And there is shopping, most famously in the Galleria area.

In that period many investors had considered buying properties in the area, because Lamar Terrace was in proximity to the Galleria area.

The symbol of Houston's high vacancy rate are a pair of 18-story office buildings sitting empty in the Galleria area, one of the city's prime office markets.

It's in the heart of Galleria area, close to downtown, and surrounded in part by Houston Country Club.

Mr. Pate said the investors felt that the opportunities in acquiring apartments in Houston had passed and decided to focus on office buildings, particularly in the Galleria area.

The facility, in proximity to the Galleria area, includes a hotel, a spa, a restaurant, a health and fitness center, and a conference center.

The Galleria area has several large hotels, including the 499-room Doubletree, 2001 Post Oak Boulevard, (713) 961-9300, fax (713) 623-6685, newly renovated in traditional style with vibrant colors.

The first Maggie Rita's opened was located in the Galleria area of Houston.

Apache will occupy 14 floors of the 20-story 1 Post Oak Central building in the Galleria area.

He said office rents had already started to decline in the central business district and the Galleria area, the two areas with the greatest concentration of office space.