Looking for the best apartments near NRG Energy‘s new headquarters at 3 Houston Center? This guide evaluates six top Downtown Houston properties based on commute time, rent, amenities, and more. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Commerce Towers: 4-minute walk, premium rents ($2,900–$6,000), historic charm with modern luxury.
- The Star: 6-minute walk, rents $1,794–$5,020, standout amenities like an indoor dog park and ENERGY STAR appliances.
- Elev8: 7-minute walk, rents $1,700–$5,000, smart home systems and coworking spaces.
- Block 334: 8-minute walk, mid-range rents $1,435–$2,360, preserved 1920s design with modern updates.
- The Rice: 9-minute walk, rents $1,595–$5,335, historic elegance with modern interiors.
- 1810 Main: 15-minute commute, rents $1,610–$3,400, great for transit users with METRORail access.
Quick Tip: For car-free commuters, 1810 Main offers excellent transit options, while Commerce Towers and The Star provide unbeatable proximity to the office.
Explore the full breakdown below to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
1. Commerce Towers
Commerce Towers is a historic residential high-rise at 914 Main Street, just 0.2 miles – or a quick 4-minute walk – from NRG Energy’s corporate headquarters at 910 Louisiana Street[1][2]. Originally built in 1928 as the Chamber of Commerce Building, it was transformed into a 25-story residential property in 2002, blending its rich history with modern living amenities[1].
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance to NRG HQ | 0.2 miles (4-minute walk)[1][2] |
| Monthly Rent Range | $2,900 – $6,000[3] |
| Unit Sizes | Studios to tri-level penthouses[2] |
| Lease Terms | 12-month minimum[3] |
Commerce Towers boasts 11′ to 18′ ceilings, hardwood floors, and sound-insulated walls, preserving its architectural charm while offering comfortable living spaces[1]. Units come with rooftop terraces, tri-level penthouses, and modern appliances, all paired with stunning downtown views[1][2].
For professionals:
- 24/7 concierge and valet services
- Conference rooms and a business center
- Direct access to Houston’s underground tunnel system
- Proximity to over 3,500 businesses within walking distance[1][2]
Lifestyle Perks:
- Rooftop heated pool
- Professional-grade putting green
- Full-service fitness center
- Twice-monthly dry cleaning pickup
- Car wash service[1][2]
Security is a priority, with 24-hour surveillance, gated entry, and access card systems[2]. The building is also pet-friendly, accommodating pets up to 48 lbs[2].
Located in the heart of the Central Business District, residents are just a short walk from Market Square Park and Main Street Square Station, ensuring easy metro connectivity[2]. With its premium features and unbeatable location, Commerce Towers is an ideal choice for professionals seeking both convenience and comfort.
2. The Star
Located at 1111 Rusk Street, The Star blends historic charm with modern luxury. Just a short 0.3-mile walk (around 6 minutes) from NRG Energy’s corporate headquarters, this 1915 building underwent a $95 million renovation in 2013[4][5].
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent Range | $1,794 – $5,020[6] |
| Unit Sizes | 740 – 1,730 sq ft[6] |
| Lease Terms | 12-month standard[7] |
Positioned between the high-end pricing of Commerce Towers and more budget-friendly options, The Star offers a balanced choice for downtown living.
Standout Amenities
- Downtown’s only indoor dog park
- Business center with video conferencing capabilities
- ENERGY STAR-certified appliances, complementing NRG’s eco-friendly goals
- In-room dining from The Nash, the ground-floor restaurant
- Rooftop sky terrace and a resort-style pool
- Private theater and golf simulator
- Modern fitness center
- Future access to Houston’s underground tunnel system (expected by Q3 2025)[6]
- Pet-friendly policy (up to 2 pets, max 50 lbs each; $300 fee + $20/month)
Floor Plans
| Plan | Beds | Baths | Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 | 1 | 1 | 740 |
| A11 | 1 | 1.5 | 875 |
| B3 | 2 | 2 | 1,425 |
| B5 | 2 | 2.5 | 1,730 |
The spacious B5 layout (1,730 sq ft) is ideal for those working from home, offering ample space for a dedicated office.
"The security and customer service from the front office and staff are worth the price of admission", shared resident Brandon in a 2023 review[6].
