HOUSTON—After combing the downtown landscape for other space options, one national law firm realized there is no place like home. And, a nearly $50 million renovation of its existing building was a key factor, say parties involved in the transaction.
Chamberlain, Hrdlicka, White, Williams & Aughtry recently extended its lease in Two Allen Center until 2028. Under the terms of the new agreement, Chamberlain Hrdlicka will continue leasing its 55,178 square feet of office space on the 13th and 14th floors of Two Allen Center.
“Chamberlain Hrdlicka's re-commitment to Two Allen Center is an affirmation on both of the strength of downtown Houston and Brookfield's aim to create a uniquely vibrant and sought-after destination,” said Travis Overall, executive vice president and head of the Texas region for Brookfield. “Through our recent and planned place-making efforts at Allen Center, we want to help leading companies attract, retain and motivate today's top talent, and Chamberlain Hrdlicka is the latest example of an innovative company that shares that vision.”
Allen Center is currently undergoing a $48.5 million renovation to transform the 3.2 million-square-foot mixed-use complex located on the southwest corner of Smith and Dallas Streets. The completed phase one renovation includes the transformation of One Allen Center's lobby with a two-story glass façade, a re-clad transparent sky bridge that connects One and Two Allen Center, co-working spaces and the signature piece of the project, a complete re-envisioning of the exterior landscaping with a 1-acre greenspace named The Acre. There is also a healthy mix of retail and amenities to attract active professionals moving downtown, GlobeSt.com learns.
“The new Allen Center renovations mirror the updates that Chamberlain Hrdlicka made in our conference centers and office space, as we both prepare for the future,” said John Meredith, chief operating officer for Chamberlain Hrdlicka.
In addition to the lease extension, Chamberlain Hrdlicka is completing a $2 million renovation of the lobbies on both floors, and adding two conference centers and client refreshment areas. Ken Harry of Abel Design Group Ltd. led the design team in the effort to combine technology and meeting innovations in the space.
“I've seen a number of buildings in downtown and this one has relatively easy access,” Meredith tells GlobeSt.com. “The planned restaurant at One Allen with outdoor space and The Acre both will be draws to the center. When we heard about Brookfield's long-term plan, we wanted to be part of it. We are also looking forward to watching the World Series parade today from The Acre.”
David Guion and Tim Relyea, executive vice chairman, both with Cushman & Wakefield, represented Chamberlain Hrdlicka in the transaction and JLL's John Pruitt, Bubba Harkins and Jessica Ochoa represented the landlord, Brookfield Property Partners.
“After analyzing every possible alternative in downtown, the firm elected to stay in Allen Center,” said Relyea. “The lawyers at Chamberlain Hrdlicka really like the recently completed renovations in and around Allen Center. With the knowledge of additional planned improvements, the lease extension was a very smart and easy decision.”
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Lisa Brown
Lisa Brown is an editor for the south and west regions of GlobeSt.com. She has 25-plus years of real estate experience, with a regional PR role at Grubb & Ellis and a national communications position at MMI. Brown also spent 10 years as executive director at NAIOP San Francisco Bay Area chapter, where she led the organization to achieving its first national award honors and recognition on Capitol Hill. She has written extensively on commercial real estate topics and edited numerous pieces on the subject.
