Our Projects: Transforming Visions into Reality

At LeVass Ventures, we take pride in connecting developers and institutions with new ideas and transformative opportunities. Our expertise spans a range of real estate development projects, including innovation districts, mixed-use developments, and mission-driven initiatives.

Vision Astrodome

LeVass Ventures is proud to serve as the strategic real estate advisor for the Astrodome Conservancy, spearheading efforts to revitalize the legendary Astrodome into a vibrant, mixed-use development. Partnering with globally renowned design firm Gensler, LeVass Ventures is focused on delivering a financially sustainable project that integrates key components, including hotel, office, retail, and entertainment spaces. Through detailed market analyses, robust financial modeling, and strategic program optimization, the firm is ensuring the redevelopment aligns with current market trends while maximizing long-term economic benefits.

As an expert in complex real estate ventures, LeVass Ventures brings deep expertise in public-private partnerships and stakeholder collaboration. By identifying innovative opportunities to attract tenants and visitors, the team aims to create engaging programs that highlight the Astrodome’s rich history while offering fresh, modern experiences. This balanced approach ensures the project preserves the iconic Astrodome’s legacy while evolving it into a bustling destination that fuels economic development and enhances community engagement.

Whether it's crafting strategic frameworks, building financial viability, or fostering stakeholder alignment, LeVass Ventures is committed to delivering a visionary transformation that honors the past while embracing the future.

Houston, Texas

Innovation-Focused Mixed-Use District Repositioning

LeVass Ventures is delivering strategic advisory services to foster a dynamic innovation ecosystem and seamlessly integrate innovation spaces into a prominent Houston developer’s consolidated nine-million-square-foot portfolio of office, retail, and hospitality assets. This expansive portfolio spans a 200-acre tract strategically positioned at the gateway to Houston’s renowned Energy Corridor, a critical hub for global energy and business leadership.

Our client, a visionary third-generation family-led organization, has demonstrated forward-thinking leadership by adapting and innovating its portfolio to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving market. LeVass Ventures’ primary objective is to cultivate a redefined district identity centered around innovation and energy transition, enhancing the district’s appeal to modern commercial tenants and reinforcing the client’s assets as Houston’s geographic and gravitational hub for energy leadership.

By leveraging local market insights and applying global urban development strategies, we are transforming key spaces into vibrant, multifunctional destinations that cater to businesses and the broader community. As part of the ongoing effort, we are launching the second phase of strategy and advisory services, focusing on early activation programming and crafting targeted messaging to attract market stakeholders and prospective anchor tenants.

With a tailored approach and a commitment to fostering innovation, LeVass Ventures is paving the way for the Energy Corridor’s evolution into a world-class destination for commerce, community, and sustainable growth.

Houston, Texas

Southwestern University, 500-Acre Neighborhood Development

Georgetown, Texas (America’s fastest growing  mid-sized city)

LeVass Ventures is the lead advisor and project manager for the pre-development of a pioneering mixed-use community spanning nearly a square mile of land adjacent to Southwestern University. This transformative project involves facilitating a joint venture partnership with a prominent land developer, strategically aligning the University’s academic mission with new commercial and residential opportunities.

Our approach emphasizes creating a vibrant, inclusive environment rooted in the values of a “Liberal Arts Community”—the first of its kind. By framing the development around the University’s core principles, we aim to enhance campus life, attract new students, and strengthen community engagement. Key services provided by LeVass Ventures include establishing a distinctive development identity, coordinating a comprehensive master plan, and designing an effective communications strategy to ensure long-term project success.

We have implemented a robust development management framework and an innovative ground lease structure that safeguards the University’s interests by ensuring its land remains independent of the development partner’s financial returns. This strategy has resulted in a projected $112 million in net new land value for Southwestern University, creating significant long-term value and positioning the institution for future growth.

University of Illinois, DPI Chicago Innovation Hub

Chicago, Illinois (In collaboration with HR&A Advisors)

LeVass Ventures provided strategic advisory services for the development of a groundbreaking $250 million innovation hub in Chicago, designed to catalyze innovation and collaboration. Working closely with the project’s design team, we conducted a holistic building design review aimed at optimizing building operations and fostering a dynamic environment for researchers, entrepreneurs, corporations, and the broader community.

