The twisting tale of the Barbara Jordan Post Office at 401 Franklin continues. Houston-based developer Lovett Commercial has begun renovating the landmark, slotted for a mixed-use development called Post HTX with a new private event space, plus residential, office, retail and restaurant spaces.

Lovett is collaborating with local interior designers Jawda and Jawda, turning the first floor of the historic building into a 150k SF event center set to open in early 2017. Phase 2 of the project will include architectural modification to the structure rolled out in several stages over the next five to eight years. Details regarding the design or use were not available. Lovett Commercial couldn't be be reached for comment.

The space has had recent success as an event venue. In December, Day For Night will rock the building, which opened in 1936. The building's life as a post office officially ended in May 2015 due to a $20B cut in the USPS budget. Lovett Commercial acquired the 16-acre tract shortly after. [CM]