A Houston attorney is investing $4.5 million to redevelop two former Olshan Lumber buildings on the city’s East Side into a boutique hotel and event venue. Arlette Molina, who previously worked in law before moving into real estate, is leading the project, according to the Houston Business Journal.
The development will convert a 37,000-square-foot warehouse at 2501 Commerce Street into an exhibition hall and event space. The adjacent former lumber offices at 25 Live Oak Alley are set to become a 96-room boutique hotel featuring a rooftop bar.
The exhibition hall is scheduled to open in November with the Balloon Museum, a traveling art installation that showcases large inflatable sculptures. Conejo Architecture is designing the $450,000 conversion of the warehouse. Molina said she is working “seven days a week” to meet the opening deadline and expects to host weddings, quinceañeras, and private events after launch.
The hotel portion of the project will add two floors to the existing four-story concrete building from 1938, increasing its size to nearly 78,700 square feet. Designed by MCS Architects, this $4 million effort will not be affiliated with any major hotel brand when it opens ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Molina founded Bonita Grand Holdings and purchased these properties in 2019 before beginning planning last year. She has experience advising real estate clients in Florida prior to her shift into property development.
Other boutique hotels are also under development in Houston. Hotel Daphne—a separate project led by Austin-based Bunkhouse Hotels—will bring a new 51-key hotel at 347 West 20th Street by early 2026.
These projects coincide with increased investment in Houston’s East End area. A major renovation of the George R. Brown Convention Center aims to better connect this neighborhood with downtown through an expansion adding roughly 700,000 square feet of space and an outdoor plaza.
“The exhibition hall is slated to open in November with a splashy debut: the Balloon Museum, a global traveling art installation featuring large-scale inflatable sculptures.” (Arlette Molina)
“Molina told the outlet she’s working ‘seven days a week’ to meet the deadline, with weddings, quinceañeras and private events expected to follow.” (Arlette Molina)
“The hotel… will add two floors to the historic 1938 concrete structure…” (Arlette Molina)
“Molina’s project joins other boutique hotel developments in Houston’s hospitality pipeline…” (Arlette Molina)
