The Watt Brings Elevated High-Rise Living to the Energy Corridor
A former office tower in Houston’s Energy Corridor has been transformed into a new residential development, reflecting a growing trend of office-to-apartment conversions in major cities. From its location in a quiet, urban campus, with spectacular views from the rooftop terrace and pool, The Watt Apartments offer a modern living option – unique within the Energy Corridor District – with thoughtfully designed amenities in a 20-story high-rise building.
Located at 550 Westlake Park Blvd, The Watt opened in September 2025 after a two-year redevelopment transformed the former BP and ConocoPhillips office building into a 311-unit apartment community. The project is one of the region’s most prominent examples of adaptive reuse as Houston real estate developers seek new purposes for underused office space.
Rather than demolishing the office building, the developers retained much of its original structure while redesigning the interior for residential living. Apartments line the building’s exterior to maximize natural light, while storage and utility areas occupy the interior spaces – an innovative solution to one of the biggest challenges of office-to-residential conversions.
The result is a stunning collection of apartment homes featuring high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows. Smart-home features allow residents to adjust lighting, security and temperature from their smart phone. All units feature high-end appliances including washer, dryer and wine refrigerator.
Prospective residents can choose from studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes ranging from 657 square feet (studio, 1 bath) to 1,633 square feet (3-bedroom, 2-bath). Ground floor homes include private patios with Weber grills. Online apartment listings show monthly rents ranging from about $2,000 for studios to more than $4,500 for larger units.
Upscale amenities
Shared amenities are designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles. Residents have access to coworking spaces with two meeting rooms and private phone booths, a fitness center, indoor-outdoor yoga space and secure bicycle storage with bike maintenance equipment.
Views from the rooftop pool overlook I-10, Terry Hershey Park and the treetops of the Energy Corridor. The Electric Sky Lounge – also located on the rooftop – is an indoor clubroom with bar area, TVs and a Ping Pong Table. The Power Lounge is a club and game room with multiple TVs, a multi-sport simulator, poker table, pool table and board games. Other amenities include a lobby coffee bar and wine station and a pet spa complete with separate washing stations for large and small dogs
Community Manager Natalie Weldon said her residents tend to be business professionals who enjoy the experience of high-rise living while avoiding downtown congestion. “It’s quieter here. Our residents enjoy the amenities and the lifestyle, without the hustle and bustle of downtown.”
The community also offers corporate leasing for businesses seeking housing options for relocating employees, with a minimum 12-month lease term.
Developed by DeBartolo Development, The Watt follows the firm’s successful conversion of another Houston office tower into residential apartments in downtown Houston.
“The Energy Corridor historically has been dominated by office campuses tied to the energy industry, with thousands of workers commuting into the area each day,” noted Energy Corridor President Bryan Brown. “The Watt is a welcome addition to our neighborhood. It offers a new option for employees who want to live near their work. And it’s already bringing in a new demographic to the area.”