Our advisory efforts extended to developing leasing strategies that attract top-tier tenants, including corporate research partners and institutional tenants, ensuring a strong tenant mix across the building’s floors. We also guided the creation of effective property management strategies to ensure market-aligned operations, positioning the upper floors for successful leasing to corporate research tenants seeking co-tenancy with high-caliber institutional occupants.

This high-impact project, which received full funding approval from the Illinois governor’s office, is scheduled to commence construction in 2024, positioning Chicago as a leading center for research, innovation, and economic development.

Master Planned Community, Major Sports Facilities

Various Locations (Las Vegas, Houston, Columbia, MD)

LeVass Ventures led the strategic analysis and partnership strategy for a series of large-scale community sports and athletic centers, each spanning 500,000 square feet and representing $100 million in projected development costs. These centers were planned for construction across several communities developed by one of the nation’s largest Master Planned Community developers.

Our expertise in market analysis, partnership negotiation, and operational strategy enabled the creation of a robust development and operational business model aimed at maximizing both community engagement and operational efficiency. This approach aligned with the developer’s broader value creation strategy and long-term development goals.

After a thorough evaluation and with guidance from LeVass Ventures, the client ultimately decided not to pursue the development due to the high capital requirements relative to the projected direct revenue and indirect land value appreciation. This strategic decision prevented potential financial risks and allowed the client to allocate capital more effectively across other high-impact opportunities.

Downtown Houston Plus, Launch Pad Innovation Hub Revisioning

LeVass Ventures is providing strategic advisory services to Downtown Houston Plus, the downtown business improvement district, to revitalize its investment in a previously underutilized innovation hub. Our initial process involved a comprehensive assessment of existing partnerships and programming efforts that contributed to the hub’s lack of market traction, resulting in low usage.

To address these challenges, we pivoted to developing a more effective strategy by restructuring governance, enhancing management approaches, and identifying ideal partners, including incubators and accelerators, that could reinvigorate the space. Leveraging our deep expertise in urban development and innovation ecosystem dynamics, we are working to transform the hub into a thriving center for entrepreneurship, technology innovation, and economic growth in downtown Houston.

A key outcome of our efforts is a new partnership between Downtown Houston Plus and a leading regional university, which will operate its entrepreneurial program at the hub—positioning the space as a central driver of Houston’s entrepreneurial and tech ecosystem.

Houston, Texas

Downtown Houston Plus, Office Tower Conversion Study

LeVass Ventures played a key role in guiding a design team and leading an in-depth economic, design, and policy study for the City of Houston and Downtown Houston Plus. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of converting Houston’s Central Business District (CBD) office buildings into residential properties, addressing the growing demand for high-rise urban living.

Our strategic oversight resulted in detailed incentive recommendations aimed at unlocking the potential of downtown’s 50 million square feet of office space for residential redevelopment. By conducting a rigorous analysis of market conditions, regulatory frameworks, and financial feasibility, we provided critical insights that positioned Houston as a competitive destination for urban investment and revitalization.

Despite our thorough assessment, the findings indicated that only a limited number of buildings—approximately a dozen out of nearly one hundred analyzed—met the gating criteria for viable conversion. Key barriers included the large scale of buildings, high costs of vacating office space, limited on-site parking, and a lack of premium demand for high-rise residential living in Houston.

LeVass Ventures’ study has been instrumental in shaping policy discussions and helping stakeholders understand the nuanced challenges and opportunities of urban redevelopment in Houston’s CBD.

Houston, Texas

South Main Baptist Church, Urban Mixed-Use Development

Houston, Texas (In collaboration with HR&A Advisors)

In partnership with HR&A Advisors, LeVass Ventures is delivering strategic advisory services to South Main Baptist Church to help monetize its land holdings by developing a 15-acre mixed-use district in Midtown Houston. Our role includes guiding the church through critical processes such as goal setting, site assessment, and partnership establishment, ensuring the creation of a mission-driven urban district that is also market-viable.

