(March 2011) – Weingarten Realty Investors (NYSE: WRI) took the next step toward its previously announced remodeling of the River Oaks Shopping Center (ROSC) with receipt of a "Certificate of Appropriateness," from the Houston Planning Department, following a review by the Houston Archeological and Historical Commission (HAHC). Weingarten's proposed plan involves painting and updating of the exterior of certain areas of the center. The next step, which will take place immediately, is to submit the plans for permitting by the city.
In the 40 years WRI has owned the Center the company has spent $50 million upgrading and remodeling the retail center so that it will continue to attract top retailers, restaurants and service providers. Over the last couple of years, Barnes & Noble has opened a signature store there, and such upscale tenants as Americas restaurant, Haute Chocolat Boutique and Houston's iconic spa, Urban Retreat have all announced upcoming openings at ROSC.
The remodeling includes repainting existing facades in two shades of neutral white, with touches of autumn red, some sandstone accent walls, freshening landscaping and improving both directional and store signage. WRI also plans to add two round end-"towers" at the corners currently occupied by Sur La Table and Luke's Locker, which replicate the historic tower above Café Ginger. In addition, the company will raise the parapets on all one-story buildings to hide roof-level utilities, air conditioners and other physical plant objects that currently detract from the beauty of the façades. The only impact to River Oaks Theater will be fresh exterior paint. "None of these enhancements impacts the historic integrity of the center," said Gerald Crump, vice president and director of WRI's Central Region. "The project overall will, however, contribute to a more enjoyable pedestrian and shopper experience at River Oaks Shopping Center," he added.
In the 40 years WRI has owned the Center the company has spent $50 million upgrading and remodeling the retail center so that it will continue to attract top retailers, restaurants and service providers. Over the last couple of years, Barnes & Noble has opened a signature store there, and such upscale tenants as Americas restaurant, Haute Chocolat Boutique and Houston's iconic spa, Urban Retreat have all announced upcoming openings at ROSC.
The remodeling includes repainting existing facades in two shades of neutral white, with touches of autumn red, some sandstone accent walls, freshening landscaping and improving both directional and store signage. WRI also plans to add two round end-"towers" at the corners currently occupied by Sur La Table and Luke's Locker, which replicate the historic tower above Café Ginger. In addition, the company will raise the parapets on all one-story buildings to hide roof-level utilities, air conditioners and other physical plant objects that currently detract from the beauty of the façades. The only impact to River Oaks Theater will be fresh exterior paint. "None of these enhancements impacts the historic integrity of the center," said Gerald Crump, vice president and director of WRI's Central Region. "The project overall will, however, contribute to a more enjoyable pedestrian and shopper experience at River Oaks Shopping Center," he added.