First Bar Comes to Tunnel Network as Grand Opening Commences

HOUSTON—Coinciding with Understory’s grand opening this week, a long-term agreement has been reached to bring a new cocktail bar to the 35,000-square-foot community hub and culinary market at the Bank of America Tower development. Silver Lining, a new concept from local duo Roveen “Ro” Abante and Florenico “Diko” Jopio III, is set to open later this summer, bringing Understory to 88% leased with one of seven restaurant stalls remaining, according to developer Skanska.

“We are excited to finally unveil Silver Lining as the latest addition to our dynamic lineup of upscale food and beverage offerings at Understory. This will be the first and only standalone bar in the entire tunnel network and will tie the market together with delicious, refreshing cocktails that are inspired by each of our chef-driven concepts,” said Matt Damborsky, executive vice president for Skanska USA Commercial Development in Houston.

Situated adjacent to the new Milam art wall, Silver Lining will occupy 262 square feet of the 9,000-square-foot culinary market. In addition to planning regular programming for the space, Silver Lining will provide bar service for corporate events and other functions taking place in The Assembly and SkyPark.

Silver Lining joins East Hampton Sandwich Co., Boomtown Coffee, Mama Ninfa’s Tacos y Tortas, MONA Fresh Italian Food, Flip ‘n Patties and SeaSide Poké as the first seven tenants at Understory.

“We are excited to showcase Understory’s full range of offerings during our official grand opening starting on August 12,” Damborsky tells GlobeSt.com. “This week-long celebration, which is free and open to the public, will feature specials from our signature tastemakers, live entertainment, games and more as Understory marks the transition to expanded hours. For the first time ever, there will be a place in the Houston tunnel network that is actively programmed, from morning to night, with the best in local culture, commerce and cuisine.”

Silver Lining is a brand-new concept from Abante and Jopio, who have successfully operated restaurants and bars in Houston for nearly a decade. The pair is best known for owning and operating Lincoln Bar on Washington Avenue which opened in 2015 and previously featured food offerings from Understory neighbor Flip ‘n Patties.

Prior to Lincoln Bar, the duo were early investors in Proof Rooftop Lounge. The name for the pair’s latest concept is inspired by the large hanging art installation above the bar that is visible from Capitol, Rusk and Milam streets.

“Our vision for this bar experience aligned well with Skanska’s, and we shared a deep passion and energy for this project,” said Abante. “To be the only standalone bar in the entire tunnel network is really exciting. We look forward to growing the bar program at this new location and to exploring exciting opportunities with Skanska in the future.”

Nick Hernandez, Crystal Allen and Laceee Wilke from Transwestern represented Skanska and Silver Lining in the transaction.

The Houston retail market continued to show positive market fundamentals at mid-year as vacancy declined, rental rates increased and the construction pipeline remained robust, according to a second quarter report by Transwestern. Preleased deliveries kept direct vacancy in a healthy range during the second quarter, dropping 20 basis points to 5.2% for all property types.

Notable projects that delivered during the second quarter include Texas City Bay Shopping Center (95,000 square feet preleased to Conn’s and Planet Fitness), 2450 Pearland (55,000 square feet preleased to Hobby Lobby) and the Shops at Katy Reserve (37,000 square feet preleased to 24-Hour Fitness). The construction pipeline currently sits at 3.8 million square feet as developers continue to break ground on projects in expanding suburban markets.

Of note, Sienna Crossing broke ground on its latest phase which includes 60,000 square feet of retail preleased to 24-Hour Fitness and Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods.