New details have emerged on a proposed mixed-use development planned on nearly 17 acres inside the Loop.
The owner of the former Exxon Mobil Research Center at the southwest intersection of West Alabama and Buffalo Speedway is seeking a building variance from the city of Houston to develop the site into a complex of high-end offices, shops and apartments.
Details of the project, which is referred to in documents as River Oaks Green but has also been marketed as The RO, include a two-phased development with eight parcels. The property is situated between Greenway Plaza and the River Oaks neighborhood at 3120 Buffalo Speedway.
"The proposed redevelopment contemplates transforming West Alabama Street and Buffalo Speedway into an aesthetically pleasing pedestrian realm to serve and enhance the commercial and residential uses," according to a document filed with the city.
Architecture and design firms associated with the project include Pickard Chilton, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, OJB Mayfield and Ragni Studio and Preston Partnership.
The ownership, a joint venture between San Francisco-based Spear Street Capital and Transwestern Development Co., is asking the city to approve a 9.5-foot building line along the west side of Buffalo Speedway to allow for architectural features, overhangs and cantilevered building area, according to the variance request. City code typically requires a 25-foot building line.
At last Thursday's Planning Commission meeting, the vote on the variance was deferred until next month's meeting.
Transwestern is developing the project and also providing leasing services. A marketing brochure describes the project's uses:
* 310,000 square feet of office space
* 644 residential units
* 65,000 square feet of restaurants and shop space, and
* a 200-room hotel with 175 living units
-Nancy Sarnoff of The Houston Chronicle