What: High Rise to the Occasion Grand Opening Celebration
Where: The Wilshire at River Oaks District
The Scoop: Robert Bland — the legendary developer responsible for nearly half the high-rises in Houston – and Derek Darnell welcomed more than 250 exuberant guests to celebrate the grand opening of the 17-story landmark building – The Wilshire – in a style befitting the new gold standard for vertical living in Houston.
Giddy Wilshire residents, real estate heavyweights, in-demand designers, and local artists entered the sleek, contemporary lobby and were whisked up to the 4th floor resident lounge, and the whopping 25,000 square foot pool deck, where they were greeted with champagne and fare from new neighbor Steak 48, which included seared and sliced New York Strip and lobster on a hash with truffle butter, and a Maryland-style crab cake. Partygoers sipped on premium spirits from Edrington, including Snow Leopard Vodka, Macallan, and Brugal 1888 Rum. (Guests also enjoyed an apropos signature cocktail, The High Rise.)
With the largest amenity floor in the condo market, The Wilshire proved opportune for an over-the-top performance in the 75-foot heated lap pool by contortionist Rachel Reaneau inside a Cirque Sphere.
Between performances, guests toured The Wilshire and took in contemporary artwork selected by Barbara Davis Gallery that was on display throughout the building, as they toured any of four design-driven model homes by BeDesign, Mark Williams Design Group, and Tipler Design Group, respectively. With just 14 out of 96 residences left on the market, guests were quick to outpace each other as they checked out the remaining luxury digs.
Who: Pelican Builders founder Robert Bland; Pelican Builders president Derek Darnell and wife Sveta; David Gow, chairman & CEO of Gow Media; residential real estate queen Martha Turner and husband Glenn Bauguss; Robert Bland Jr. and wife Louise; Barbara Davis; Gigi Huang; James Sivco; Peter Remington; Mariana Saldaña; Carla Valencia and Tim Moloney; Bryan and Allison Bland Flick; Lesli and James Geitz; Sandra Boza; Kathe Broussard; and FOX 26’s CoCo Dominguez.
Contortionist Rachel Reaneau inside a Cirque Sphere.
