Case Study
Government Relocation & Expansion – Consulate of Honduras
Consulate of Honduras Expands from 5,755 SF to 14,000 SF in Houston, TX
The Client:
Consulate of Honduras – Official diplomatic mission serving the Honduran community across Texas and surrounding regions.
Commercial Real Estate Broker & Advisor:
Sam Chang, Partner – Office & Industrial Division, Henry S. Miller
Previous Location: 3100 Wilcrest Drive, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77042 (5,755 SF)
New Location: 9800 Centre Parkway, Houston, TX 77036 (14,000 SF)
Challenge:
- Landlord at the previous location declined to renew the consulate’s lease.
- Required significant expansion and a more suitable facility for government functions.
- Had to accommodate unique government leasing terms including termination rights and security-related clauses.
- Consulate needed custom office build-out with specialized configurations for public service, waiting areas, and administrative offices.
- Limited number of landlords were open to leasing to foreign government entities.
- The process was complex and extended over a 9-month period.
Strategic Approach:
- Worked closely with the Government of Honduras and the Consulate’s administrative and legal representatives.
- Conducted a detailed search across the Houston metro for landlords willing to accept diplomatic tenants.
- Reviewed government lease language with multiple property owners to identify flexible candidates.
- Negotiated favorable lease terms that balanced the consulate’s diplomatic requirements with landlord risk.
- Oversaw coordination with architects and contractors to ensure the space could be built out to the consulate’s specifications.
Solution & Execution:
- Secured a 14,000 SF facility at 9800 Centre Parkway with modern infrastructure and ample parking.
- Negotiated a custom lease structure that satisfied both the Government of Honduras and the landlord.
- Enabled extensive tenant improvements including a new reception, public-facing service areas, and executive offices.
- Delivered a facility that allowed the Consulate to significantly enhance its public service capacity.
Results & Impact:
- Consulate expanded into a facility more than twice its previous size, improving workflow and visitor experience.
- Relocated without service disruption after resolving a difficult landlord non-renewal situation.
- Custom build-out allowed for better workflow, security, and professional image for the Consulate.
- Successful conclusion of a 9-month strategic process through persistence, diplomacy, and real estate expertise.
Quick View:
| Previous Facility | 5,755 SF at 3100 Wilcrest Dr, Suite 110 |
| New Facility | 14,000 SF at 9800 Centre Parkway |
| Transaction Type | Relocation & Expansion (Lease) |
| Lease Challenge | Government clauses, landlord resistance, complex build-out |
| Timeline | 9+ months |
| Advisor Role | Sam Chang represented the Consulate |
Why This Matters
This case demonstrates Sam Chang’s capability to handle politically sensitive and logistically complex real estate assignments for foreign governments, navigating stringent requirements and market constraints to secure optimal long-term solutions.
Need representation for your diplomatic or governmental expansion? Contact Sam Chang, Partner and Commercial Real Estate Advisor, for discreet, strategic leasing solutions across Texas.