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4/05/24
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The Laura, a new 359-unit apartment development in Houston, has opened to the public. The project is part of the first phase at Midway’s East River campus that is transforming Houston's waterfront east of downtown into a bustling mixed-use hub.
Strategically positioned to frame Houston's impressive downtown skyline, The Laura serves as a gateway to East River, extending the legacy of the Historic Fifth Ward and East End (Second Ward) neighborhoods. The namesake “Laura” is an accolade to the steamboat the Allen brothers sailed to prove Buffalo River’s navigability in 1837—a courageous move that solidified the future of the Port of Houston. The building’s design reflects the industrial heritage of its locale, incorporating elements that nod to steamboats, railroads, and warehouses, all while providing modern living spaces designed for today's active lifestyles. Common spaces feature an extensive collection of one-of-a-kind artworks by local artists including a mural by Daniel Anguilu and light installation by MoonPappas.
"The design of The Laura at East River is a harmonious blend of industrial innovation and cultural resonance, paying homage to the legacy of the Steamboat Laura,” said Kelie Mayfield, founder and CEO of MaRS Culture and MaRS Mercantile, who handled interior design of the building’s common spaces. “We aimed to create a multifamily space that not only echoes the industrious spirit of Houston but also weaves a narrative of the East End's vibrant culture. Through repurposed elements, custom light columns, and carefully curated color palettes, The Laura emerges as a living canvas, telling a story that unfolds with every step, inviting residents to be part of a dynamic and creatively charged community."
The Laura's unique layout is designed to maximize views and includes numerous courtyards and dynamic spaces that pay tribute to the industrial character of the area. Residents enjoy a double-height lobby that serves as a social hub, complete with a warehouse aesthetic, multiple lounge areas and innovative features like shipping containers repurposed into collaborative workspaces and a coffee bar. Amenities are located within the central portion on the ground floor and include a fitness center, pool, outdoor kitchen, catering kitchen, game lounge, dog park, pet spa, bicycle storage and workshop, package room and refrigerated package storage. The exterior of the building will also house dynamic ground-floor retail.
Residences range from studios to two-bedroom units, with sizes from 431 sf to 1.4k sf. Select homes feature private balconies with downtown and Buffalo Bayou views. All units are equipped with modern kitchens, in-unit laundry, electric door locks, solar window shades and stainless-steel appliances. The Laura also offers quality workforce housing for professionals serving the community, designed for those earning at or below 80% of the area median income.
Construction on East River’s first phase is complete, and several office tenants have moved into their new spaces including Impact Networking, Method Architecture, TEAL and Suderman & Young Towing Company. OJB Landscape Architecture has moved into their new building, one of the first “Studio” for-sale office buildings. A host of retail, dining and entertainment establishments are set to open this spring and summer, further enhancing the live-work-play environment. Confirmed tenants include City Cellars HTX, Kyuramen, La Calle Tacos & Cantina, Lick Honest Ice Creams, Tomi Jewelry, URBN Dental, EADO Eye Studio, Houston Maritime Center + Museum, and Le Tesserae by The Astorian, Champions Mortgage. Midway is also developing the new headquarters for Port Houston within the development’s first phase.
The Laura was developed by Midway and is leased and managed by Parkway. The project team included Munoz + Albin, design architect; EDI International, architect of record; MaRS, interior design; and OJB Landscape Architecture, landscape architect.
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