Updated Oct 12, 2026 9 min read

Downtown Houston’s Best Apartments Near Calpine’s Corporate Headquarters

Inside this guide
  1. 1. Sabine Street Lofts
  2. 2. 1414 Texas Downtown
  3. 3. Market Square Tower
  4. 4. Aris Market Square
  5. 5. The Rice
  6. 6. Catalyst Houston
  7. Comparison of Features and Costs
  8. Recommendations by Priority
  9. Want help finding your Houston apartment? It’s free.
  10. Related Blog Posts

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This is a neutral guide to apartments and getting around in the area near Calpine’s Corporate Headquarters. Drive times change with traffic, so test your route at the times you would travel.

Dated figures: rents, specials and availability in this guide were collected when it was written and are not current. Check each property’s own website for today’s pricing.

Looking for an apartment near Calpine‘s headquarters in Downtown Houston? Here are six top options, all within walking distance and offering unique features at a range of prices:

Quick Comparison Table:

Property Distance to Calpine HQ Starting Rent (dated) Key Features
Sabine Street Lofts 0.3 miles $1,514/month Industrial style, pet-friendly
1414 Texas Downtown 0.2 miles $1,660/month Closest to HQ, modern design
Market Square Tower 0.4 miles $2,400/month Luxury amenities, sky pool
Aris Market Square 0.6 miles $1,850/month Near Theater District, upscale interiors
The Rice 0.5 miles $1,570/month Historic charm, central location
Catalyst Houston 0.3 miles $1,595/month Modern design, social amenities

Properties vary by proximity, price, and amenities. Each offers something unique near Calpine HQ.

1. Sabine Street Lofts

Sabine Street Lofts blends industrial charm with urban convenience, sitting just 0.3 miles from Calpine’s corporate headquarters. This four-story complex offers 198 loft-style units, featuring exposed brick walls and beam accents for a distinctive look.

Each unit boasts 10-foot ceilings with exposed ducts, stained concrete or wood floors, custom cabinetry, and full-size in-unit washers and dryers. Floor plans include:

Unit Type Square Footage Starting Rent (dated)
1 Bedroom 740-1,075 sq. ft. $1,514
2 Bedroom 1,303-1,634 sq. ft. $2,800

The property offers a business center and high-speed internet. Select floor plans even come with dedicated study areas.

When it’s time to relax, residents can enjoy two swimming pools, a large sundeck, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Additional Details:

  • Parking: $50 per month
  • Pets: $350 one-time fee + $25 monthly per pet
  • Security: Gated access with 24/7 surveillance

2. 1414 Texas Downtown

Only 0.2 miles from Calpine’s headquarters, 1414 Texas Downtown offers upscale living right in the heart of Downtown Houston. This 285-unit luxury community blends modern design with urban convenience.

Here’s a quick look at the floor plans and starting rents:

Unit Type Starting Rent (dated)
Studio $1,660
1 Bedroom $1,766
2 Bedroom $2,425

Each unit is thoughtfully designed with features like:

  • High ceilings (10-11 feet in select units)
  • Custom kitchens with gas ranges and quartz countertops
  • Wood-style flooring
  • Wine chillers in select units
  • Private patios or balconies
  • In-unit washers and dryers

A business center supports remote work needs, while the three-story amenity deck offers:

  • A fitness center equipped with Peloton bikes
  • A resort-style pool with a sun shelf
  • A sky lounge complete with an entertainment bar

Added Security and Convenience

  • Insync Lock System for secure access
  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • 24/7 package retrieval system
  • Bicycle storage options

Located in a Walker’s Paradise-rated area, residents enjoy easy access to Downtown Houston’s entertainment district. The community has electric vehicle charging stations and a walkable location. It’s a sleek, modern alternative to Sabine’s industrial vibe.

3. Market Square Tower

Market Square Tower is just a 7-minute walk (0.4 miles) from Calpine’s headquarters via Walker St. Residents can enjoy a short stroll past Market Square Park, complete with its array of dining options. This development is known for its sophisticated design and top-tier amenities.

