Downtown Houston’s office market has seen a new headquarters lease, with Third Coast Infrastructure signing for 20,800 square feet at the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower. The move brings occupancy at Skanska USA Commercial Development’s 28-story project to 62 percent.
Third Coast Infrastructure, a midstream operator based in Houston, will relocate its headquarters from Hess Tower next year. The building’s main tenant is law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, which occupies about one-third of the tower’s total 375,000 square feet. Other tenants include Boston Consulting Group and Hicks Johnson. Hicks Johnson recently moved into a 21,000-square-foot space after completing a $4.3 million build-out.
According to Third Coast Infrastructure, the decision to move was influenced by the building’s technology infrastructure, floor-to-ceiling glass windows, and amenities such as landscaped terraces and a 9,600-square-foot amenity center on the top floor. Griff Brandy of Partners Real Estate represented Third Coast in the lease negotiations.
The tower was designed by Bjarke Ingels Group and features a side-core structure intended to maximize natural light. It overlooks Discovery Green park and has attracted ground-floor tenants like Tenfold Coffee. Chef Hugo Ortega is also expected to open Zaranda restaurant in the building later this year.
Skanska describes Norton Rose Fulbright Tower as Houston’s first office tower pre-certified for LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, and WiredScore Platinum standards; it is also seeking Fitwel certification. This is downtown Houston’s first new high-rise office development since Texas Tower opened in 2021.
Third Coast Infrastructure’s lease is set for 13 years. The addition of another headquarters tenant may signal positive momentum for leasing activity in downtown Houston despite ongoing high vacancy rates across much of the submarket.
