Houston Pavilions represents another turning point in the evolution of downtown,” says Bob Eury, president of Central Houston Inc., and executive director of the Houston Downtown Management District. “As a major activity center, the Pavilions will create sustainability and establish synergies with downtown's other uses.”

Houston Pavilions will consist of three levels, two of which will be connected by sky bridges. The first two floors of the development will be occupied by retail tenants and the third floor will include entertainment venues. Each anchor tenant will occupy more than 24,000 sq. ft. and amenities include a central courtyard and streetscapes for alfresco dining. Houston Pavilions is slated to open October 2008.

William Denton and Geoffrey Jones are developing the project. Denton, president and CEO of Entertainment Development Group Inc., also built Denver Pavilions. Jones, president and CEO of the Texas Real Estate Fund Inc., has developed retail and office projects in the greater Houston area.