Unit Types and Pricing

Unit Type Size (Sq. Ft.) Starting Rent (dated)
Studio 814 – 826 From $2,400
One-Bedroom 859 – 1,136 $2,700 – $3,800
Two-Bedroom 1,135 – 1,976 $3,400 – $6,500
Three-Bedroom 1,980 – 2,933 $5,500 – $9,995

Key Unit Features:

  • Oak hardwood herringbone floors
  • Wolf kitchen appliances
  • Bathrooms with floor-to-ceiling tiles
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning downtown views

Amenity Highlights:

  • A breathtaking glass-bottom sky pool on the 40th floor and a resort-style pool with cabanas on the second floor
  • Virtual fitness classes
  • Indoor basketball court and virtual golf simulator
  • Spa facilities, including treatment rooms and steam areas
  • Private movie theater with fully reclining seats

Professional Services

  • Vehicle valet and dry cleaning
  • Pet care services, including walking, sitting, and grooming
  • On-site CVS Pharmacy for added convenience

Market Square Tower offers an extensive range of high-end services, including vehicle valet, dry cleaning, and pet care services.

4. Aris Market Square

Aris Market Square provides an upscale living experience next to Houston’s Theater District, just a short 0.6-mile walk from Calpine HQ via Travis Street. This 32-story tower, developed by Hines and winner of the 2017 HBJ Landmark Award, combines modern elegance with a historic downtown setting.

Unit Types and Pricing

Unit Type Size (Sq. Ft.) Starting Rent (dated)
Studio 570-650 $1,850
1 Bedroom 651-1,100 $2,400
2 Bedroom 1,101-1,800 $5,446
3 Bedroom Penthouse Up to 2,227 $8,900

Interior Highlights

Each unit boasts 10-ft ceilings with floor-to-ceiling windows, wide-plank hardwood floors, and kitchens equipped with Italian cabinetry, quartz countertops, and Whirlpool appliances.

Community Perks

  • Bravery Chef Hall: A food hall featuring nine restaurants.
  • Secret Garden: A patio garden bar offering coffee and cocktails.
  • Vinyl Listening Room: A cozy space with a curated selection of records.

Prime Location

With a Walkscore of 95 and proximity to light rail stations, Aris Market Square ensures convenience. Residents can easily access:

Its location offers convenience and access to the arts.

Resident Services

Aris Market Square partners with Spruce to offer services such as:

5. The Rice

The Rice stands as a tribute to Houston’s rich commercial history. Originally built as a hotel in 1913, this landmark was transformed into luxury apartments in the late 1990s. Its early 20th-century architectural design remains a defining feature.

Unit Types and Pricing

Unit Type Size (Sq. Ft.) Starting Rent (dated)
Studio 337-500 $1,595
1 Bedroom 501-1,200 $1,570
2 Bedroom 1,201-2,000 $2,455
3 Bedroom Up to 2,366 $5,150

Blending Historic Character with Modern Comfort

The Rice maintains its historic charm with features like 100-year-old maple hardwood floors and high ceilings, while adding modern touches. Select units even include classic clawfoot tubs. The Crystal Ballroom, a nod to its glamorous past, adds an elegant touch to the property.

Top-Tier Amenities

Residents enjoy a variety of upscale amenities, such as:

  • A heated underground pool that doubles as a meditation space
  • An outdoor terrace with lounging areas, gas grills, and TVs
  • A renovated lobby featuring a resident bar and library for work or socializing

Prime Downtown Location

Living at The Rice means easy access to:

  • Houston’s tunnel system
  • The Metrorail line
  • Controlled garage parking for added convenience

On-Site Perks

The ground floor offers dining options like Azuma, Lawless Bar, and Minuti Coffee. Additional services include:

  • 24/7 concierge assistance
  • Package receiving
  • Dry cleaning
  • Auto detailing

"These are the best apartments for an active lifestyle – weddings, art shows, and community events happen weekly."

The Rice offers a historic yet modern setting. Its combination of timeless elegance and urban convenience makes it a standout choice in downtown Houston’s historic district.

