Describe the history of the land and key milestones in the development of the project.
Sawyer Yards is located in Houston's historic First Ward. Today, the term “First Ward” has come to refer to the area bounded by Washington Avenue to the south, I-10 to the north, I-45 to the east, and Sawyer Street to the west. Founded in the 1800s, the First Ward has historically been a working-class neighborhood. With its location close to Market Square, Buffalo Bayou, and two parallel railroad lines, the First Ward served as a major artery for the shipment of goods in Houston’s early days. Many First Ward residents worked for the railroads or in shops that served that industry. Today, the two train lines are a historic reminder of this aspect of the neighborhood’s history. The First Ward's economic base was heavily industrial for much of its history, and industrial service companies including Matheson and Tejas Materials still employ hundreds.
In 2005 with the conversion of a 75,000 SQFT warehouse surrounded by a still-thriving rail yard, debuted as Winter Street Studios received the first art studio ordinance granted in Houston. Shortly after, remarkably unhampered by one of the worst real estate markets in recent history, Spring Street Studios was fully leased within months of opening. At that point, the uncovered market demand and vision to move forward and construct a dedicated creative community gained momentum.
Describe the physical building or space in more detail. Describe the sub-spaces and their relationship to one another.
Just three minutes from Houston’s downtown business district, Sawyer Yards is defined by twenty-four city blocks of industrial warehouses, revived and reimagined as an anchor for the city’s vibrant art scene. All the structures have been reclaimed rather than rebuilt, respecting the buildings’ original character. Inside, the raw expanses of the buildings remain intact but improved by high-quality gallery lighting, secure spaces, and open areas designed specifically for artists and other creative entrepreneurs. Sawyer Yards continues to add artisanal eating, drinking, retail, residential, and recreational opportunities for tenants and visitors.
If multiple developers, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: City of Springfield Redevelopment Authority; Springfield Investors I
Jon Deal; The Deal Company
Steve Gibson; Western General
Frank Liu; Lovett Commercial
Please indicate the owner(s) if they are not the same as the developer(s). If multiple owners, please separate their names with a semicolon.
Jon Deal; The Deal Company
Steve Gibson; Western General
Frank Liu; Lovett Commercial
Todd Johnson; J5 Equities
If multiple primary designers, please separate their names with a semicolon. Example: Best Studio; Buildings + Buildings
Bill Neuhaus, Liz Ann Cordill; Studio Red Architects
Keiji Asakura with Asakura Robinson; Asakura Robinson
Ludwig Fontalvo Abello; StudioLFA
Lettie Harrell; LH2 Architecture
Robert Morris / Rudy Colby; Colby Design