Guenther on Port Houston admin office relocation: 'This strategic decision has been made to accommodate our growing needs as an organization'

Port Houston announced last week its plans to move its administrative office to Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood in what Executive Director Roger Guenther called “a strategic decision,” according to a news release. The release, which was issued on July 20, said the relocation will move the port’s administration to the up-and-coming East River mixed-use development.

“This strategic decision has been made to accommodate our growing needs as an organization which has long supported the Houston Ship Channel as its local advocate,” Guenther said in the release. “In addition to being the local sponsor of this federal waterway, we also oversee Houston’s public marine terminals which serve America’s number one city and state in exports.”

The new location, which is about eight miles north of the current facility, is a nod to the beginnings of the Houston Ship Channel, as it’s adjacent to Buffalo Bayou where Jensen Drive and Clinton Drive meet. The release said the East River project is approximately two miles from where siblings Augustus and John Allen landed and founded what came to be known as Houston in 1836. Ric Campo, who chairs the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority said in the release the port must remain near “the ship channel we serve.”

“Part of the appeal of the property at East River is being able to contribute to the continued growth of the local community,” Campo said, according to the release. “It’s thrilling to see the expansion of businesses and green spaces in the area, and we are happy to be a part of it.”

Houston CBS affiliate Channel 11 reported that the new office will consist of six floors and be home to the port’s several departments, including, but not limited to government relations, public relations and community relations. The station reported that the project is scheduled for a 2025 opening.