Direct Energy To Relocate Headquarters To Downtown Office Tower
Renovation plans for 2 Houston Center have garnered the attention of a major energy company.
Direct Energy signed a 106K SF office lease to occupy floors six and seven at 909 Fannin St. in Downtown Houston. This marks the largest office deal at 2 Houston Center to date, according to a press release. The company, which has 930 employees in Houston, will relocate its headquarters from Greenway Plaza in April 2021.
“We are very excited to relocate our headquarters and employees to Downtown Houston," Direct Energy Head of Real Estate and Facilities Management Ron Lewis said in a release. "The energy behind the Houston Central Business District’s downtown revitalization plan, along with Brookfield Properties’ commitment to the redevelopment of 2 Houston Center, offers us the opportunity for a more engaging and collaborative work environment amid one of the most active parts of the Houston metro area. We are confident that becoming a member of this vibrant community, with first-rate live, work, play options will help us retain and continue to attract the top talent essential to drive business growth."
Brookfield Properties earlier this year announced a major redevelopment of Houston Center, which included modernizing the building's exterior, activating the street-level plaza with new food and beverage offerings and infusing new pockets of green space.
“Direct Energy’s decision to move to Houston Center reinforces the strength of the downtown submarket and the keen desire for a collaborative workplace located in an area with ample amenities for employees and guests,” Brookfield Properties Executive Vice President Travis Overall said in a release. “Houston’s diversified economy and business climate continue to attract new companies to our city’s urban core, and we’re pleased with the opportunity to serve these great businesses.”
CBRE's Brandon Clarke, Paul Penland, Ryan Roth, Josh O’Rear and Mark Reilly represented the tenant. Transwestern's Doug Little, David Baker, Kelli Gault and Jack Scharnberg represented the landlord, along with Brookfield's Clint Bawcom.
