Houston's Most Unique Homes

Houston's most unique homes: Step inside high-priced, architect driven gems

Want to see how the other (stylish) half lives?

This weekend, the American Institue of Architects (AIA) is holding the 2013 Houston Home Tour, showcasing seven homes designed by five architects.

The annual tour, which attracts about 2,000 visitors per year, gives people the rare opportunity to view privately-owned residences designed by accomplished architects. The homes on the tour were hand-selected by a jury of industry experts to represent the finest residential architecture Houston has to offer.

"It's a very intimate process working with clients to design a home for the way they live their lives."

Since each home was designed specifically for the people who inhabit them, each has its own unique story and character. For example, the home at 1912 Bonner St., designed by studioMET, was created with the owner's passion for the outdoors kept in mind. The home features a covered breezeway, outdoor family room and stunning second-floor views.

Similarly, the home at 1102 River Bend Dr., designed by m+a architecture studio, combines a Lueders limestone exterior, reminiscent of the Hill Country home of the owner's childhood, with modern elements of glass and steel. This gives the home a distinctly personal touch which would be unattainable without the help of a skilled architect working closely with the owner.

"One of the goals of the Home Tour is to advocate for working with an architect on a residential scale and for smaller projects," Tour chair Shawn Gottschalk said in a statement. "It's a very intimate process working with clients to design a home for the way they live their lives — or the way they want to live their lives. The architect really gets to know them."

"It’s one thing to pass by and admire these stunning homes from the outside, but an entirely heightened experience to step inside and be captivated by the remarkable thought and talent that went into each design," added AIA Houston executive director Rusty Bienvenue.

Tickets for the tour are priced at $10 for single houses and $25 for the full tour. Tickets may be purchased online or at any of the tour homes during the tour hours — from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

2331 Dryden by Collaborative Design Works

Photo by © Ben Hill

2331 Dryden by Collaborative Design Works

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Plastic Container News

Texas-based The Container Store latest retailer to file for bankruptcy

Container Store

The Container Store plans to remain open.

Another seemingly popular retailer has filed for bankruptcy: According to a release, the Container Store has filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, effective December 22.

The company is not closing down, says president and CEO Satish Malhotra in a statement.

“The Container Store is here to stay," Malhotra says. "Our strategy is sound, and we believe the steps we are taking today will allow us to continue to advance our business, deepen customer relationships, expand our reach, and strengthen our capabilities."

The Company has filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Court that will allow it to make timely payments to vendors, suppliers, and other trade creditors in full.

The stores and website will continue to operate as normal; all customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered as normal.

At least 90 percent of the company’s loan lenders have pledged their support. A recapitalization will provide millions in new financing as well as debt service relief. This will strengthen their balance sheet and liquidity position, so they can meet commitments to partners and vendors.

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Coppell, the Container Store offers organizing solutions and in-home services, with more than 10,000 products to complete any space, sold at more than 100 locations nationwide and a flagship online store.

When they first debuted, they were an utter revelation with all of their various plastic containers and tubs — a market that is now also filled by cheaper knockoffs sold at a much lower price at places like Target.

“We are particularly excited about the future of our custom space offerings, which continue to demonstrate strength," Malhotra says. "We intend to maintain our strong workforce and remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while we execute this recapitalization and for many years to come.”

The Chapter 11 process does not include the Company’s Elfa business in Sweden, which continues to operate as usual.

There is starting to be a wave of bankruptcy filings of retailers that include Big Lots, which is holding going-out-of-business sales in anticipation of a company-wide closure; and Party City, which is closing its stores at the end of February.

The Container Store has created a dedicated website for stakeholders to get information about the Chapter 11 case at www.futureforcontainerstore.com.

holidays the container store business