6. Catalyst Houston

Catalyst Houston offers sleek, modern living. Built in 2018 at 1475 Texas Ave, this 28-story high-rise offers a contemporary alternative to The Rice. Units range from studio apartments to 2-bedroom layouts (653-862 sq. ft.) with rents starting at $1,595.

Unit Types and Features

Unit Type Size (Sq. Ft.) Key Features
Studio 653-700 Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nest thermostats
1 Bedroom 701-800 Private balconies, Bose Bluetooth speakers
2 Bedroom 801-862 Gourmet kitchens, Quartz countertops

Modern Design and Features

Catalyst Houston boasts a striking modern design with ceiling heights ranging from 10 to 16 feet. The floor-to-ceiling windows not only fill the space with natural light but also offer breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and Minute Maid Park.

Amenities for a Premium Lifestyle

  • A sprawling 20,000-square-foot amenity deck on the 9th floor
  • A rooftop dog park
  • The exclusive Club 26 Lounge
  • A wine storage and tasting room

These features include a 20,000-square-foot amenity deck, a rooftop dog park, and a wine storage and tasting room.

  • 24-hour concierge service
  • Complimentary valet parking
  • Private conference room for meetings
  • Luxer One package system for secure deliveries
  • Bike room with a repair station

Prime Downtown Location

Living at Catalyst Houston means easy access to some of Houston’s top attractions, including:

  • Toyota Center
  • BBVA Compass Stadium
  • Discovery Green

Its location also places residents within walking distance of Minute Maid Park and other after-work entertainment options.

Part of Marquette Cos.’ Catalyst Collection, this high-rise is located downtown.

Comparison of Features and Costs

When looking at these six properties, three main factors stand out:

Nearby Features

Apartment Complex Nearby Highlights
1414 Texas Downtown Close to entertainment district
Aris Market Square Near Theater District, Market Square Park
Market Square Tower Dining options at Market Square Park
The Rice Access to underground tunnel system
Catalyst Houston Near Minute Maid Park, Discovery Green
Sabine Street Lofts Access to Buffalo Bayou Park trails

Price Range
Market Square Tower stands out for its luxury pricing, with rents ranging from $2,050 to over $15,000 per month. On the other hand, Sabine Street Lofts offers a more budget-friendly option, starting at $1,514 for one-bedroom units.

Cost considerations:

  • Proximity Costs: Apartments within 0.3 miles of Calpine HQ generally come with higher rents.
  • Amenities vs. Price: Market Square Tower offers high-end amenities, while Sabine Street Lofts delivers good value at a lower price point.
  • Space Comparison: Both Market Square Tower and Sabine Street Lofts provide similar square footage for one-bedroom units.

Your choice will ultimately depend on what you value most – walkability (1414 Texas), historic charm (The Rice), or upscale amenities (Market Square Tower). These aspects will be covered in more detail in the final recommendations.

Recommendations by Priority

Here’s how the rental options compare on key priorities:

Luxury Amenities
Market Square Tower offers top-tier amenities. From its stunning glass-bottom sky pool on the 40th floor to a virtual golf simulator, the property offers a wide range of premium amenities. Prices start at $2,400.

Walk-to-Work Priority
1414 Texas Downtown is unbeatable for its proximity to Calpine HQ at 1414 Texas Ave. This location cuts down commute times and keeps residents connected to everything downtown has to offer.

Pet-Friendly Policies
Sabine Street Lofts stands out for its pet-friendly policies, allowing up to two animals per unit. Plus, its location provides access to Buffalo Bayou Park trails.

Modern Design
Catalyst Houston combines modern design with social amenities like a rooftop pool. Rents start at $1,595/month.

Priority Property Rent (dated) Key Feature
Budget The Rice $1,333/month Historic charm, central location
Luxury Amenities Market Square Tower $2,400/month Sky pool, premium amenities
Walk-to-Work 1414 Texas Downtown $1,635/month Closest to Calpine HQ
Pet-Friendly Sabine Street Lofts $1,514/month Pet-friendly policies
Modern Design Catalyst Houston $1,595/month Modern design, social spaces

For the best experience, visit properties at different times to get a feel for the community.

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