I moved in 2006 when it wasn’t very popular yet and new apartment complexes were still being built. In the 1980s, Houston Midtown was a district (can’t remember if it was the 2nd or 3rd district) and probably the only part of Houston with negative real estate growth.
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that a developer called Post Properties bought large pieces of land and relocated the former owners to subsidized housing. They built a 529-unit property called Post Midtown Square. I don’t remember the first year they opened.
After Post Midtown Apartments in Houston came Midtown Arbor Place, built in 1998, formerly known as Broadstone Midtown Apartments. From there came the Amli Midtown now known as Metro Midtown Apartments.
So really these 3 apartments in the late 90’s started what has now become the most popular place for singles and 30 somethings. Following these apartments came a new bar called the Front Porch, which is within walking distance (outside) of Post Midtown Square. Ferragos world cuisine restaurant, Cyclone Anayas (spelled correctly) Mexican restaurant, and Buffalo Wild Wings retail center, Club Deco, Darque Tan, Star Bucks, and Randalls Groceries soon followed.
Houston Midtown in general is extending its boundaries south towards the Houston Museum District and the Texas Medical Center. An apartment called Ventana At Midtown is famous for being bright yellow and 5-6 stories tall (I think it’s 8 stories) and within walking distance of the light rail. It is also very luxurious, it looks like a skyscraper when you walk into the leasing office. Shortly after banks and pharmacies came into existence, various clubs and lounges sprang up. Lounges like Bond, The Roof, FIX, Deco, PubFiction, Swivel and many more (which ones am I forgetting?)
You’ll see heavy traffic and struggle to find a parking space outside of these apartments, especially in Post Midtown Square, and credit goes to the many coffee shops, sushi bars, and retail stores. However, there is ample parking in apartment garages and street parking. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a friend at Midtown Apartments, you can get the access code and park in the visitor lot.
Camden Midtown Apartments, 2222 Smith and Sabine St Lofts soon followed and the Midtown explosion began with rents rising to over $1000 and 2 bedrooms costing over $1500. College grads and young professionals seem to be drawn to Midtown. I think the attraction is mostly the new modern conveniences, the new complexes, and the ridiculously large patios and pools that have made each of these Midtown apartments so popular for “summer pool parties.”