HKS, an architecture firm based in Dallas, has signed a lease for 11,200 square feet at JPMorgan Chase Tower in downtown Houston. The move relocates the company from its previous location at the Jones on Main complex at 712 Main Street to 600 Travis Street, a 75-story building owned by Hines.
Cresa’s Christopher Schafer and Dustin Cruz represented HKS in the transaction. Hines was represented by Michael Anderson, Brad Beasley, and Diana Bridger of Partners Real Estate. Chip Colvill leads the brokerage practice involved in securing the tenant.
JPMorgan Chase Tower underwent a $25 million renovation in 2021 that updated the first- and second-floor lobbies, improved tunnel access, and modernized the exterior plaza. The building now features a two-floor conference center with capacity for up to 150 people and a tenants-only “Sky Lounge” on the former 60th floor Sky Lobby. A glass pyramid entry inspired by the Louvre serves as a prominent design feature. Restaurant tenants and outdoor seating have been added to increase pedestrian activity downtown.
Brad Beasley noted that these upgrades have helped Hines retain current tenants and attract new ones: “The refresh has been key to Hines retaining existing tenants and winning new ones.”
HKS remains active in Houston’s civic planning efforts. Earlier this year, it was among several architecture firms submitting proposals for potential changes at NRG Park. The firm’s work focused on layouts for NRG Arena; broader master planning is ongoing, but no redesigns have been approved yet.
Elsewhere, Beasley’s team recently brokered a lease for Trammell P.C. at San Felipe Place in River Oaks, bringing occupancy of that building above 95 percent. JLL’s Anya Marmuscak said about the law firm’s decision: “The group prioritized newer construction and room to grow.”
