The Ranch Office, an innovative co-working brand, will open its second location in Greater Houston in a newly delivered class A project in Katy's emerging Boardwalk District.
The Ranch Office at Katy has leased 16,312 sf or nearly 79% of Boardwalk Crossing Phase I, which is strategically positioned in the city's commercial bull's eye at the intersection of Kingsland Boulevard and the AMC Drive entrance to Katy Mills Mall. A grand opening is penciled for Q1.
"We feel we've picked a spot that is geographically favorable to the Katy community and located in a booming area with exciting development in the works," says Ranch Office founder Michael Haapaniemi.
Boardwalk Crossing is a two-phase development on 5.32 acres bordered by the mall's ring road and Kingsland. Directly across the freeway is the under-construction 304-key Hyatt Regency and Katy Convention Center, the centerpiece for a 169-acre mixed-use district with a man-made 90-acre lake, trails and nature preserve. Also within walking distance is Texas Typhoon water park.
Gold Key Partners, developer of Boardwalk Crossing, acquired the site in 2017 shortly after Katy's public/private partnership for the district was approved. "Katy is striving to be a self-sufficient city. I wanted in on the ground floor of this new district," says Jeff Goldberg of the Houston-based development firm.
Boardwalk Crossing Phase I totals 21,758 sf. Ground could break by year's end on a 23,000-sf second phase. Bob Conwell, senior vice president of NewQuest Properties, is leasing the development for Gold Key Partners, also the project's general contractor. He and Goldberg co-brokered the Ranch Office lease.
"In my opinion, this is an infill location for Katy considering the city's growth and expansion," Conwell says. "There is pent-up demand for Boardwalk Crossing's space. It's a good location that will only get better when the Hyatt Regency and convention center open."
The Ranch Office at Katy has the distinction of being the first tenant in Boardwalk Crossing. The remaining 4,464-sf end cap in phase I is earmarked as restaurant space. Phase II's preleasing campaign is targeting medical users and restaurant groups. Designed by Houston architect Anthony Vu, the buildings will bookend a one-acre parking lot, offering an abundance of spaces for future tenants.
"Whatever restaurant we sign is going to do very well there," Conwell says.
Adding to the site's dynamics are several nearby residential developments like Falcon Point, an upscale golf community with country club amenities. Katy Boardwalk District's master plan also includes lofts, townhomes and lakefront single-family homes.
"What I really like is Boardwalk Crossing's accessibility to I-10 and people's homes in addition to an abundance of food and shopping options," Haapaniemi says. "The Ranch Office is not just office space. We are creating a community experience that will serve as home away from home for small businesses."
The Ranch Office at Katy will offer more than 60 private offices in varying sizes to accommodate one person and teams of up to 10. Hot desk space and conference/meeting rooms will be available. Other perks are phone booths, event space, patio, kitchen and food and beverage options, including a "beer on tap" amenity featuring local brews. The co-working concept also includes the Ranch Studio, a signature full-service gym accessible to members, with facilities that can be utilized by personal trainers and yoga instructors for classes.
"We have found there are a lot of cool synergies that go on between our co-working and fitness spaces," Haapaniemi says.
Haapaniemi attained 100% occupancy within nine months at his first Ranch Office location, which opened in 2019 at 1220 Blalock Rd. in Houston's Spring Branch/Memorial submarket. Co-working members will be permitted to use the Katy site and vice versa.
"We are focused on bringing Southern hospitality into the office environment," says the Ranch Office founder.
SOUTH TEXAS LEASE
The Ranch Office at Katy Boardwalk has leased 16,312 sf of office space in Boardwalk Crossing Phase I, located at the intersection of Kingsland Boulevard and AMC Drive, Katy, from Boardwalk Crossing LLC. Bob Conwell of NewQuest Properties represented the landlord. Jeff Goldberg of Gold Key Partners represented the tenant.
Eye Boutique LLC has leased 1,634 sf of retail space in Washington Central, 4015 Washington Ave., Houston, from DZ Washington LLC. Nick Ramsey and Ashley Strickland of NewQuest Properties represented the landlord. Mike Ashmore of Engel & Volkers represented the tenant.
SOUTH TEXAS SALES
Humble Westfield Property Inc. has purchased 4.41 acres at 14910 Humble Westfield Rd., Humble, from Macau Realty Inc. Dave Ramsey and Brad Elmore of NewQuest Properties represented the seller. Anne Vickery of Anne Vickery & Associates LLC represented the buyer.
LoRey Properties LLC has purchased a 13,740-sf warehouse on 0.46 acres at 4750 Irvington Blvd., Houston, from Ruiz Wholesale Co. Chris Dray of NewQuest Properties represented the seller. Juan Miranda of Mission Realty represented the buyer.
American Food of Beaumont LLC has purchased 1.56 acres at 510 Interstate 10 N, Beaumont, from Calder 10 Ltd. John Nguyen and Grace La of NewQuest Properties represented the buyer. Sam Parigi of Parigi Investments Inc. represented the seller.
NewQuest Properties, founded in 2001, is a privately owned, full-service commercial real estate firm specializing in development, land brokerage, leasing, tenant representation, investment sales and property management services. Headquartered in Houston, NewQuest owns a portfolio encompassing more than 60 retail and mixed-use projects valued at $2.2 billion and provides leasing services for more than 12 million square feet of commercial space in Texas, Louisiana and throughout the U.S.
