Latham & Watkins has quietly staked out even more space at 811 Main, the 46-story trophy tower in downtown Houston, signaling that big law is still willing to pay up for top-shelf, client-facing offices. The fresh commitment adds to a run of legal tenants targeting prime blocks in the building as firms rethink how much space they want, and where. For downtown landlords, it is a welcome reminder that best-in-class towers remain the go-to address for heavyweight professional services firms.
Latham Adds Another Floor
According to CoStar, Latham & Watkins has “tacked on” an additional floor at 811 Main. The outlet notes the firm first moved into the tower in mid-2011 and frames the latest deal as part of a broader pickup in legal leasing at the property, as firms quietly stretch their downtown footprints rather than shrinking them.
811 Main a Trophy Tower for Law Firms
Built and managed as a trophy asset, 811 Main is a 46-story tower designed by Pickard Chilton, completed in 2011 and profiled by Hines. Its amenities, including a recessed sky garden and high-end finishes, have made it a natural magnet for large law firms and other client-facing professional services that want a polished backdrop for meeting clients and recruiting talent.
Market Context
Houston’s office market is still finding its footing, and owners of higher-quality space are beginning to see steadier interest. Cushman & Wakefield reports in its Q1 2026 MarketBeat that Houston office availability sat at roughly 29.5% at quarter end, a figure that helps explain why tenants are choosier than ever and why trophy towers are often the ones landing expansion deals.
What This Means for Tenants and Landlords
Leasing activity at 811 Main remains lively. A recent CBRE listing showed a 24,494-square-foot block on the 41st floor available, with an effective availability date of May 1, 2026, underscoring that sizable contiguous blocks are still trading hands even in a soft broader market. Latham’s own Houston page lists its address at 811 Main, Suite 3700, confirming that the firm already anchors the building and is now deepening its footprint there, per Latham & Watkins.
Tenant Roster
The tower has long been a favorite of big-name legal outfits. The Houston Chronicle has previously highlighted tenants including Latham & Watkins, BakerHostetler, Thompson & Knight and Gibson Dunn, a lineup that helps explain why other law firms see 811 Main as a coveted downtown address.
For downtown Houston, Latham’s latest expansion is another vote of confidence in trophy office product as leasing momentum builds into 2026. If more major firms follow with similar add-ons, it will be one of the clearest signs that the central business district’s recovery is moving beyond basic renewals and one-off relocations into something more like real growth.
