Archive for the ‘Condos’ Category

High Rise Condos in Houston, Texas

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Houston high rise condos appeal to a wide range of buyers and renters alike; people who prefer an urban lifestyle and the proximity to work and play, retirees, young professionals, those who have tired of the constant chores and upkeep of a single-family home, etc.

Additionally, condo amenities offer considerable appeal; secured parking, security systems, swimming pools and workout rooms, card rooms and libraries, entertainment facilities and meeting rooms, luxurious grounds and impressive lobbies in many cases.

Large balconies, panoramic views, state-of-the art appliances, marble and granite countertops, well-designed floor plans and much more are to be found in many upscale condo developments as well.

Houston boasts many outstanding examples of luxury high rise condos, although, for the more budget restricted, older, lower-priced condos can be found as well.

Houston High Rise Condo Choices

The newest and first high rise condo scheduled for an opening in Houston in 2010 is the nearly completed Highland Tower, a luxury high rise located on Bancroft Lane between San Felipe and Westheimer, nearby to the Highland Village Shopping Center. The target date for the first move-in is April.

The Cosmopolitan Condos have the added attraction of proximity to the popular Galleria Mall, a prestigious uptown location, and access to the city’s high fashion district.

The Bristol, another Galleria District luxury high rise in a highly desirable neighborhood, offers a wide choice of condominium homes ranging in price from $300,000 to $500,000, and two level penthouses costing from $800,000 to a million-and-a-half.

Commerce Towers located at 914 Main, is a luxury hi-rise with an ideal location, right on Main Street Square and the downtown tunnel. Over 400 shops, entertainment, the theatre district, and the Metro Light Rail add all the amenities anyone could ask for, and you have the ultimate in a luxury high rise condo.

So, if urban living suits your lifestyle, a Houston high rise condo may be just what you’re looking for.

Highlight on: The Empire Condos & Lofts in Houston

Monday, March 7th, 2011

When you think of luxury real estate in Houston, you may think of one of the outstanding estates with sprawling lawns and exquisite architecture. However, luxury real estate in Houston is not left to just the single-family residences; in fact, if you want luxury real estate in Houston, but you desire an easier lifestyle with more perks and amenities, you may very well want to consider one of Houston’s luxury condos.

The Luxury of the Empire

Although luxury real estate in Houston is varied when it comes to condo living, there is one condo building that we find particularly special when it comes to luxury: the Empire.

Beginning with its outstanding design aesthetics, it is immediately clear that the Empire boasts luxury living in Houston. Inspired by the classic architecture that one would see in New York, the Empire is a beautiful mix of modern detailing and old-world styling. Oak trees line the drive to the entrance, which is impressive in itself due to the lovingly landscaped motor court, but the grand entrance is sure to impress.

Unparalleled Amenities and Services

The Empire, which is ideally situated next to some of Houston’s most well-known landmarks, is also known for its outstanding amenities and services, starting with its concierge services. The views of the Empire are almost as impressive as the amenities, as residents are afforded lovely views of the surrounding water wall and the lakes on Post Oak.

Nothing about the Empire is typical, and that includes its residences and amenities. Some of the resident amenities include: an oversized swimming pool, whirlpool spa, and a private movie theater with a kitchen and a bar.

The units at the Empire feature both condos and lofts. All homes feature soaring ceilings and large, open spaces. The lofts of the Empire boast 18-foot ceilings, while the flats feature ceilings of nearly 12 feet. There are also penthouse units and all of the units feature either balconies or terraces, thereby ensuring lovely, sweeping views of both Houston’s Uptown District and downtown Houston.

Why it’s Good to be A Downtown Houston Condo Owner

Friday, March 4th, 2011

Downtown Houston is  a hot spot for fantastic condos, as many Houston residents are looking for the ultimate in superb, high-rise living and only the best in terms of location.

The downtown Houston condo market is made up of many types of condo living, including low-rise, high-rise and loft homes, and the prices are quite varied as to attract a variety of buyers. But what the downtown Houston condo market has in common is that all of the residences here enjoy a fantastic proximity to Houston’s thriving business sectors and international business.

Sure, life is good if you live and work in downtown Houston, but what about your time off work? Well, for downtown Houston residents, play time is loads of fun, too. If you are looking to purchasing in the downtown Houston condo market, you must check out the many sites and attractions here that draw millions of visitors every year!