The Star’s location also grants convenient access to Houston’s Theater District and Discovery Green, adding to its downtown appeal[4].
3. Elev8
Located just 0.4 miles away (about a 7-minute walk), Elev8 at 1801 Smith Street is a 20-story luxury high-rise. Renovated in 2022, it combines historic charm with modern upgrades.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent Range | $1,700 – $5,000 [8][9] |
| Unit Sizes | 589 – 1,940 sq ft [8] |
Features That Stand Out
Elev8 boasts high ceilings and a variety of floor plans, including two-story lofts and penthouses [8]. The recent updates introduced smart home systems with energy tracking, in line with NRG’s eco-conscious goals.
Top-Notch Amenities
Here’s what Elev8 residents can enjoy:
- Houston’s only indoor residential pool [10]
- A yoga studio offering skyline views [10]
- Coworking spaces with AV-equipped meeting rooms [10]
- Expanded pet services, including a grooming station [8]
- A rooftop terrace with sweeping city views [8]
Why the Location Works
Elev8 offers skywalk access, providing NRG employees with a weather-protected commute [10]. Each unit comes equipped with stainless steel appliances, built-in roller shades, and private terraces featuring grills [8].
4. Block 334
Located at 1515 Main Street, Block 334 transforms a historic property into modern living spaces. It offers a mid-range pricing option, sitting between the rates at The Star and the more expensive Commerce Towers, while maintaining elements of its original 1920s facade [12].
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent Range | $1,435 – $2,360 [15] |
| Unit Sizes | 1-2 bedrooms (9 one-bedroom and 6 two-bedroom options) [15] |
| Distance to NRG HQ | 0.4 miles [12] |
Notable Features
The apartments at Block 334 offer 10-foot ceilings and oversized windows that showcase city views [11]. The preserved 1920s facade ties in with NRG’s focus on reusing historic elements in their headquarters. Some units include extras like built-in wine fridges and spacious patios or balconies [13].
Amenities to Expect
Block 334 provides a range of amenities designed for convenience and comfort, including:
- A co-working lounge with free Wi-Fi
- Soundproof conference rooms
- A private massage room
- A 24/7 Luxer Package Room for secure deliveries [11][13]
Location Perks
Block 334 offers direct access to the METRORail, ensuring a weather-protected commute similar to Elev8’s skywalk connection. The location is also ideal for after-work activities, with the House of Blues nearby and the Museum District within walking distance [14].
Additional conveniences include night security patrols, EV charging stations, and the Luxer Package Room for added peace of mind [11][13].
5. The Rice
The Rice, located at 909 Texas Avenue, features 308 units spread across a 17-story building dating back to 1913. This National Register-listed property offers living spaces ranging from studios to three-bedroom apartments (337 to 2,366 sq ft). Like Commerce Towers and Block 334, it blends historic charm with modern amenities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Rent Range | Studio: $1,595–2,130 | 1BR: $1,570–4,035 | 2BR: $2,455–5,335 | 3BR: $5,150 |
| Walk Score | 97 |
Where History Meets Modern Living
The Rice has been updated to include sleek, chef-friendly kitchens and marble bathrooms, all while keeping its original maple flooring and impressively high ceilings (10–18 feet). Key modern touches include:
- Quartz kitchen islands
- Italian marble bathrooms in select units
- Glass tile backsplashes
- Dark wood cabinetry
Amenities for Residents
Residents at The Rice can enjoy a variety of thoughtful amenities, such as:
- Free valet parking
- A fully equipped fitness studio
- An outdoor terrace with lounge seating and grills
- Access to the preserved Crystal Ballroom, a nod to the building’s historic roots
Ideal for NRG Employees
With a Walk Score of 97, The Rice is perfect for NRG employees looking to cut down on commute times. Highlights of its location include:
- On-site retail shops and restaurants
- Proximity to Market Square dog park for pet owners
6. 1810 Main
Located 1.2 miles away, 1810 Main offers excellent transit options, making it a great choice for hybrid workers balancing office and remote schedules [16]. The property includes a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with rents ranging from $1,610 to $3,400 per month [16][18].
| Unit Type | Rent Range |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,610-$1,835 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,835-$2,500 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,700-$3,200 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,400 |
Its pricing is competitive with Block 334, while offering more spacious unit options.
