Contact:
Dawn Griffiths
Midway Companies
713-629-5200
dgriffiths@midwaycompanies.com

KINGS HARBOR WELCOMES FIRST RESTAURANT & OFFICE TENANTS

Houston, Texas (July 20, 2007)  –  The pedestrian-friendly walkways of Kings Harbor, a 40-acre upscale mixed-use development on the shores of Lake Houston, are beginning to fill and come to life as the community’s first restaurant entertained diners this week.  In addition, three office tenants have opened their doors for business, construction is underway on an additional two new buildings, and the first residential units are readying for homeowners to settle in.

The newly opened Raffa’s, an American bistro, features Mediterranean-style cuisine mixed with a variety of culinary favorites, innovative dishes and fresh Gulf seafood, all prepared under the artful direction of Executive Chef David Welch, who trained at the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Paris.  Proprietors Tony and Leslie Raffa, who also own nearby Amedeo’s, a long-standing restaurant managed by Welch, said diners’ enjoyment of the bistro’s fine foods and wines is enhanced by its waterfront dining experience.  While the view inside is elegant, with expansive windows allowing diners to overlook the water, the view outside is even more relaxing and spectacular for those choosing to enjoy their meals on patios along the waterfront.

A delectable array of menu items, including pasta, seafood, chicken, steaks, chops and ribs will tempt Raffa’s diners, who can watch their meals prepared in the eatery’s open kitchen.  Parties of up to 50 will benefit from the private dining room; a dozen wine lovers can dine in the wine room, and sports fans will delight in the big-screen televisions located in the bar area.

As a special feature, personal wine lockers are available for a limited number of guests wishing to purchase their own lockers at the restaurant.  Owners can buy a choice of wines at a discount and keep those wines in lockers to enjoy when dining.  A bidding process will determine annual rental rights.

Raffa’s celebrated its initial opening by hosting a fundraising event benefiting the Education Foundation for the Humble Independent School District, prior to welcoming the public this week. 

“By embracing local organizations, Raffa’s epitomizes the friendly, neighborhood environment we envision as the Kings Harbor lifestyle,” said Brad Freels, chairman of Midway Companies, the community’s Houston-based developer.  “The success of this new trend of sophisticated urban landscapes tucked away in the midst of the suburbs rests on the involvement and comfort of residents, shoppers and diners living onsite, visiting the many retail shops and office tenants, and gathering for an exciting array of neighborhood activities.”

As the rapid development pace continues, companies now open for business in Kings Harbor’s boutique office space include Chicago Title, Communications Distributors and Joseph Chris Partners.  Already, a majority of the 22,000 square feet of office space has been leased.  Plus, two more buildings grouped on the south side of the project are now under construction, with slabs poured and steel erected.

Residential living is soon to become a reality, too.  The first of 35 high-end Brownstones developed by Hahnfeld Witmer Davis will be ready for move-in by late August.  A handsomely furnished model, complete with a design center, will be open for tours at that time. 

“The vibrancy and stability of the community will become even more apparent as individuals and families move in and make Kings Harbor their home,” said Jonathan Brinsden, executive vice president of Midway.  “All the amenities needed to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle will be within walking distance.”

Construction begins in September on the 250-unit urban style multi-family project, highlighted by custom home interiors and premium build-outs.  Jointly developed by Midway and Chancellor Multi-Family, it will be the first multi-family project in the area with garage parking.  Other planned residential units include 42 town homes developed by MHI, in addition to a luxury condominium project.

Joining Raffa’s will be restaurants Chimichurris, an upscale South American grill; Johnny Rockets, a 50’s style diner; Zammitti’s Café Italiano; Two Gems Ice Cream parlor; and others to be announced.

In addition to developing Kings Harbor, Midway, a national leader in mixed-use projects, is also developing CityCentre (http://citycentrehouston.com), a significant mixed-use project at Katy Freeway and Beltway 8, one of the most prominent intersections in Houston.

Kings Harbor, which broke ground in May 2006, is slated to fully open this fall.  Designed by Gensler, one of the largest and most innovative architectural firms in the world, Kings Harbor landscape architecture is being provided by The Office of James Burnett.  Burton Construction is the general contractor, and construction lending is by Regions Bank. 

About Kings Harbor

Kings Harbor is a dynamic waterfront, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented village located in the heart of northeast Houston. The only commercial development within the market located directly on Lake Houston, Kings Harbor offers the perfect blend of uses, with condominium, garden apartment and brownstone living, boutique office space, local and national retail, and restaurants. These factors, along with planned community events and celebrations, combine to create a unique urban environment.

For more information on Kings Harbor, visit http://kings-harbor.com

About Midway Companies

Houston based Midway is a privately owned international real estate development and investment firm that has provided the highest level of quality, service and value to its clients and investors for nearly 38 years. The Midway portfolio of projects completed and/or under way consists of approximately 32 million square feet of properties ranging from office and industrial facilities, corporate headquarters, mixed-use centers, business and industrial parks, medical facilities, manufacturing facilities, and master-planned resort and residential communities.
Since its inception in 1968, Midway has created projects of distinction, aesthetic relevance and enduring value for its investor partners, clients and local communities.

For more information on Midway, visit http://midwaycompanies.com.

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