Writer: Andrea Teran
3 min read December, 2023 — As 2023 comes to a close, the city of Houston is gearing up for a new era of growth with key milestones set to be reached on infrastructure projects that look to enhance connectivity, mobility, and economic vitality.
United takes off: A $2.6 billion transformation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Houston is set to become a major aviation hub with United Airlines’ ambitious expansion and renovation project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, originally constructed in 1969. The endeavor includes the addition of 40 gates capable of accommodating larger aircraft, resulting in a 40% increase in passenger capacity by 2026. United is the largest airline in Houston, with more than 14,000 employees and 400 daily departures. Additionally, the airline hired more than 2,100 people locally in 2023 and expects to add another 1,500 in 2024. This expansion is also expected to create an additional 4,000 construction jobs. Terminal B will feature 22 mainline, narrow-body gates, expanded curbside and roadway capacity, upgraded ticketing lobbies, and two new passenger concourses. The expansion also includes 115,000 square feet of food and retail space, enhancing the overall traveler experience. United’s commitment goes beyond infrastructure, introducing new direct flights. For instance, starting from April 1, 2024, United will operate a thrilling new route to Georgetown, Guyana, with flights scheduled four times a week. This significant investment not only elevates Houston’s air travel experience but also solidifies United’s role as a key player in the city’s economic landscape.
NHHIP: Enhancing Houston’s highway connectivity
The North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) is a pivotal initiative reshaping the city’s highway landscape. With a $9 billion budget, the project aims to reconstruct I-45N, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance safety. After years of planning, studying, and designing, followed by public protests and a county lawsuit, the expansion of I-45 through downtown is now on the horizon.
“Our focus presently is on Segment 3, which will be the area that we move forward with first,” Raquelle Lewis, the southeast Texas communications director for TxDOT, said in a statement. “We are looking at getting started with the first project in Segment 3 in 2024, and so we probably have anywhere from seven to 10 years before we see the Segment 3 elements completed.”
Segment 3 of the NHHIP, which alone comprises nine individual projects, is the portion that runs right through downtown Houston, including a drainage improvement project along St. Emanuel to retrofit the right-of-way.
Midway’s CityCentre 6: A Skyline continues to evolve
In the heart of west Houston, Midway is set to break ground in March 2024 on CityCentre 6, an $87.5 million office tower that promises to be a jewel in the CityCentre mixed-use development. With a sleek design by Kirksey Architecture, the 310,000-square-foot tower will provide space for both work and leisure, with rooftop terraces, retail spaces, and an urban plaza, contributing to the city’s vibrant commercial landscape. The project, scheduled for completion in October 2025, represents a continued commitment to enhancing Houston’s business and entertainment landscape, offering a dynamic environment for professionals and visitors alike.
Houston’s urban renaissance: Autry Park and East Blocks
Autry Park and East Blocks represent Houston’s commitment to urban development, connectivity, and community living. Autry Park’s 14-acre urban village in Montrose aims to create a vibrant living space with Hanover Autry Park and Hanover Parkview leading the way. Meanwhile, East Blocks, a redevelopment initiative in EaDo, seeks to transform former warehouses into a 10-block mixed-use district. Both projects are poised to redefine the city’s urban experience, offering diverse amenities and fostering a sense of community in the heart of Houston.
Houston’s rising stars: Major Developments in the works
Looking ahead, Houston’s skyline is set to welcome several remarkable additions. The Residences at The Allen is the first luxury condominium-hotel tower built in Houston in years, featuring a high-end high-rise with 99 condominium units paired with a 171-key Thompson Hotel in the same tower and began delivering units to residents during September 2023. Featuring a design resembling a spaceship, The Pavilion at the Allen is set to debut Meduza Mediterrania, a new restaurant concept, on the top floor in early 2024. Additionally, The Commons at Memorial Park, Arco Del Tiempo, and The Grand at 249, which underscore the city’s commitment to green spaces, public art, and retail diversity, are all scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.
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