This mixed-use district is envisioned as a vibrant hub for residential, commercial, and cultural activities, blending community values with sustainable urban development. Our strategic approach enables South Main Baptist Church to preserve its historic legacy while unlocking new opportunities for economic growth. The project is expected to generate $80 million in net land value, which will be reinvested into enhancing the church’s campus facilities and furthering its community mission.

Confidential Multifamily Portfolio Acquisition

LeVass Ventures is co-leading the due diligence process for the potential acquisition of a $1 billion portfolio consisting of seven lifestyle-focused multifamily and hospitality properties. Our role involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation of market trends, financial performance, and operational efficiencies to determine the overall investment viability.

A key aspect of our work has been repositioning four of the properties by analyzing their leasing strategies, marketing approaches, and identifying new ways to improve market alignment. Additionally, we conducted a detailed assessment of three stalled construction assets, developing underwriting strategies to optimize the unit mix and amenity offerings in response to tracked market demand.

By leveraging our expertise in financial structuring and market analysis, we have facilitated informed strategic decision-making, helping to establish a negotiation position with favorable terms that maximize potential returns for investors.

Seven properties in major Sunbelt markets

Houston, Texas (Performed while at Rice Management Company)

Ion Innovation District Development

As the front-facing leader in the development of the Ion District, Ryan spearheaded the transformation of this 16-acre mixed-use innovation district into Houston’s premier center for technology, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. This ambitious project encompassed master planning, financing, public engagement, and navigating complex entitlements to ensure the district’s long-term success.

By leveraging Rice University’s reputation and strategic partnerships, Ryan led efforts to collaborate with key stakeholders, including vertical developers, the City of Houston, and prominent corporate and community organizations. Notable outcomes include:

  • Securing $65 million in tax increment reimbursements and $30 million in tax abatements through a partnership with the Midtown Redevelopment Authority.

  • Establishing Texas’ most comprehensive Community Benefits Agreement, committing $15.3 million toward economic opportunity, affordable housing, and inclusive hiring initiatives.

  • Achieving a 3.4x equity multiple and delivering strong investment returns for Rice University.

The Ion

Houston, Texas (Performed while at Rice Management Company)

While at RMC, Ryan was a key leader for the development and operations of the Ion, a groundbreaking transformation of a historic Sears department store into a 270,000 square foot innovation hub in Houston. Ryan oversaw every phase of the project, from initial design and development to operations, programming, activation, and leasing.

Ryan’s leadership guided a multidisciplinary team in integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainability features, creating a collaborative ecosystem for startups, corporations, and academic institutions. Three years into its new life, the Ion has become a dynamic space for innovation, community engagement, and entrepreneurship, hosting over 100 events annually and providing invaluable resources for Houston’s entrepreneurial community.

Key outcomes of the Ion’s success include:

  • Achieving over 90% occupancy, which is 15 percentage points higher than the Houston market average.

  • Securing the highest office rents within its subdistrict.

  • Hosting major anchor tenants such as Chevron, Microsoft, and a range of energy transition and technology firms.

  • Supporting startups that raised 70% of the venture capital raised in Houston in 2022.

Rice Village Redevelopment

Houston, Texas (Performed while at Rice Management Company)

During his time at RMC, Ryan spearheaded the pre-development phase of the transformative Rice Village redevelopment project. This mixed-use development aims to convert the historically low-density Rice Village retail center into a vibrant two million square foot neighborhood that blends residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The redevelopment strategy focused on revitalizing existing assets while ensuring sustainable growth and long-term value. Key responsibilities included master planning, infrastructure planning, negotiating ground leases, and establishing strategic joint ventures.

Through innovative planning and strategic oversight, the Rice Village project is set to become a thriving, sustainable community that supports economic growth and long-term success. Early results include four consecutive years of double-digit net value growth and the creation of a top-of-market land basis, paving the way for future partnerships with vertical developers. This mixed-use project is poised to make a significant impact on both the local economy and the future of urban development.