Los Angeles-based concepts bring 13,200 square feet of destination dining to Uptown as Midway advances the next phase of the mixed-use campus
(HOUSTON, TX) – Midway, together with 3Edgewood and Parkway, today announced that Élephante and Bar Bambino, two hospitality concepts from Los Angeles-based Wish You Were Here Group, have leased space at Central Park Post Oak as part of the project’s Phase 2 retail expansion. Together, the concepts will occupy 13,200 square feet, with Élephante leasing 11,200 square feet and Bar Bambino leasing 2,000square feet, adding a highly popular dining component to the continued evolution of the 17-acre mixed-use campus.
Élephante channels the spirit and cuisine of the Mediterranean, drawing inspiration from destinations such as Pantelleria and the Aeolian Islands. Known for its transportive sense of place, the concept brings together thoughtfully designed interiors, seasonal menus, light coastal Mediterranean cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive Italian wine program to create an experience that feels elevated, vibrant, and destination-worthy. Bar Bambino complements the mix with a design-forward cocktail lounge experience that adds depth to the campus’s social and evening appeal. The concepts will anchor the new Phase 2 green space at Central Park Post Oak, helping establish a lively focal point for dining, gathering, and day-to-night energy.
“I’ve always been drawn to places with unique energy and a cohesive community, and Houston has all of that and more. We’re thrilled to create a special hospitality experience with Élephante and Bar Bambino at Central Park Post Oak, one of the city’s most exciting mixed-use destinations,” said Nick Mathers, founder of Wish You Were Here Group. “This is a unique opportunity to create a new gathering space for the Houston community to connect, celebrate, and of course enjoy great food. The opportunity to build around such a vibrant park setting is incredibly compelling, and we are thrilled to partner with the amazing team at Fearon Hay to conceptualize, design, and build the most unique Élephante to date.”
The announcement marks another major milestone in the redevelopment of Central Park Post Oak as Midway unveils Phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 will introduce approximately 30,000 square feet of new and integrated retail space, bringing the campus to over 150,000 square feet of total retail across both phases, while also adding a dynamic central greenspace, a new conference facility, new office lobbies, exterior hardscape and landscape improvements, and continued garage renovations. Midway plans to break ground on Phase 2 by the end of 2026, building on the established momentum underway across the 17-acre mixed-use destination.
“Élephante and Bar Bambino will elevate the culinary and social landscape of Central Park Post Oak and underscore the kind of experience-driven mix that we are creating,” said Clayton Freels, Executive Vice President, Midway. “As Phase 2 takes shape, these concepts will build new energy around the green space and further strengthen the property as a destination for tenants, visitors, and the broader Uptown community.”
Élephante and Bar Bambino will join a growing collection of chef-driven and design-forward dining concepts at Central Park Post Oak including Handies Douzo, The Henry, Sparrow Italia, and Buck &Rider. The campus has also attracted significant office leasing momentum, including TDECU’s approximately 125,000-square-foot headquarters space in Central Park One, BBVA’s 20,000-square-foot full-floor lease in Central Park Two, and new leases with Renewa, Terra Energy Partners, and Houston Business Journal.
Central Park Post Oak is owned by 3Edgewood, Midway, and Parkway, redeveloped by Midway, and managed by Parkway. Office leasing for Central Park Post Oak is handled by Cushman & Wakefield, and retail leasing is handled by Bond Retail Partners. For more information about Central Park Post Oak and leasing opportunities, please visit centralparkpostoak.com.
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ABOUT MIDWAY
Houston-based Midway is a privately owned, real estate investment and development firm that has provided the highest level of quality, service and value to clients and investors for over 58 years. Midway's portfolio of projects completed and/or underway consists of more than 50 million square feet of properties including mixed-use destinations, office, industrial, hospitality, multifamily, and single-family residential communities. Midway continues to develop projects of distinction, aesthetic relevance and enduring value for investors, clients, and the people who live, work, and thrive in the environments they create. For more information, visit www.midway.team.
ABOUT 3EDGEWOOD
3Edgewood is a private investment firm based in Phoenix, Arizona specializing in commercial real estate and alternative investments. 3Edgewood has acquired over 8.5 million square feet of class A office assets located in the Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles and Chicago markets over the last year. 3Edgewood’s principals have been successfully investing in real estate for over 40 years. 3Edgewood implements a “hands-all-over” approach to investing which creates lasting relationships with its tenants and partners. 3Edgewood’s entrepreneurial style, low leverage and willingness to invest in its assets, has allowed them to forge relationships with tenants and brokers. For more information, visit www.3edgewood.com
ABOUT PARKWAY
Parkway is a privately held, full-service real state investment firm with a proven history of success in high-growth markets across the U.S. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Parkway specializes in acquiring, managing, and enhancing the value of commercial real estate assets in the thriving Sunbelt region.