HOUSTON—Streetwise Retail Advisors, a recently formed Houston-based firm, is comprised of real estate veterans Ed Page, Ed James and Scott Gardner. The trio has worked on numerous well-known Houston-area projects, including Highland Village and Sugar Land Town Square. GlobeSt.com's Anna Caplan recently spoke with the group about their take on the city's exciting retail scene.

GlobeSt.com: What's the current state of retail in Houston currently?

Streetwise: High occupancy levels and no new development over the past few years have created a demand for new retail in Houston. We are currently tracking 49 new developments in various stages of development in the metro area--rumor, planning stage, under development; aggressive expansion by grocers fostering shadow retail development as well; several new power centers on the drawing boards; and three or four sizable new mixed-use/lifestyle projects are also in various stages of planning and development.

GlobeSt.com: How does the city compare/what are unique issues that the city faces, compared to other cities?

Streetwise: Relative to other major markets, Houston is in a very competitive position in attracting new retailers and development. Factors include: no zoning, relatively simple entitlement process for new development, relatively low land cost, strong job growth, strong population growth, a relatively young population and a diverse, healthy economy.

GlobeSt.com: What are trends of note in the sector?

Streetwise: Because of increasing land prices inside Loop 610, most new development is going to take the form of mixed use as part of multifamily projects

[Also], the construction of, and anticipated completion this year, of the Grand Parkway from the Northwest Highway to the Eastex Freeway is stimulating explosive residential and retail growth along its path.

GlobeSt.com: What part of a "cycle" would you term retail in the city?

Streetwise: The growth stage; encouraging outlook for next two to four years.

GlobeSt.com: What does the future hold for retail in Houston?

Streetwise: Because of the factors noted above, the future of retail in Houston looks bright.