[Urbannizer]

Phase 1: Parking structure with retail for the southern half of the block. The developer has sued Hines over an agreement regarding tunnel access.

Downtown property owner sues to halt demolition of former Chronicle building

A downtown property owner is taking a neighbor to court over demolition plans it says will impede its ability to connect into the downtown tunnel system.

Theater Square LP, an entity affiliated with the Linbeck construction family, filed a lawsuit against an entity controlled by the Hines development firm, owner of the former Houston Chronicle building at 801 Texas, and Hearst Newspapers, the Chronicle's parent company.

The Linbeck entity said it is in the initial phase of developing its site, which will include a retail and parking structure on the southern half of the block. The city has approved its foundation permit.

The Linbeck entity wants a court to keep Hines from demolishing or damaging the passageways or basement areas of the Chronicle building. The company is also seeking damages and attorney fees.