In depth details about the proposed redevelopment, including renderings and maps, are available for viewing at City Hall. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review these documents and contact city leaders for answers to any questions.
| Who is the new developer? |
A: Griffin Partners, Inc. (Griffin), a Houston-based company owned by local businessman Fred Griffin. Mr. Griffin is a founder of, and currently serves on, the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership (BAHEP) Board of Directors and Executive Committee and is a past Chairman of the Board. He has been developing properties in the Clear Lake area for more than 20 years.
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| What does Griffin own in Nassau Bay? |
A: As of April 11, 2007, Griffin owns 12 office buildings and approximately 27 acres in Nassau Bay. The property is directly adjacent to the entrance to NASA Johnson Space Center and the vicinity around the City’s vacated City Hall. Mr. Griffin owns the largest amount of commercial property in Nassau Bay.
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| How would the character of the new development be described? |
A: Nassau Bay leadership wants a new design that will stand the test of time. The proposed layout of the development is similar to new retail development in Cinco Ranch; however, Nassau Bay’s development will have a modern, up-town architectural flavor to complement our proximity to NASA Johnson Space Center.
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| What types of development are being proposed? |
A: The developer proposes creating retail, office and multi-family residential properties, as well as a public plaza and a hotel. As part of the development, Saturn Lane will be extended to Space Park Drive, creating a dynamic promenade entrance to Nassau Bay featuring retail and restaurant offerings.
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 Saturn Lane Promenade |
To ensure a cohesive style to the new development, all proposed structures, including parking garages, will have the same architectural effects, including color palates, wall treatments and textures. The redesigned streets and promenade will have plenty of sidewalks and benches to encourage pedestrian traffic. The new buildings will have staggered front walls to create a more modern, urban setting unlike traditional strip shopping centers. The landscaping will integrate trees and shrubbery currently used in the city’s landscaping.
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| Why is a multi-family residential property being considered? |
A: Retail developers factor in household numbers when selecting sites, and our city population is too small to support new retail and grocery stores. Because significant portions of land surrounding the city consist of non-residential land mass, including NASA Johnson Space Center and Clear Lake, Nassau Bay needs higher-density housing to attract potential retailers.
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 Multi-family Residential |
| What makes these multi-family units better than the other apartments available in Nassau Bay? |
A: As proposed, these units are considered luxury, Class A dwellings with numerous amenities including: 10-foot-high ceilings, granite countertops, and high-speed internet and cable connections. The target resident will be doctors, teachers, lawyers and police officers.
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| How big is the complex? |
A: The proposed multi-family complex is four stories with 313 units. The building will have internal trash collection, elevators, dedicated access to the parking garage and stoops that connect to the sidewalk.
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| Will the parking structure for the multi-family complex be visible from the street? |
A: The proposed seven-story parking structure, which will be surrounded by the complex, will have limited sight lines within the city.
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| What is the city doing to ensure the new multi-family complex does not fall into disrepair like other complexes in our city? |
A: The developer and the city will establish criteria similar to a homeowners’ association with which to hold the owners to a high standard of maintenance. In addition, this luxury, Class A multi-family complex will be built to condominium standards to facilitate future conversion to condominiums for individual ownership.
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| How will the developer create a barrier between the new projects and the Queen’s Court town homes? |
A: The developer and the city are committed to providing appropriate solid barriers for security and screening between the two projects.
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| Has the developer considered using a concrete wall to separate the properties? |
A: Yes. The type of foundation needed to adequately stabilize a concrete fence would interfere with underground utility lines. Other materials and landscaping are being investigated that provide a pleasing aesthetic structure that obstructs light and sound.
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| What types of office and retail space are in the project? |
A: Retail development will target bookstores, smaller restaurants, coffee shops and services. The two office buildings are multi-story, Class A buildings. Potential tenants would include aerospace contractors, real estate professionals and many others.
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 Class A Office Building |
| Will open space be included in the development proposal? |
A: All development must conform to the city’s development principles and building codes, which includes creating a design that encourages open space and blends with the current landscaping style of the city. The promenade area will include open spaces for benches and tables. Space Park Drive will have walkable areas with benches.
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| When will development begin? |
A: The demolition of the existing structures is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2008 to make way for new construction. The multi-family project is the first phase of development. It is important to note that at this time Griffin Partners has not submitted their formal PUD application, but it is expected soon.
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| When will construction be complete? |
A: The plan is for construction to be complete in three to five years. The office component is market driven, so the time period could be shorter or longer.
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