MetroNational Company Profile

Background

MetroNational is a privately held real estate investment, development, and management company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Established in 1954, the company has grown to own and manage over 10 million square feet of commercial real estate, primarily in the Greater Houston area. Its flagship development, Memorial City, is a 300-acre mixed-use district that serves as a central hub for business, retail, hospitality, and healthcare services.

Key Strategic Focus

MetroNational's strategic focus centers on long-term investment and development, emphasizing high-quality construction and sustainable growth. The company specializes in mixed-use developments that integrate office, retail, residential, hospitality, and healthcare components. Key technologies utilized include advanced construction materials and sustainable building practices. Primary markets targeted are urban areas with strong economic growth potential, particularly within the Houston metropolitan region.

Financials and Funding

As a privately held entity, MetroNational does not publicly disclose detailed financial information. However, the company has demonstrated significant growth through strategic acquisitions and developments. In August 2025, MetroNational acquired the 442,042-square-foot office tower at 990 Town & Country Boulevard, formerly the headquarters of Marathon Oil, enhancing its portfolio in the West Houston area. Additionally, in October 2025, the company secured an $82.7 million loan from Freddie Mac to finance The McKinley at Memorial City, a new 25-story multifamily development.

Pipeline Development

MetroNational's development pipeline includes several notable projects:

Memorial Town Square: A 27-acre mixed-use development at the intersection of Gessner Road and Barryknoll Lane within the Memorial City Mall area. The first phase involves constructing 10 standalone retail buildings totaling 190,000 square feet, surrounding a new half-acre green space. Completion is anticipated in late 2025.

Greenside: A family-friendly adaptive reuse project located at 1085 Gessner Road, featuring nearly an acre of green space surrounded by retail, dining, wellness, and beauty experiences. Construction is expected to wrap up next year.

The McKinley at Memorial City: A 25-story luxury high-rise apartment building with 278 units, part of a four-acre mixed-use project. The development is financed through the $82.7 million loan secured from Freddie Mac.

Technological Platform and Innovation

MetroNational employs several proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies to enhance its developments:

Sustainable Building Practices: The company integrates LEED-certified designs and energy-efficient systems to promote environmental sustainability.

Smart Building Technologies: Utilization of advanced building management systems to optimize energy usage and enhance tenant comfort.

Community Engagement Platforms: Development of digital platforms to foster community interaction and engagement within its properties.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at MetroNational includes:

Jason Johnson: CEO and President. Jason, the grandson of the company's founder, joined MetroNational in 2013 and has served as president and vice chairman since 2015. He assumed the role of CEO in April 2023.

Roy Johnson: Executive Chairman. Roy, Jason's father, served as CEO before transitioning to the role of executive chairman in April 2023.

Leadership Changes

In April 2023, Jason Johnson succeeded his father, Roy Johnson, as CEO of MetroNational. Roy Johnson transitioned to the role of executive chairman, continuing to provide strategic guidance to the company.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Houston real estate market is characterized by a diverse economy, a growing population, and a strong demand for mixed-use developments. The market has experienced fluctuations due to economic cycles, but the long-term outlook remains positive, driven by population growth and urbanization trends.

Competitor Analysis

MetroNational's primary competitors include:

Midway: A Houston-based real estate investment and development firm known for projects like CityCentre and The Ion.

Hines: A global real estate investment, development, and management firm with a significant presence in Houston.

The Howard Hughes Corporation: A real estate development and management company with projects such as The Woodlands and Bridgeland.

These competitors focus on large-scale mixed-use developments and have established reputations in the Houston market.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MetroNational has engaged in strategic collaborations to enhance its development projects:

Radom Capital: Partnered to reimagine and elevate the retail experience at CityCentre, leveraging Radom's expertise in creating experiential mixed-use retail destinations.