Montrose Live Pop-Up Enters New Year with Container Retail Activation, Food Trucks and Curated Weekend Shopping Collectives

One of Houston’s most dynamic intersections – the corner of Montrose and Westheimer at 1001 Westheimer Rd. – is evolving yet again thanks to Montrose Live, a placemaking pop-up conceived and managed by local entrepreneur Jessica Ivins. Since launching the initiative in summer 2021 as Montrose Marketplace with a weekend market series, Ivins has continued to enhance and expand programming to keep the nearly three-acre site a safe, clean and activated community space that serves the neighborhood, as well as acting as a point of interest for visitors.

The current iteration of that effort aims to make Montrose Live an everyday stop with the debut of its Container Galleries, a series of air-conditioned shipping containers converted into boutique businesses. Mid-November saw the opening of its first two retailers – Sunbi Studio and Trusted Kicks – and plans call for a coffee shop with records and books, a farm stand and working artist spaces to soon join the mix. Additionally, the organizers have launched Montrose Live Info, a container space whereby the community can meet with Montrose Live operators to learn about future plans and share feedback and ideas.

Sunbi Studio, a floral design studio and gift shop featuring unique artisan products sourced from local creators, is an extension of longtime Houston market vendor and online florist Bloom Gardenias. In addition to its curated selection of handmade items, Sunbi Studio will offer art workshops, movie nights, craft meet-ups, and more, creating a dynamic space for creativity and community. Trusted Kicks, formerly located at 1840 Westheimer Rd., brings a fresh twist to its renowned luxury resale shop, now incorporating vintage clothing and inviting celebrated Houston clothing designers to pop up in their space at Montrose Live.

Adding to its daily appeal – and complemented by welcoming seating areas with newly installed lighting for evening visits – is an intriguing lineup of food trucks including HoustatlantaVegan, Yummy’s Hot Chicken, and Just Smash. Additional culinary purveyors are on tap for 2025.

Yummy’s Hot Chicken spotlights Nashville hot chicken with a middle eastern twist. Flavor packed dishes span from the Frywarma – Syrian chicken topped with pickled turnips and wrapped in pita bread – to Loaded Curry Fries with chopped chicken and nacho cheese. Offering comfort food inspired by the culture of both Houston and Atlanta, Houstatlanta Vegan features signatures like Thicc & Yella Mac, house battered Rodeo Rings, the 97.9 Box with fried chicken tenders, fries and toast, plus the Hotlanta Chicken Sandwich, encompassing a crispy fried chicken breast dipped in hot oil and served on a brioche bun with slaw. Stop by Just Smash for favorites such as the Patty Smelt on Texas toast, Smash Fries incorporating two smashed beef patties with cheese and smash sauces and the Salted Caramel Milkshake.

Adding new energy to the weekend (every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6 pm), four tent shop collectives each offer a unique focus and mission, along with a shared passion for offering a quality retail environment for visitors. The Landfill emphasizes sustainability with eco-friendly leaning purveyors featuring upcycled goods, vintage clothing and low-waste products; No Passport Needed offers diverse cultural experiences, including food, art and community events. Authenticated focuses on original designs and artwork from local artists and makers, aiming to create a platform for authentic creativity; Real Good Real Goods prioritizes organic foods and ingredient-conscious products, promoting health and sustainability. “The collectives at Montrose Live were created to support businesses and creators who are passionate about delivering authentic and intentionally crafted offerings to their customers. By providing a platform where they can grow and connect with the community, we’re helping them thrive while offering visitors something truly unique,” Ivins noted.

Each weekend at Montrose Live features live music, anchored by the Montrose Live House Band. This group of talented musicians hosts interactive jam sessions, engages with guests, and sets the stage for performances by local bands, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere for everyone in attendance.

The Montrose Live initiative has been a win-win for Ivins and property owner Skanska, a global leader in development and construction. The sustainability focused firm, which is responsible for several landmark projects in Houston, including the recently unveiled Norton Rose Fulbright Tower at Downtown’s Discovery Green, is finalizing plans for a mixed-use project on the Montrose parcel.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to utilize this land as a place where local entrepreneurs, artists and creatives can thrive, while cultivating an experience that will be carried forward into future projects at other advantageous sites leading up to the start of construction,” said Ivins.