M&L Properties Inc. of Houston, led by the Nathan J. Klein family, is the developer. Gregory G. Lewis of Lewis Property Co. is the fee developer and will market, manage and lease the 2071 Westheimer Rd. development. The calendar is marked for an end of the year delivery.

Lewis tells GlobeSt.com that talks are underway with several national retailers with "an urban edge." He says the center, albeit small, is rising with a sharp eye on details because the owners are planning to keep it in the family for generations.

Designed by Levinson Associates of Houston, the project features a frameless green glass storefront and patio area. The land, positioned near the Westheimer Road and Shepherd Drive, was acquired in December 2003 from Chevron USA Inc. in a delayed 1031 Exchange. M&L Properties subsequently sold a property along Fondren Road in Houston. Lewis says the Klein family owns several sites along South Shepherd Drive. Lewis, who specializes in Inner Loop properties, is in the midst of repositioning the Klein's 35-property retail portfolio.