Houston developer plans to convert Kevin Roche-designed ConocoPhillips HQ to mixed-use destination

Houston-based Midway, a real estate investment, development, and management firm, plans to redevelop the former ConocoPhillips corporate headquarters site into a mixed-use destination called Watermark District at Woodcreek.

In the late 1970s, architect Kevin Roche originally designed the Conoco site so that it resembled a Japanese fishing village, with bridges over ponds and grassy areas connecting the 16 three-story office pavilions. 

To preserve this history and minimize carbon impact, Midway plans to repurpose some of the 70-acre site’s existing infrastructure while creating new office, multifamily, retail, restaurant, and hotel opportunities, all surrounded by waterfront views and outdoor walkways.

“Watermark is … an urbanization of the suburban experience in one of the fastest-growing regions in Houston,” said Brad Freels, Midway Chairman and CEO.

Midway says it will repurpose portions of the existing 1.3 million square feet of office space while preserving the low-rise, low-density work environment. Once completed, Watermark’s 650,000 square feet of office space will offer flexible floorplans, abundant natural light, and direct access to surrounding amenities.

To support a vibrant neighborhood after working hours, Midway plans to repurpose existing buildings as luxury multifamily apartments and a boutique hotel, and the development will include various restaurants, cafes, and bars. Midway also intends to modernize the existing 100,000-sf fitness facility.

In addition, Midway has partnered with cleantech social impact company 374Water to provide a fully integrated sustainable wastewater management system at Watermark. The system will transform wastewater and food wastes generated onsite into valuable resources, such as clean water, energy, and minerals, that will be reused within the district. The project also will preserve more than 500 trees. 

On the Building Team:
Owner and developer: Midway
MEP engineer: I.A. Naman
Structural engineer: VSM Structural Engineers  
Landscape architect: OJB