HOUSTON—Upper Kirby is a network of historic neighborhoods juxtaposed within new urban/mixed-use developments and economic centers near Greenway Plaza, downtown, The Galleria and the Texas Medical Center. Upper Kirby visitors, workers and residents have access to retail, fine art and eateries, all within walking distance of where they live, work and play.

As redevelopment in Upper Kirby continues to evolve, the Upper Kirby Management District and Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority are pushing aggressive efforts forward in order to get in front of the growing density. The entities are responding with needed infrastructure and pedestrian improvements that will allow Upper Kirby to grow smart without compromising the unique atmosphere, history and character that defines it, GlobeSt.com learns.

Two significant projects recently contributed to this effort, with varying degrees of completion. The grand (re)opening of Levy Park took place after years of work on the part of the Levy Park Conservancy and the Upper Kirby District. The new design by the Office of James Burnett reorients and redesigns the existing 5-acre park.

Levy Park now features two large lawns for recreation, a large children's playground featuring a raised walkway through the tree canopies, a dog park, a community garden and performance pavilion. This is the third park Biederman Redevelopment Ventures created with the Office of James Burnett, following the opening of Klyde Warren Park in Dallas in 2012 and LeBauer Park in Greensboro, NC in 2016.

Hired by the Upper Kirby District in 2015, Biederman developed and executed the programming for the new park as well as its operations and revenue development plans, recruited and trained the park's new management team, and contracted with celebrity chef Tim Love to develop a restaurant and two kiosks in the park.

Also in the Upper Kirby District, Thor Equities recently announced the topping out of the residential tower at Kirby Collection. This is Thor's new 1 million-square-foot mixed-use development located near the River Oaks neighborhood scheduled for completion in September 2017.

The 25-story 385,000-square-foot residential tower encompasses 199 rental units, with a choice of 21 different floor plans including townhomes, garden lofts and penthouses. Residences feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a balcony and wine cooler in all units.

The residential tower at Kirby Collection will overlook a clubhouse deck with more than an acre of landscaped amenities including a pool and cabanas, fitness center, business center and lounge. The penthouse level will feature a rooftop terrace, as well as a skyview lounge with a furnished gourmet kitchen and views of the skyline. Other amenities are ample garage parking, valet parking including bicycle valet and a private entrance with 24-hour security.

Thor Equities also recently announced the topping out of 3200 Kirby, the office tower at Kirby Collection. The 13-story 186,000-square-foot class-A building is in close proximity to four of the city's largest employment hubs including CBD Houston, the Galleria/Uptown District, Greenway Plaza and the Texas Medical Center.

In addition, two levels of prime retail space totaling 65,000 square feet will be home to restaurants, nightlife and shopping. Thor recently leased 33,830 square feet at Kirby Collection to Pinstripes, a popular dining and entertainment venue featuring a variety of activities including bowling and bocce, as well as a bistro serving Italian and American cuisine.

E.E. Reed Construction is the general contractor for the Kirby Collection. Richard Keating Architecture is the design architect, Dianna Wong Architecture + Design is the interior designer and Kirksey is the architect of record. Walter P. Moore is the structural engineer and WYLIE is the mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineer.

Instant Insights /

Aggressive Push to Get in Front of Growing Density

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