  • Downtown Aquarium – Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is home to a myriad of amazing sea creatures. From the Sunken Temple exhibit, where you can view the ancient Mayan culture, to Shark Voyage, where you can get a glimpse of the ocean’s most fierce predators, this aquarium also features outdoor attractions, such as the 100-foot Diving Bell Ferris Wheel and the Dancing Fountains.
  • Houston Zoo – Of course, a day of leisure in Houston could not be complete without a trip to the Houston Zoo. Covering nearly 55 acres, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 500 species of animals. Some of the great sites to see while at the Houston Zoo include the Tropical Bird House, the Wildlife Carousel and a rate American Alligator names Blanco.
  • Market Square Historic District – Commonly thought of as by Houstonians as the heartbeat of downtown Houston, Market Square features 19th century architecture and a decidedly old-world style feeling. Take the time to visit the many quaint bistros and restaurants and head to Spy, the fantastic dance club popular among the young professionals. Don’t leave Market Square without a relaxing stroll in the park, either!
  • Museum of Fine Arts – If you’re looking for an afternoon of culture, then you must visit the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. With more than 45,000 works of art over 300,000 square feet of space, the Museum of Fine Arts is the fifth largest museum in the country.

Remember: the Houston condo market is a great place to start your home search! What other place can provide you with business opportunities and loads of recreational activities?

The Condos of Houston’s Galleria Area

Monday, January 31st, 2011

Houston’s Inner Loop is the place to be. Cosmopolitan, chic, trendy; the list goes on about life here. Uptown area condos are superb in terms of amenities, services and, of course, location. It is quite common to see young, urban professionals vying for Uptown area condos, but you may be surprised to learn that many other types of Houstonians have also abandoned suburban living for the excitement of the city. From empty nesters to small families, there is a wide variety of people that call Uptown area condos home.

One of the most highly sought-after areas in the Inner Loop is, without a doubt, the Galleria area. This is the place where towering buildings meet lovely surroundings and an ideal proximity to the city’s best opportunities and excitement. It is also where some of the best Uptown condos can be found. Here are our favorites:

  • The Cosmopolitan – The Cosmopolitan is where elegant architecture meets outstanding amenities and services. From the raised infinity swimming pool to the world-class spa, the resident amenities at the Cosmopolitan are nothing short of superb. Combine the amenities with spacious homes boasting sweeping views of Uptown Houston, and you have a truly spectacular place to call home in Houston’s Inner Loop.
  • 2400 McCue Condos – What’s not to love about 2400 McCue Condos? This fabulous condominium community is just steps from Memorial Park, thereby making this community feel more like a tucked-away suburban retreat than an urban condo. The lush, tropical feeling of these condos doesn’t end with the park, either, as there are palms, plants and relaxing fountains throughout, as well as plenty of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool, tanning pools and sundecks, complete with grills, lounge chairs and wireless Internet access.
  • Alexan Lofts – The Alexan Lofts are a nice example of Uptown area condos, as they take the history of the historic building, including the architecture and build upon it, thereby offering residents a beautiful mix of old and new. Located along the picturesque banks of the Buffalo Bayou, the Alexan Lofts boast some of the finest interior features, including: 16-foot ceilings, original brick walks, original wood floors and amazing wood beams that were harvested from 100-year-old Heartwood Pines.

Why Uptown Houston in the Place for Fantastic Condos

Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

We love Uptown Houston for so many reasons, but perhaps one the best reasons to love this section of the city is because of the condo buildings found there. Uptown Houston condo buildings are varied and beautiful and attract many types of residents, from Houston professionals to family and empty nesters.

It is no wonder that there is such a great selection of Uptown Houston condo buildings from which to choose. This area of Houston boasts the hotel and fashion district, and the business district found here is the second largest in the country.

The beautiful architecture found in Uptown Houston, and in Uptown Houston condo buildings, for that matter, is quite lovely, as you can find a beautiful mix of both traditional and contemporary architecture. Some of the Uptown Houston condo buildings known for their architecture include: The Empire, The Briarglen Condos and the Cosmopolitan Condos.

Uptown Houston condo buildings, in addition to being ideally located within the shopper’s paradise that is the Galleria, are also located in close proximity to three, main office towers, thereby enabling professionals to both live and work in Uptown Houston.

Here is our pick of some of the coolest Uptown Houston condo buildings:

  • 7575 Kirby Condos – Reminiscent of a distinctive, Mediterranean resort, these Uptown Houston condos focus on design, service and amenities. Just 176 residences make up 7575 Kirby, thereby ensuring an air of privacy and luxury. 7575 Kirby also boasts a health club and spa, a clubhouse and a party room for the ultimate in entertaining.
  • The Franklin Lofts – Overlooking the Buffalo Bayou, the Franklin Lofts feature open, airy floor plans with amenities such as hardwood floors, spa-inspired bathrooms and gourmet kitchens, complete with stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Modern features combined with elegant surroundings make the Franklin Lofts the ideal choice when it comes to Uptown Houston condo buildings.
  • St. Germain – The St. Germain Loft Condominiums are all about location, location, location. As far as Uptown Houston condo buildings go, this one takes the cake for great location, as it is near a seemingly endless array of restaurants, shops, clubs and the Metro.

