One City Centre’s Next Chapter: Downtown Houston Office Tower to Become 553 Apartments

by Katie Day

Downtown Houston is about to see a major transformation. One City Centre, the 65-year-old office tower standing at the corner of Main & McKinney, is set to undergo a $26.5 million redevelopment that will breathe new life into the historic high-rise.

When it first opened, One City Centre held the title of Houston’s tallest building, standing as a symbol of the city’s booming mid-20th-century skyline. Now, decades later, the tower is embracing a new role. Instead of housing office workers, the building will soon welcome residents, with plans calling for:

553 apartments and corporate suites
Modern finishes and reimagined interiors
Shared amenities designed for downtown living

This shift is part of a growing movement in Houston: office-to-residential conversions, a trend reshaping central business districts across the country.

Why the Shift?

The pandemic accelerated changes in how Houstonians work. With many companies downsizing or adopting hybrid schedules, demand for downtown office space has dipped. At the same time, Houston has seen growing interest in urban living, especially among young professionals and empty nesters who want walkability, dining, entertainment, and culture right outside their doors.
By converting office towers into apartments, developers are meeting that demand while revitalizing historic properties that might otherwise sit underutilized.

The One City Centre project isn’t just about one building — it’s part of a larger effort to make downtown Houston more livable, 24/7. As more office towers transform into residential communities, expect:

A stronger resident base supporting local restaurants and shops
More foot traffic, creating a safer, more vibrant street life
A balance between Houston’s business identity and its growing urban lifestyle

One City Centre’s $26.5M makeover is a sign of Houston’s future: a downtown that’s not just for work, but for living. With 553 apartments and suites on the way, the project could mark a turning point in how Houstonians experience the heart of the city.

Would you make the move to downtown living?

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