Introduction to The Swift BLDG
The Swift BLDG, a new mixed-use project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant, is set to bring exciting changes to the area near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail. Developed by Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners, this project aims to offer a unique blend of office space, restaurants, and retail tenants. With over 30,000 square feet of office space and an additional 30,000 square feet for restaurants and retail, The Swift BLDG is poised to become a hub of activity in the Heights.
First Announced Restaurants
Two restaurants have been announced as the first tenants of The Swift BLDG: Escalante’s and Merit. Escalante’s, founded in 1993 by Pat Torres and Kopi Vogiatzis, is known for its upscale Tex-Mex cuisine, including signature dishes such as outside skirt steak fajitas, house-made flour and corn tortillas, and tableside guacamole. The restaurant will occupy a 4,500-square-foot space with two patios, offering a unique dining experience for visitors.
Escalante’s: A Tex-Mex Favorite
Escalante’s has built a reputation for its authentic Tex-Mex traditions and family recipes, making it a popular choice among residents in communities across Houston. According to John Iannucci, CEO of Mas Mex, Escalante’s parent company, "Each of our restaurant spaces takes on unique elements from the communities they serve, and this one is no different." The addition of Escalante’s to The Swift BLDG is expected to bring a new level of excitement to the Heights dining scene.
Merit: A New Coffee Experience
Merit, a coffee shop making its debut in the Houston market, will also be joining The Swift BLDG. With a focus on creating community spaces where guests can enjoy world-class coffee and genuine connection, Merit is set to become a popular destination for coffee lovers. The shop is known for its specialty items, such as the cereal milk cold brew topped with crushed Fruity Pebbles cereal, strawberry matcha, and hot and iced teas. Merit CEO Bill Ellis expressed his excitement about bringing the Merit café experience to Houston, stating, "This is something our customers have been asking for, and we’re thrilled to create new community spaces."
The Swift BLDG: A Mixed-Use Development
The Swift BLDG is expected to open to the public in fall 2026, offering a unique blend of office, restaurant, and retail space. The development is the result of a partnership between Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners, who previously collaborated on the M-K-T mixed-use development in the Heights. Radom Capital’s Barton Kelly expressed his enthusiasm about the additions to the Heights dining scene, stating, "We’re thrilled to announce these exciting additions to the Heights dining scene. We cannot wait for Houstonians to welcome Merit to the city."
Conclusion
The Swift BLDG is set to become a vibrant hub of activity in the Heights, offering a unique blend of office space, restaurants, and retail tenants. With the announcement of Escalante’s and Merit as the first tenants, the project is poised to bring a new level of excitement to the area. As the development moves forward, it will be interesting to see how The Swift BLDG shapes the future of the Heights and becomes a part of the community. With its rich history and unique blend of tenants, The Swift BLDG is sure to become a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