Our List of Downtown Houston’s Hottest Condos

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

Houston is not short on fantastic condos. In fact, for the ultimate in chic, urban living, Houston is the place to be. From trendy lofts to outstanding condominium homes with top-notch amenities and services, the downtown Houston condo market is jam-packed with options for nearly every buyer.

Here is our list of some of the best condos that downtown Houston has to offer:

  • Bayou Lofts – We love the Bayou Lofts, and not just for their reasonable home prices! These hip condos, which are priced from $159,000 to more than $600,000, are ideally located just steps from the light rail service and the Houston Theater District. If you want the ultimate condos with the ultimate location, then you owe it to yourself to check out the Bayou Lofts!
  • The Beaconsfield – If you want the convenience of downtown Houston and the history to go along with it, take a look at the Beaconsfield. Registered with the National Register of Historic Places, the Beaconsfield offers beautiful surroundings with gorgeous, architectural details and all the charm that goes along with it.
  • The Capitol Lofts – The upgrades to downtown Houston’s Capitol Lofts are quite impressive, from the new windows to the stunning, granite and glass façade. A great location, combined with fantastic building amenities and services, make the Capitol Lofts a popular choice when it comes to the downtown Houston condo market.
  • Commerce Towers – The Commerce Towers Condominiums offer mid-priced condo living in the heart of downtown Houston, as these condos are priced from $300,000. The beautiful design and elegant surroundings allow residents to live the urban life without the urban feel.
  • Four Seasons – If you want hotel amenities and services with a fantastic, downtown Houston location, then you must check out the Four Seasons! Priced from $270,000 to over $1 million, the Four Seasons offers top-notch services for its residents and makes them feel as if they are living as a hotel guest!
  • Franklin Lofts – If you’re looking for downtown Houston living without the associated prices, then the Franklin Lofts are for you! Located in the beautiful Historic District of Houston, these beautiful condos are priced from just $200,000.

Feeling at Home in Smaller Spaces

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Condos in the Inner Loop can be quite fabulous. From incredible views and location to superb amenities and features, the Houston Inner Loop has plenty to offer in terms of condos.

If you are one of the many Houstonians making the switch from a home to a Houston Inner Loop condo, you may be worried about making do in a smaller space. However, don’t let smaller spaces stress you out! There are many ways to make your Houston Inner Loop condo feel warm and welcoming in no time!

  1. A move to a Houston Inner Loop condo from a home may prove tricky, particularly if you have accumulated a lot of “stuff” over the years. So, the first thing you will need to do is conquer your clutter. Begin by going through your belonging well ahead of your move so that you can start throwing away or donating items that you no longer need or want. If you are an empty nester flying the coop, this may also be the time to pass down certain items to your children, as they will likely be starting their lives. This is also a great time to have a yard sale!
  2. Before moving, get measurements of the rooms of your new Houston Inner Loop condo so that you can be sure that your current furniture will fit into your new space. Think about the scale of the furniture you currently have, as well as the size of the space into which it will go; then you can decide whether to keep it or sell/donate it.
  3. Think about your new spaces, and plan accordingly. For example, is a dining room really necessary, or can you turn it into a home office. You may want to think outside the box when it comes to designing your new living space in your Houston Inner Loop condo, as the same rules may not apply to condo living.
  4. Keep what you love and get rid of the rest. Think of your move to your fabulous Inner Loop condo as a rebirth, of sorts, and keep only those items that you really love. Everything else can be sold, discarded or donated. Make your Houston Inner Loop condo all about the things you love and the things that make you happy!

The Edge Condos – Midtown Houston’s Hottest new Address

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Midtown Houston is often an afterthought when it comes to Houston real estate – but it shouldn’t be! In fact, Midtown Houston is a fabulous place to call home and the Midtown Houston real estate here is superb!

Midtown Houston is often known for its cultural diversity, and is a hot spot now for both residential and commercial dwellings. This mixed-use community is pedestrian-friendly and home to many Houstonians who want to work, live and play in the same area.

Midtown Houston enjoys a great location, as it is situated between downtown Houston, Montrose and the Texas Medical Center, thereby creating plenty of job opportunities for the residents that live there. . The Houston Business Journal, upon completion of the condos in 2007, called the Edge Condos “the first new condominium community close to Downtown in 30 years.”

Because of the growing popularity of Midtown Houston, Midtown Houston real estate is now highly sought after. It is not uncommon to find a great array of housing options here, including condos, high rises and lofts. Midtown Houston real estate also boasts a number of newly constructed – and reasonably priced – townhomes.

