We’re getting really excited about our Future of Downtown event next week (600 have already signed up!). Last week, we brought you up to date on new construction, but Downtown’s older buildings are also getting hot new looks.

Cameron Management prez Dougal Cameron, Jano Nixon Kelly, and leasing rep Michael Ross (our photographer dodged them when they reached the escalator top) tell us they're in the middle of a $10M redevelopment of the Esperson Buildings, including adding a third lobby and new street entrance on Rusk on the east/west rail line. Jano says Houston is starting to focus on its history, but people still prefer an updated, modern feel. Thus, Esperson’s new lobby has a contemporary design. (The two existing lobbies retained their historic feel.) Besides bridging the past and the present, Jano says the new look makes the connection between the two buildings much more inviting.

Esperson also received a new food court and escalator, which will give people a nice new way to get down into the tunnel system—which is particularly helpful since Skanska has closed its tunnel for construction (the only place that loves tunnels more than Houston is Shawshank). Jano tells us she has leasing opportunities for tenants who want to take advantage of the updates at Esperson, including room for large users. Esperson's renovations are designed by Page.

Next, Cameron is turning its focus to 1001 McKinney. Jano tells us it’s kicking off a $2M to $3M renovation in September designed by Ken R. Harry Associates, including work on the public areas and garage. The team recently put a new bridge (tested out here by Dougal and Michael) in the lobby over to Morton’s Steakhouse, a big plus for tenants (and giving Morton’s access into the tunnel).