Houston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
A private investor has acquired the 801 Travis office tower in Houston’s central business district, marking a significant ownership shift as the property faces financial challenges. The sale, brokered by JLL, highlights a recent appraisal valuing the building at nearly $20 million, a sharp decline from its previous valuation. With 45% of the tower leased to various tenants, including law firms and energy companies, its strategic location offers convenient access to amenities like the nearby JW Marriott Downtown Houston Hotel and a well-connected transport network.
Houston – A private investor has acquired the 801 Travis office tower located in Houston’s central business district, signaling a shift in ownership amidst ongoing financial challenges for the property. The sale, arranged by JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) Capital Markets, involved representation by the court-appointed receiver with undisclosed purchase details.
The 21-story office tower spans a total area of 222,192 square feet and has been a notable structure in the Houston skyline since its completion in 1981. Notably, the tower underwent its most recent renovation in 2014, enhancing its appeal to potential tenants. The property was appraised at $33.9 million for tax purposes according to the Harris Central Appraisal District records; however, a private appraisal valued it at nearly $20 million as of April 2024, trailing its $24 million loan balance.
This appraisal marks a stark decline compared to its prior purchase value of $46.3 million when LPC Realty Advisors I LP acquired it from Goddard Investment Group in April 2015. Goddard Investment Group originally obtained the 801 Travis property in September 2007 from Coast Range Investments.
At the time of the recent sale, the tower was reported to be 45% leased to various tenants, which included Edox, Houston American Energy, several law firms, and an accounting firm. The building’s features include parking garage access on floors two through eleven and a direct connection to Houston’s six-mile tunnel system, which enhances accessibility to various retail and dining options.
Additionally, 801 Travis has convenient connectivity via a skybridge to the JW Marriott Downtown Houston Hotel and nearby walkable amenities like The Understory, Greenstreet Mall, Discovery Green, and popular attractions such as the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, and The Grand Opera. The location also benefits from direct access to the METROrail, a 7.5-mile light rail line, and is near ramps to Interstates 45 and 10.
As of June 2023, Houston’s office investment volume reached $1.2 billion, ranking it second among southern U.S. markets and fifth nationally. On average, office buildings in Houston traded at $117 per square foot, significantly below the national average of $194 per square foot. Recent transactions resembling this acquisition have been facilitated by JLL for properties such as 10001 Six Pines, Reserve at Westchase, and 10101 Woodloch Forest Drive.
The deal has been coordinated by the JLL Capital Markets Investment Sales and Advisory team, which is led by Rick Goings along with Marty Hogan, Tom Hall, and analysts Gianna New and Dawson Hastings, focusing on both the sale and broader market trends.
Key Features of 801 Travis Office Tower
- Location: Houston’s central business district
- Size: 222,192 square feet
- Stories: 21
- Year Completed: 1981
- Most Recent Renovation: 2014
- Appraised Value (2024): $20 million
- Leased Status: 45% leased
- Accessibility: Skybridge to hotel, tunnels, and nearby amenities
- Transport: Access to METROrail and Interstates
FAQ
Who acquired the 801 Travis office tower?
A private investor acquired the 801 Travis office tower in Houston’s central business district.
What is the appraised value of the tower?
As of April 2024, a private appraisal valued the office tower at nearly $20 million.
What amenities are nearby the 801 Travis office tower?
Nearby amenities include The Understory, Greenstreet Mall, Discovery Green, and major attractions like the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.
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Additional Resources
- REjournals: JLL Capital Markets Closes Sale of 222,192 Square Foot Office Tower in Houston
- Chron: Travis Street Tower Sale
- The Real Deal: Notoriously Distressed Houston Office Building Hits Market
- Investing.com: Blue Dolphin Signs New Lease Extension for Houston Office
- Google Search: Houston office tower real estate
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
