HOUSTON--Griffin Partners is aiming to revitalize Houston's justice complex.

The firm announced last Wednesday that it has entered into a joint venture with Shorenstein Properties LLC for the possible redevelopment of the former ExxonMobil headquarters at 800 Bell, a 45-story high-rise in downtown.

The building, built in 1962 for Humble Oil's headquarters, will have 1.2 million square feet of space on offer once ExxonMobil makes its move to The Woodlands in April.

“It's interesting and exciting,” Fred Griffin, Griffin Partners' chairman, told GlobeSt.com. “This will give the city of Houston another option.”

Griffin believes that 800 Bell could be transformed successfully; currently, the justice center is spread out over “four or five buildings.”

"My hope is that this property will be able to meet the needs being explored at City Hall," says Griffin. "I am fully aware that there are many issues that need to be addressed by Griffin Partners, Shorenstein and the city of Houston to determine if 800 Bell meets the needs for a new City of Houston Justice Complex. We are now approaching the city to discuss details."

Griffin says that ExxonMobil is leaving the space in good, usable condition, and that the transition could take from 15-18 months to complete.

In addition, the asset is within walking distance of a new connection to the underground pedestrian tunnel system. The building was purchased by Shorenstein in January 2013 and is currently being leased back to ExxonMobil until the company moves this spring.