Port Houston Moving to Midway’s East River Development

Port Houston is jumping ship.

The port is ditching its space at the Turning Basin Terminal, near 610 Loop East, and moving to Midway’s sprawling East River development in Fifth Ward, northeast of downtown Houston, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Port Houston, which operates multiple terminals along the 52-mile Houston Ship Channel, will work with developer Midway on a building comprising 96,000 square feet across six floors, along with an adjoined parking garage with 300 spaces. Port Houston aims to move to its new offices by summer 2025, while its current administrative building at 111 East Loop North is set to be demolished.

East River is a 150-acre, $2.5 billion project along Buffalo Bayou that’s slated for offices, retail, apartments and ample recreation space. The first phase is expected to open in the fall.

“This location takes us back to our original roots where the Houston Ship Channel began, while also providing our staff with a collaborative environment and a modern workspace that all Houstonians can be proud of,” Port Houston executive director Roger Guenther told the outlet.

The new East River building will house other tenants in the nautical realm, including Houston Maritime Center, a museum dedicated to the history of sea exploration, and tug service provider Suderman & Young Towing.

Port of Houston officials have backed the move, mentioning the imminent growth that’s likely to stem from the East River project.

—Quinn Donoghue