Radom Capital and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Asset Management are excited to announce that Montrose Collective has broken ground in the heart of the city’s most in-demand neighborhood. The project includes over 100,000 sf of creative office space, more than 50,000 sf of retail space and a 10,000 sf new neighborhood library across four separate buildings.  When complete in late 2021, Montrose Collective will bring the six new dining options to the area, along with 15 boutique retail spaces for local and first-to-market merchants.

Montrose Collective has been designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture in the spirit of the neighborhood. The project marks the fifth Houston collaboration between Radom and Hsu, and the development threads three new-construction boutique workspace and retail buildings with two repurposed historic structures.

“We worked to infuse the creative character and energy of the Montrose neighborhood into every aspect of the design,” said Michael Hsu, founder and principal of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture.

The project team challenged the idea that an office building must be a boring box or that neighborhood retail needs to be a stucco strip center.  Instead, the team prioritized the human experience, designing Montrose Collective around a mature heritage live oak canopy, connecting wide sidewalks with a half-acre public garden room, and interjecting shade with a network of canopies and covered walkways. Large balconies and terraces at each level offer the building’s occupants access to the outdoors, overlooking heritage live oaks, cypress groves and a sweeping view of downtown.

“Montrose has always been Houston’s epicenter for art, the birthplace of our cafe and counter-culture, and one of our most open and complete neighborhoods,” said managing principal Steve Radom.  “We envisioned Montrose Collective as a public space that respects the existing context, weaving together community gathering spaces and porous buildings that welcome neighbors and guests.”

“We share Radom Capital’s vision of authentic community gathering places particularly in a neighborhood as integral to the fabric of Houston culture as Montrose. We are eager to collaborate with them to realize that vision,” added Hien Le, Executive Director, Real Estate Americas, at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

A large focus of the project is to provide a safe and comfortable pedestrian experience.  Acclaimed landscape architect, OJB (Office of James Burnett) designed biophilia-driven public improvements that include decoratively tiled sidewalks ranging from 6’ to 15’ wide, a large scale green wall and a network of custom planters throughout the property. Warm hardscape, custom light fixtures, draping plants and a rich emerald tile glazed stair welcome visitors to explore the project’s upper floors. At the same time, Montrose Collective features full time onsite property management, structured parking and 24-hour security.

“Our team emphasized wellness as a project goal, combining planted patios with abundant energy-efficient glazing,” said Evan Peterson, Development Director of Radom Capital.  “We also believe that great placemaking requires differentiation and texture, so we included public art, exposed structural members and warm shaded soffits to create a uniquely layered urban environment.”

The  ground-level tenants include unique cafes, retailers and boutique fitness operators. The upper floor spaces include design-driven office, beauty and service businesses, along with Houston’s first ever neighborhood library within a mixed-use project.  The library is being designed to include an outdoor planted reading terrace, children’s programming and modern technology. The library building features a dramatic expressive entry framing Montrose Boulevard, with space dedicated for a two-story custom installation to be commissioned by a local artist.

The development plans are a result of Radom’s vision to bring a modern, walkable contribution to the vibrant neighborhood in Houston. Montrose Collective marks the first joint venture between Radom Capital and JP Morgan Asset Management. The acclaimed project team includes architect Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, landscape architect OJB (Office of James Burnett), structural engineer HOK, civil engineering firm Kimley-Horn and MEP firm DBR. D.E. Harvey Builders is the project contractor. JLL provided capital market services and CBRE is handling the project’s office leasing.

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has been designing urban projects in Houston for over a decade, and the firm’s second office opened there in 2019. Montrose Collective will provide a creative canvas for local chefs, neighbors and families, Houston business owners, offices and more. For more information, please visit: https://hsuoffice.com/project/montrose-collective/ and https://www.montrosecollective.com/ and follow along on Instagram at @montrosecollective.

About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was formed in 2005 with the goal of producing locally-engaging, design-driven architecture and interiors. MHOA endeavors to create livable, neighborhood-oriented urban spaces with a diverse range of projects including mixed-use developments to original commercial interiors and residences. MHOA advocates a simple, edited design palette, using available materials and techniques to create unexpected results. For more information on MHOA, visit www.hsuoffice.com or follow on Instagram @HsuOffice.

About Radom Capital

Radom Capital is a diversified, award-winning real estate development and investment firm based in Houston, Texas. Radom Capital aspires to combine culture, creative design, and commerce in all projects. The firm’s investments include ground-up, value added, and repositioned properties with the overarching theme of molding each investment into a community-enhancing environment. Radom’s work is differentiated by enduring spaces, long-term relationships, and complex problem solving. For more information on Radom Capital, visit www.radomcapital.com or follow on Instagram at @radomcapital.

About J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives

J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives is the alternative investment arm of J.P. Morgan Asset Management. With 50 years as an alternatives investment manager, more than $146 billion in assets under management and over 700 professionals (as of September 30, 2019), we offer strategies across the alternative investment spectrum including real estate, private equity and credit, infrastructure, transportation, liquid alternatives, and hedge funds. Operating from 17 offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, our 15 independent alternative investment engines combine specialist knowledge and singular focus with the global reach, vast resources and powerful infrastructure of J.P. Morgan to help meet each client’s specific objectives. For more information: www.jpmorganassetmanagement.com.

About Harvey

Harvey | Harvey-Cleary is a leading general contracting firm based in Houston, Texas—with offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Washington, D.C.  Since its founding in 1957, Harvey | Harvey-Cleary has built a national reputation as an industry innovator—having constructed thousands of one-of-a-kind projects for clients from across the country.  With more than 700 employees nationwide and buildings in 26 states—including many of the most prominent buildings in Houston—Harvey | Harvey-Cleary is a major force in the construction industry. The company’s approach to contracting—which emphasizes full collaboration, leading-edge expertise, and an abiding commitment to integrity—is unique among most general contracting firms. And it’s allowed Harvey | Harvey-Cleary to build in every industry—including office, medical and research, hospitality, industrial, retail, high-rise, and corporate interiors.