Major project possibly coming to Galleria area

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Well-known Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta is on the verge of announcing another major project.

A major piece of real estate along the West Loop could soon be transformed. Documents submitted to the City of Houston's Planning Department show Landry's Inc, the company owned by Fertitta, wants to build a multi level hotel and a two story conference center on the site. If completed the project will add to an already booming Uptown District .

"There are over 24 projects currently under development, and they range from office buildings to residential projects, hotels and even more retail," said John Breeding, President of the Uptown District.

Breeding, who runs the entity that focuses on development and transportation in the Galleria-Uptown part of Houston, would not talk about the Landry's project specifically. Through a spokesperson, Fertitta declined to comment at this time.

"There's a demand for higher quality hotels," said Breeding, who would only comment in general about the Uptown District as a whole. "There is a big need for the growing economy for the new hotels, and it's happening."

Landry's Inc. owns more than 450 properties around the country, including restaurants such as Rainforest Caf, Mortons, and The Grotto. It is also responsible for the Kemah Boardwalk, and more recently built the Galveston Pleasure Pier. Landry's corporate headquarters is adjacent to site of proposed hotel and conference center. Renderings submitted to the city include the corporate headquarters, as well as the luxury car dealership nearby.

The first step in the project is a variance request that will come in front of the Planning Commission next week. Signs that indicate the request are in place along the property. If the variance is approved, it will be up to Landry's to determine when it wants to move forward into the next phase.