Welcome to understory
Understory is downtown Houston’s destination for crafted amenities and experiences.
Named for the lively space between the forest canopy and underbrush, Understory is a vibrant, centralized station where Houstonians visit for culture, commerce and cuisine. This expansive forty-foot atrium space, filled with natural light and an abundance of community gathering spaces, truly connects the street level with the tunnels. Understory sits at the base of Bank of America Tower.
Click on the video above for a tour of the Understory. Video Provided by Flysabunch
COLLABORATE. COLLIDE.
This experienced-based destination is comprised of diverse retail, thoughtful amenities and dynamic open spaces for the local workforce and community to enjoy. Light filled open corridors and multi-levels bring life to the base of Bank of America Tower both day and night.
Come – grab a bite, stay a while and experience a new side of downtown Houston.
FOOD DESTINATION
Featuring eight distinct food experiences, Understory transforms the downtown Houston food scene. Experience local food, custom cocktails and upscale coffee in the midst of a transcending community gathering place.
Tastemakers
The food options at Understory are changing the downtown Houston tunnel environment. We are pleased to feature the following tastemakers at Understory:
Events & Activations
We love our community, so join us for our complimentary events!
more details below
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more details below 〰️
Tuesday Nights
What You Win: Gift cards to our retailers
Cost: Free to play
Where: By Silver Lining in the Tunnel Level
Parking: Free after 4:00pm with purchase from any of our retailers
Specials: $5 Jose Cuervo Drinks & $1 Pastor Tacos
Every Wednesday
Run together, grow together. Join the Understory Run Club and be part of a community built on movement, motivation, and connection..
What you need to know:
All ages and fitness levels are welcome
An instructor will lead the 3.1 mile run
The Run Club will meet weekly on Thursdays at 5:30pm
Here’s the turn by turn for the 3.1 mile route:
• Head out on Capitol toward Milam
• Go LEFT on Milam and RIGHT onto Lamar
• Follow path along Sam Houston Park, under Allen Pkwy ramp and 45 lanes
• After crossing Sabine St, drop onto lower path and then veer LEFT
• Follow path to the Police Memorial, use bridge to cross the bayou
• Go RIGHT to take the path back towards downtown
• Follow the path and veer LEFT to come up at Sabine
• Go RIGHT on the Sabine bridge to cross back to the south side of the bayou
• Go LEFT on to the trail headed into downtown and reverse the route back
Thursday Nights
Join us every Thursday night from 4:00pm-6:00pm to settle into the perfect after-work groove with Vinyl & Vibes at Understory. Our resident live DJ, DJ EV, spins his own unique yacht rock mix each week creating the ideal ambiance for an after-work wind down.
Grab a drink, snag your favorite snacks from any one of our tastemakers and ease into the evening.
Monthly
These Artisan Markets are curated each month to offer a variety of products and services for purchase.
Need a last-minute gift for an employee anniversary, a loved one, or just to treat yourself, there’s something here for everyone!
Shop Local. Shop Small Business.
The Space
Design by renowned architect, Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Understory is redefining the downtown Houston tunnel experience. Gone are the dark corridors of yesterday; prepare for light, life and a new place to connect.
With over 10,000 SF of retail, including a chef-driven food market, and 20,000 SF of engaging public space, Understory is downtown Houston’s gathering place and front door to the tunnel system.
The Great Steps
Located at the main entrance to the space is “The Great Steps.”
Grab a seat and open your laptop, enjoy a coffee, have lunch or even hold an impromptu meeting with our free Wifi.
Surrounded by natural light from the 40-foot ceilings, this public space in downtown Houston is like no other.
Hours & Location
Well-positioned for optimum connectivity, Bank of America Tower is easily reached by rail, car, bus, bike and foot. Understory is the only space in Houston with five pedestrian tunnel connections; the planned upscale retail and dining options are set to transform the tunnel network.
Building Hours of Operation:
Monday-Friday: 7 AM - 8 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 8 PM
Sunday: 8 AM - 6 PM
*Vendor operating hours may vary. Please check individual retailer’s website for hours of operation. Holiday Hours may vary.
Access Information:
Street Level: Entrance Doors at Rusk Street & Capitol Street
Five Tunnel Access Points: Penzoil Building, Esperson Building, JP Morgan Chase & Co. North & South, 712 Main
Parking Garage: 722 Travis Street, Houston, TX 77002
Take garage elevators to level “T” to go to the Tunnel for Understory
Street Parking: Available on Milam and Rusk
Five Points of Tunnel Access
Property Management:
Kelly Wheeler
713.231.1623
bankofamericatower@transwestern.com
