For roughly two years, Twin Peaks has stood full-chested and proud in Houston’s Greenway Plaza. Across the expanse of the Southwest Freeway, its defeated rival Hooters has sat boarded up and abandoned. But nature moves on, as it does in the ever-changing urban landscape of our city.
Something else is taking over the 2519 Southwest Fwy address, something less sexually charged and more electric. Automobile maker Rivian appears to be eyeing the space, according to permits with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The Houston Historic Retail blog was the first to spot the development on Friday.
Those permits point to a roughly $2.3-million new construction where the Hooters is standing. Work on the titled “Rivian Houston Hub” is already underway and expected to finish by Dec. 4. Also of note is another permit that was filed for the Shell gas station at 2525 Southwest Fwy right next door. That one points to a $250,000 renovation project that will add two EV charging stations, a power cabinet and a switchgear to the property.
Rivian hasn’t publicly said anything about its plans. We’ve reached out to the company and will update the story if we hear back.
The California-based electric vehicle manufacturer has been broadcasting its “spaces” strategy. Rivian has opened a few of these retail hubs around the country, including Dallas, Texas. They’re more like demo exhibitionist spaces than full-on car dealerships where people can learn more about the vehicles, schedule a test drive, and shop merchandise.
It’s certainly different than ordering some chicken wings from a lady in a tank top and shorts. That particular Hooters closed in 2024, one of several that the company shuttered in a nationwide effort to right the ship, so to speak. Like everyone else, the chain was facing numerous problems in the post-pandemic restaurant economy, including higher food prices and lower consumer spending. Hooters filed for bankruptcy a year later.