Southern Land breaks ground on 953K SF mixed-use project in Houston’s Upper Kirby

• Southern Land Company breaks ground on 953,000-square-foot project
• Development includes 331 apartments, office space, and retail
• Features a 38-story residential tower and a 10-story office building

What Southern Land is building

Southern Land Company has officially broken ground on its first Houston development at 2811 Kirby Drive in the Upper Kirby district. The large-scale mixed-use project will deliver two towers rising from a shared podium, combining residential, office, and retail components in a high-growth area.

What the project includes

The development features a 38-story luxury residential tower called Lily River Oaks, which will include 331 apartments and 18 penthouses. A second 10-story tower will offer about 107,000 square feet of Class AA office space, with leasing led by Stream Realty Partners. The project will also include approximately 15,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space.

What the design means for tenants

Amenities are designed to compete at the top of the market. Residents will have access to rooftop indoor and outdoor spaces, a pool deck, garden areas, a spa, guest suites, and a fitness center. These features are aimed at attracting high-end renters and creating a full-service living experience.

What this means for Houston

This project marks Southern Land’s entry into the Houston market, signaling confidence in Upper Kirby as a prime mixed-use location. The area continues to attract development due to strong demographics, central location, and demand for high-quality residential and office space.

What this means for developers and investors

This deal reflects continued momentum in mixed-use development across major Sun Belt markets. Developers are combining residential, office, and retail to create integrated environments that drive long-term value. For investors, it highlights Houston as a key market where large-scale developments continue to move forward despite broader market uncertainty. Houston remains a top growth market where mixed-use projects are shaping the next wave of urban development.