major wow factor

Buzzy Asian grocery store, hot Korean BBQ spot, and hip Japanese lifestyle store anchor game-changing new West Houston plaza

99 Ranch will anchor the renovated center.

Courtesy of NewQuest Properties

A West Houston shopping center is undergoing a series of renovations intended to turn it into a destination-worthy plaza. Real estate developer NewQuest Properties has rebranded the Pavilion Center into West on West.

Located in the Westchase District at 12220 Westheimer Rd., the approximately 10-acre parcel will be anchored by Houston’s fourth 99 Ranch Market. The Asian grocery store will open an approximately 33,000-square-foot store in late 2023.

Joining 99 Ranch will be a third Houston location of Gen Korean BBQ Houston, the popular, all-you-can-eat restaurant, and Japanese retailer Teso Life. Both businesses are expected to open in late 2023 or early 2024, according to a release.

Other improvements include the installation of three large murals, one of which will be located in a common area that can host events, and improved entrances and exits to better manage traffic flow. A new facade uses stucco, aluminum, and wood look siding.

Situated near Houston’s largest concentration of Japanese people, the development is near two grocery stores that already appeal to that community: Daido Market on Westheimer and Seiwa Market on Dairy Ashford. NewQuest sees the opportunity to draw shoppers with Teso Life, which will be opening its first Houston location at West on West, and is working to secure other retailers who will appeal to both the immediate neighborhood as well as the rest of West Houston.

“The NewQuest Properties team travels globally to scout and recruit concepts and are particularly focused on the culinary space, where the goal is to identify the kind of fresh, interesting offerings that get the foodie community excited,” NewQuest executive Heather Nguyen said in a statement. “We are also aiming for the ‘wow factor’ — elements that create a memorable experience every time you visit. This direction influenced the name in a very literal way. The resulting W-O-W acronym is so fitting for what’s in store for guests from a food, fashion, and fun factor.”

shopping openings

A Montrose jewel box

Charming Montrose townhouse with 2-story atrium hits the market

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

Montrose has long been Houston’s neighborhood for the eclectic, a place where cute bungalows, mom-and-pop shops, and trendy bars and restaurants sit side-by-side. The neighborhood is a microcosm of the city itself: diverse, developing, beloved.

And even as the neighborhood has steadily gentrified, echoes of its past remain. One of those is now for sale. 1507 Harold Street, a remodeled jewel box of a space, is on the market for $950,000 and represented by Tracey Smith of Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty.

The 1950s townhome has fabulous natural light, balconies, a courtyard filled with native plants, and a funky charm that evokes the neighborhood’s past and present.

Painted tile floors and long hallways with splendid light set the tone for this home. They give way to an open, airy arrangement, showing off 1507 Harold’s nearly 3,000 square feet. The three-bedroom, two-bath home is immediately centered in its neighborhood, but also a retreat from the bustling city around it.

If the devil is in the details, 1507 Harold has plenty of them. Think painted clay tiles on the first floor and solid red oak hardwood on the second floor. Add to that custom Pedini Italian kitchen cabinets, Neolith countertops, and a Quemere custom backsplash in the kitchen. See also the epoxied garage floor with glass garage door.

Floor-to-ceiling windows not only let in the natural light, they give 1507 Harold the feeling of being surrounded by nature. That feeling is enhanced by the home's two, second-floor balconies. One of them, off the primary bedroom, overlooks the cloistered courtyard filled with native plants, park bench, and natural seating. The other faces the neighborhood. A two-story atrium provides space for meditation, contemplation, and casual gathering.

The dining room has a dry bar that’s perfect for storage and an Aobosi dual-temperature wine refrigerator. The primary bedroom has built-in bookcases and drawers, and an ensuite bath with soaking tub and shower. Sliding doors lead to the balcony.

The garden’s irrigation system waters plants daily, keeping this green space well-tended.South Texas cactus and olive trees welcome homeowners and visitors at the front entrance.

The home's welcoming vibe has to be seen to be believed. It’s rarely been on the market, and the odds are high that its next owners will keep it for a very long time. It’s just that kind of place.

Photo by Sonya Sofrankpo for Sotheby’s International Realty

1507 Harold Street is on the market for $950,000.

home-for-sale