Upscale Interiors
The apartments feature high-end details like quartz countertops, kitchen islands with extra storage, and USB charging outlets. Some units also include private balconies or patios [16].
Prime Transit Location
With a Walk Score of 87 and a Transit Score of 86 [18], 1810 Main stands out for its accessibility:
- Easy METRORail access, providing 9-minute commutes to NRG’s headquarters, aligning with eco-conscious commuting preferences
- Close proximity to Fortune 500 companies, creating valuable networking opportunities
- Nearby attractions such as Minute Maid Park and the Hobby Center [16][19]
Community Amenities
The property offers unique perks, including Houston’s only bike storage with a DIY repair station, a rooftop dog park, and concierge-organized grocery delivery services [16][18].
Move-In Perks
New tenants can enjoy up to 6 weeks of free rent [17]. The pet policy allows up to two pets per unit, with a $300 deposit and $25 monthly pet rent [18].
Quick Comparison Guide
Here’s a breakdown of key factors based on our evaluation:
Core Features
| Property | Distance to HQ | Transit Access | Notable Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce Towers | 0.2 miles (4 min) | Tunnel System | 24/7 concierge & business center |
| The Star | 0.3 miles (6 min) | Future Tunnel Access | Indoor dog park & ENERGY STAR units |
| Elev8 | 0.4 miles (7 min) | Skywalk | Smart energy tracking & coworking spaces |
| Block 334 | 0.4 miles (8 min) | METRORail | Soundproof conference rooms |
| The Rice | 0.4 miles (9 min) | Walk Score: 97 | Historic preservation & valet parking |
| 1810 Main | 1.2 miles (15 min) | METRORail | Bike storage & repair station |
Starting Prices Aligned with NRG Priorities (Monthly)
| Property | Studio | 1 Bedroom | 2 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commerce Towers | from $1,450 | from $1,700 | from $2,500 |
| The Star | from $1,600 | from $1,900 | from $2,800 |
| Elev8 | from $1,550 | from $1,850 | from $2,700 |
| Block 334 | N/A | from $1,600 | from $2,400 |
| The Rice | from $1,400 | from $1,650 | from $2,300 |
| 1810 Main | from $1,500 | from $1,750 | from $2,600 |
These properties cater to various needs for NRG employees, whether it’s proximity to HQ, modern amenities, or a balance of value and convenience. The Star and Elev8 stand out for their cutting-edge features, while Commerce Towers and The Rice offer established locations with high-end services. Block 334 and 1810 Main are great choices for those prioritizing accessibility and practical features.
Best Options by Renter Type
After analyzing location, amenities, and pricing, here are some tailored suggestions for NRG employees:
Young Professionals & Early Career
The Star (studios starting at $1,794) offers a prime combination of walkability, ENERGY STAR-certified units, and amenities like a business center and an indoor dog park. These features align with NRG’s emphasis on supporting a strong work-life balance.
Luxury Seekers
Commerce Towers (starting at $2,900) brings a sense of historic elegance with tri-level penthouses and 24/7 concierge service. It mirrors the premium feel of NRG’s office spaces.
Remote Workers
Block 334 (from $1,435) and Elev8 (from $1,700) provide excellent downtown connectivity via METRORail and coworking lounges equipped with AV-ready meeting rooms, making them ideal for remote professionals.
Budget-Conscious Professionals
1810 Main offers studios starting at $1,610/month, combining competitive pricing with METRORail access. For those seeking charm on a budget, The Rice delivers historic character with rental prices starting at $1,595.
Car-Free Commuters
1810 Main is a standout option for car-free living, with direct METRORail access. Even the slightly longer 1.2-mile commute to NRG headquarters is easy to manage using light rail or bike-friendly routes.
| Renter Type | Best Primary Option | Starting Price | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Professionals | The Star | $1,794 | Central location & social perks |
| Luxury Seekers | Commerce Towers | $2,900 | Historic elegance |
| Remote Workers | Block 334 | $1,435 | Downtown connectivity |
| Budget-Conscious | 1810 Main | $1,610 | Affordable + METRORail access |
| Car-Free Commuters | 1810 Main | $1,610 | Easy METRORail access |
