Council Gives Go Ahead to $50M MXD Plan

HOUSTON-A 1.5-year-effort has been completed by the Houston City Council’s approval allowing Midway Cos. to develop 10 acres owned by the Houston Airport System. Now it’s up to the Houston-based developer to find potential tenants for the site at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport.

“We’re at least 24 months out from any kind of groundbreaking,” comments Brandon Houston, Midway Cos. director of development. The goal of the project, he tells GlobeSt.com is that of a travel center to cater both to the airport’s Consolidated Rental Car Facility. As a result, there are certain things the Houston Airport System is requiring from Midway, including a convenience store with gas station, a sit-down restaurant, a fast-casual restaurant and a flight information board. Other than that, the site could boast a small office component measuring between 20,000-40,000 square feet, additional retail and maybe a hotel.

Midway chief operating officer Jonathan Brinsden tells GlobeSt.com that the Consolidated Rental Car Facility is one aspect that is driving the need for the development. The other is Bush Airport employees. “A large portion of this project will cater to the daytime workforce at the airport,” he adds.

Houston says Midway is just starting to begin the marketing process, though is looking for both local and national restaurants, as well as a convenience store tenant. “We’d like to see national restaurants for those new to Houston, who want something familiar, as well as more local fair for folks who are already around here,” he says.