Means Knaus Partners Readies for 150,000 SF

HOUSTON-Means Knaus Partners LP will launch the new year by commencing the final projects in its Oak Park at Westchase. The $75-million, two-phase office project, situated on 8.4 acres, will begin with One Oak Park, a 150,000-sf spec building scheduled to break ground by the second week of January.

Meanwhile, the adjacent Two Oak Park will be a build-to-suit. “Depending on the size of the tenant, we have the ability to build between 150,000 sf to 300,000 sf if needed,” comments Doug Knaus, a principal with Means-Knaus. The buildings are at Rogerdale Road and Town Park Drive.

Knaus says the company is talking to prospects for Two Oak Park, and potential tenants are showing interest in taking space at One Oak Park. The asking rent for One Oak Park, which will be completed by January 2009, is $21 per sf, net. Colvill Office Properties in Houston is the leasing agent.

Means-Knaus is also seeking LEED certification for both structures, which are being designed by local architect Gensler. Tribble & Stephens Constructors Ltd., also of Houston, is the general contractor.

Means Knaus acquired the 220-acre, master-planned Oak Park at Westchase in 1999. Other companies in the park include Halliburton, United Recovery Systems, Veritas DGC, MI Drilling and Jacobs Engineering Group.

“Almost all of the major tenants within Oak Park are expanding right now, so One and Two Oak Park are being built on the last developable tract there,” Knaus tells GlobeSt.com. Knaus wouldn’t speculate on whether his company would hold or sell the asset upon its completion.

The company, however, will move on to another class A office building. Though information about the project is still under wraps, Knaus says it will be located in an infill, high-density location.