The Edge Condos

The Edge Condos, which is one of the newest mid-rise buildings in Houston, boast excellent Midtown Houston real estate. Consisting of a six-floor building with 93 residences, the Edge enjoys a fantastic location, just steps from the heart of downtown Houston.

These reasonably priced condos, which range from the $200,000s to the $500,000s, feature a load of amenities, including:

  • Concierge service
  • Fitness center
  • Swimming pool and spa
  • Community center
  • Media room
  • Business center
  • Residence lounge with entertainment kitchen
  • Outdoor grilling stations
  • Indoor theater
  • Assigned, garage parking

The interior features of the Edge include granite countertops, tile floors and stainless steel appliances, just to name a few. In addition, the beautiful, modern lobby of the Edge features sleek furniture and soaring windows.

Many of the units boast panoramic, “front row” views of Downtown Houston. The units on the west side of the building feature a picturesque setting of mature old oak trees, while the units on the courtyard side feature views of the property’s beautifully landscape and waterscaped-designed wall.

The Best Urban Digs in Downtown Houston

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Downtown Houston has some of the most spectacular condo living. In fact, downtown Houston condos are, without a doubt, the place to be if you want to experience urban living at its finest. From spectacular views and central location to loads of entertainment and excitement, downtown Houston condos are highly sought after and in high demand.

If you love downtown Houston condos, then consider one of the following three downtown Houston condo buildings:

  1. Live Oak Lofts – Comfortably situated in a quaint, historic district on the edge of downtown Houston, Live Oaks Lofts is a great combination of modern amenities and fantastic, historic construction. For example, Live Oaks was constructed within an old, 1930’s brick warehouse, thereby providing the coolest, urban industrial-inspired atmosphere. In addition, the interiors boast such features as exposed brick and ductwork and hardwood and concrete floors. However, you will soon find modern amenities and conveniences are all around you. From the granite kitchens and the stainless steel appliances to the spa-inspired bathrooms, Live Oaks Lofts have everything a modern, urban dweller would want.
  2. The Franklin Lofts- If you love loft living, then you will definitely love the Franklin Lofts. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Franklin Lofts are one of Houston’s premier lofts residences. Comprised of just six residential floors and just 11 condominiums, the Franklin Lofts all combine beautiful, historical elements, such as exposed brick walks, soaring ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Franklin Lofts are also quite reasonably priced, as they start in the mid $200,000s.
  3. Cosmopolitan Houston – The Cosmopolitan Houston boasts outstanding architecture and world-class amenities, all within a fabulous, downtown Houston location. Often referred to as “urban getaway,” the Cosmopolitan Houston boasts such features as world-class gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired master bathrooms. Breathtaking, panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed from any one of the homes of the Cosmopolitan Houston, thereby making these downtown Houston condos the perfect home for any Houstonian seeking the finest in urban living. From wine coolers and gourmet coffee systems, the features found throughout the residences of the Cosmopolitan Houston are simply second to none.

Bucking the Trend: Highland Park’s Newest Condo Tower takes Shape

Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Whoever says construction is at a standstill in Houston hasn’t seen the Highland Tower.

Billed as “Houston’s only luxury condominium high-rise under construction at the beginning on 2010,” the Highland Tower is surely the bright spot amidst the doom and gloom of the new construction market in Houston.

If 2010 is anything like 2009 in terms of new construction, it looks as if Highland Tower will be able to lay claim to the title of “the newest condo tower in Houston” for some time. In other words, there isn’t exactly a rush to bring more Houston high-rise luxury condos to fruition until the market rebounds.

Highland Tower is expected to open its doors to its first residents in April. According to the developer, Highland Tower has sold 35 percent of its 96 condominium homes, despite the challenge of the recession. Most of the buyers seem to be empty nesters and relocating professionals.

In addition to simply purchasing condo units, many of the buyers appear to be spending more money to customize their Highland Park’s homes. One-bedroom condominium homes start at $298,000.

Pelican Builders broke ground on Highland Tower back in July 2008; the developer notes that if the project were to start even six months later that the recession would have ended it. To put it into perspective, Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy on September 15, 2008, and essentially started the downward spiral felt throughout the national economy during 2009.

Highland Tower will feature top-notch homes set within a full-service building. From expansive rooms to spacious floor plans, Highland Tower will offer Houstonians upscale living in the heart of Houston. Some of the features and amenities that will be afforded to the residents of Highland Tower include:

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Corner units with wrap-around Houston views
  • 17,000-square-foot rooftop terrace with a putting green and a swimming pool
  • Gourmet kitchens with stainless steel Bosch appliances and designer cabinetry
  • Master bathrooms with soaking tubs
  • Ideal proximity to Highland Village, the Galleria and Central Market