I moved in 2006 when it was still not very popular and new apartment complexes were still being built. In the 1980s, Houston Midtown was a neighborhood (I can’t remember if it was the second or third district) and probably the only part of Houston with negative property growth.
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that a developer named Post Properties bought large lots and relocated 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 90s started what has now become the most popular spot for singles and 30-somethings! After these apartments came a new bar called Front Porch, which is located a short distance (outside) of Post Midtown Square. It was soon followed by the Ferragos world cuisine restaurant, Cyclone Anayas (so spelled right), the Buffalo Wild Wings Mexican restaurant and mall, Club Deco, Darque Tan, Star Bucks and Randalls Groceries.
Houston Midtown in general is extending its limits south into the Houston Museum District and the Texas Medical Center. An apartment called Ventana At Midtown is famous for being bright yellow, over 5-6 stories high (I think 8 stories), and for its walking distance to the light rail. It is also very luxurious, it looks like a tall building when you enter the leasing office. Shortly after banks and pharmacies emerged, various clubs and salons sprang up. Salons like Bond, The Roof, FIX, Deco, PubFiction, Swivel and many more (which ones am I forgetting?)
You’ll see heavy traffic and have a hard time finding a place to park outside of these apartments, especially at Post Midtown Square and credit goes to the many cafes, sushi bars, and retail stores. However, there is ample parking in the apartment garages and on the street. And, if you are lucky enough to have a friend at Midtown Apartments, you can get the access code and park in the visitor parking lot.
Camden Midtown Apartments, 2222 Smith and Sabine St Lofts soon followed and the Midtown explosion began with rents increasing to over $ 1000 and 2 bedrooms costing over $ 1500. College graduates and young professionals seem drawn to Midtown. I think the attraction is primarily the new modern amenities, new complexes, and ridiculously large patios and pools that have made each of these Midtown Apartments so popular for “summer pool parties.”