Five years after purchasing the 53 West mixed-use development next to The Galleria, Houston-based Braun Enterprises has wrapped up an extensive renovation project aimed at bringing the property in line with modern expectations.

Situated on more than 4 acres at 5353 and 5373 W. Alabama St., 53 West comprises a total of 168,000 square feet of office space and 32,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, which includes multiple restaurants and the Conservatory food hall in the space previously occupied by Club Roxy.

“We are thrilled to complete the redevelopment of 53 West and deliver a new and in- demand office, retail and restaurant destination for Uptown Houston,” Dan Braun, president of Braun Enterprises, said in a statement. “53 West brings together our expanding Urban Office concept of flexible office spaces and creative, long-term office space merged with some of the city’s most sought-after food and beverage concepts — all in one central location.”

The redevelopment of 53 West kicked off in 2019 and included renovating and painting exterior facades, remodeling the interior office buildings, and updating ground-level storefronts.

Inside 53 West, Braun Enterprises renovated the property’s common-area restrooms, lobbies and atriums to feature new layouts, finishes, furnishings and lighting.

Braun Enterprises also upgraded 53 West’s exterior lighting along pathways surrounding the building to improve walkability and safety. Additionally, the company added new outdoor seating and landscaping.

As part of the redevelopment, one of two office towers connected by 53 West’s ground floor retail was converted to a location of Braun Enterprises' Urban Office concept.

The flexible office concept blends private office spaces with shared amenities. Businesses can rent a furnished or unfurnished space ranging from 50 to 2,000 square feet and are able to customize each space to meet their business needs.

Urban Office's shared amenities include conference rooms; phone booths; lounge areas; kitchens with complimentary coffee, tea, flavored still or sparking water, and snacks; and a mother’s room.

“53 West is a well-positioned office and retail destination at the doorsteps of major national and local shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels,” Braun said. “Paired with its superior walkability and access to key thoroughfares, we are confident our refreshed destination brings a unique and desirable experience to Uptown with its mix of sought- after retailers, Urban Office, and creative office space.”

53 West’s current tenants include Burger Chan, Hidden Omakase, Salon Lofts, LT Alterations, Med-Cure Anti-Aging & Skin Care, Memorial Hermann, Woody’s Furrs and Yorktown Dental.

Braun Enterprises purchased the property in 2019 from the Houston-based Wedge Group, which owned the 4.3-acre site since the late 1990s.

At the time, Braun said other potential buyers wanted to raze the property to build a hotel or apartment complex. His company intended to keep the property as retail and office, so it won the bid on a lower offer, he said.

This article was originally published in Houston Business Journal on Jun 25, 2024