In an era of one-click purchases and next-day deliveries, urban residents yearn for the once-prevalent ambiance of a lively urban environment. Heights Mercantile offers Houston an antidote. Revitalizing two acres in the heart of Houston’s historic Heights neighborhood, this low-rise, mixed-use development preserves the area’s charm while providing a vibrant “third place” to browse, socialize, and unwind.
Boutique stores, chef-driven eateries, and communal green spaces artfully blend along a series of patios, decks, and sycamore-lined walkways. Connected directly to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail, preserved bungalows with modern accents hold 16 first-to-market specialty brands and four destination restaurants – creating a dynamic retail landscape. Shade trees and low-irrigation vegetation weave together the adaptive reuse project, creating a gathering place perfect for weekend farmer’s markets or mid-week happy hours.
Balancing preservation, accessibility, and environmental integration, Heights Mercantile raises the bar for urban living. Its 100% occupancy demonstrates the demand for thoughtful mixed-use spaces that serve as community gathering places. As Houston continues to densify, projects like Heights Mercantile serve as vital centers of activity, drawing people together and fostering a strong sense of place within the urban landscape.
Monet Avenue 2.0 at Victoria Gardens
A decade after completing Victoria Gardens, the owner looked to refresh the project to maintain its relevancy. SWA redesigned a three-block streetscape and plaza along Monet Avenue. The focus is on the next generation of users, with a shopping environment that highlights the social landscape and blurs the lines between retail and recreation. The design scope i...
Suzhou Center
The Suzhou Center is a landmark urban space within the Suzhou Central Business District that embodies the spirit of the city of Suzhou as a gateway for intersecting old and new cultural and historic heritage. The successful combination of high-density development and ecological conservation will allow for Suzhou to transition to a garden city where state-of-th...
East Quarter Mixed-Use
Two neighborhoods that abut the Downtown Dallas Central Business District have been disconnected for years by derelict blocks and buildings. The East Quarter Mixed-Use development establishes a walkable retail, dining, and entertainment connection between the thriving Deep Ellum Farmer’s Market and highly programmed Arts District. The project included the pres...
One Uptown
Bringing a singular landscape design expression to a site featuring two buildings designed by different architects, the SWA/Balsley team worked to seamlessly integrate a variety of outdoor spaces to accommodate the mixed-use One Uptown. At the ground level, tree-lined streetscapes and bike lanes lead visitors to a coworking and dining courtyard along Burnet Ro...