Houston’s Freed-Montrose Library will open next month at Montrose Collective, becoming the last major element of the mixed-use project that has transformed a busy block along Westheimer.
The Freed-Montrose Library will open within Montrose Collective in December.
Marissa Luck/ Houston ChronicleHouston Public Library announced this week it will close the aging, existing Freed-Montrose Library near University of St. Thomas on Nov.14, before reopening at 1001 California on Dec. 14.
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ACT NOWThe new branch will be smaller but with a more efficient use of space, said LaDonna Weems, Houston Public Library spokesperson. Over its two floors, the library will have advanced technology, a dedicated youth space, a flexible meeting room and an outdoor terrace. The interior features splashes of bright colors and a permanent art installation by Houston-based Filipino-American artist “Kill Joy” inspired by the history of Montrose.
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The new library is a result of a deal between Montrose Collective developer Radom Capital and the city. In 2019, City Council approved selling land to Radom for the development of Montrose Collective. In exchange, Radom agreed to dedicate a portion of the 198,000-square-foot development for the new library.
Radom welcomed the development's first tenants in 2021, with additional retail and office tenants moving in during the past three years. The development is now 99% leased after the recent openings of Mediterranean restaurant Októ, cocktail bar Sophie, plus consignment shop Real Real coming in mid-December.
“(The library) is one more synergy with the local community and Montrose Collective. I can see a family coming to go get ice cream, shop, get coffee and come get a book,” said Lauren Crenshaw, vice president of property management at Radom.
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Radom Capital developed the exterior of the three-story building, and the city developed the interior space in a $5 million project, according to the developer. The city will own the library space while Radom owns the first floor, Crenshaw said.
Meanwhile, Houston Public Library said it is still evaluating what to do with the current library on Montrose near Colquitt in an aging building that needs $14 million in repairs, according to the library system.