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 HKS from its previous office 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. The brokerage practice is now led by Chip Colvill.
JPMorgan Chase Tower underwent a $25 million renovation in 2021. The upgrades included revamping the first- and second-floor lobbies, improving tunnel access, modernizing the exterior plaza, and adding a new conference center that spans two floors with capacity for up to 150 people. The former Sky Lobby on the 60th floor has been converted into a tenants-only “Sky Lounge.” A glass pyramid entry inspired by the Louvre serves as an architectural highlight of the building. Restaurant tenants and outdoor seating have also been added to encourage pedestrian activity in downtown Houston.
Brad Beasley said these renovations have helped Hines retain existing tenants and attract new ones.
HKS remains active in Houston’s civic and institutional planning efforts. Earlier this year, it was among several architecture firms that submitted proposals for potential changes at NRG Park. HKS focused on layouts for NRG Arena as part of broader master planning discussions; no redesigns have been approved yet.
Beasley’s team also recently brokered a lease for Trammell P.C., securing 4,000 square feet at San Felipe Place in River Oaks. This brought occupancy at the Class A building to over 95 percent. JLL’s Anya Marmuscak said the law firm prioritized newer construction and space for future growth.
