• Restaurants + Bars
  • Entertainment
  • Arts
  • Society
  • City Life
  • Fashion + Beauty
  • Real Estate
  • Home + Design
  • Innovation
  • Travel
  • Sports
  • THE TOP 100
  • City Guide
  • Events
  • Charity Guide
  • Subscribe
  • Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
Cities
  • Austin
  • Dallas
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Fort Worth
culturemap logo
  • Restaurants + Bars

    THE LATEST

    Eric Sandler: Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
    JV's favorite burger
    Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: Houston's first Nikkei restaurant blends 2 great culinary traditions that taste great together
    Japanese fusion in westchase
    Houston's first Nikkei restaurant blends 2 great global cuisines
    By Eric Sandler
    Eric Sandler: 7 things to know in Houston food right now: Openings, closings, and a spirited dinner with Feges BBQ
    7 things to know
    7 things to know in Houston food: Openings, closings, more dining news
    By Eric Sandler

    SPONSORED BY

  • Entertainment

    THE LATEST

    Alex Bentley: Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    Movie Review
    Bodies Bodies Bodies hit the floor in hilarious horror comedy
    By Alex Bentley
    Craig D. Lindsey : Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend
    weekend event planner
    Here are the top 14 things to do in Houston this weekend
    By Craig D. Lindsey
    Steven Devadanam: Dazzling immersive art experience draws up sprawling new home in The Heights
    an artful move
    Dazzling immersive art experience draws up new home in The Heights
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Arts

    THE LATEST

    Tarra Gaines: 9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    best august art
    9 vivid and eye-catching August art events no Houstonian should miss
    By Tarra Gaines
    Tarra Gaines: Houston's best fall theater showcases Broadway sensations, cutting-edge works, and world premiers
    best fall theater
    Houston's best fall theater showcases world-class productions and more
    By Tarra Gaines
    Holly Beretto: Powerhouse new CEO sets the stage for Hobby Center for the Performing Arts' next big act
    on the mark
    Powerhouse new CEO sets the stage for Hobby Center's next big act
    By Holly Beretto

    SPONSORED BY

  • Society

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday extravaganza closes up shop after 34-year run
    a fond farewell
    Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday experience stepping down
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Inspiring celebrity sports power couple hosts can't-miss gala with surprise Houston Astros guests
    a home-run cause
    Sports power couple hosts gala with surprise Astros star guests
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's society queen hits the dance floor in red-hot Montrose nightclub's VIP bash
    sobe's back
    Houston's society queen dances away at Montrose club's VIP party
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • City Guide

    THE LATEST

    : Stages
    Entertainment
    Stages
    : PH Design Shop
    Shops
    PH Design Shop
    : Westin Oaks Houston
    Hotels
    Westin Oaks Houston

    SPONSORED BY

  • Events

    THE LATEST

    : ICOSA Collective presents Jaqueline Overby: "Window Dressing XXI" opening reception
    8.13.22 | 12:00 am
    ICOSA Collective presents Jaqueline Overby: "Window Dressing XXI" opening reception
    : Color Factory
    8.13.22 | 9:00 am
    Color Factory
    : Candytopia
    8.13.22 | 10:00 am
    Candytopia

    SPONSORED BY

  • SportsMap
  • Subscribe
  • City Life

    THE LATEST

    Ken Hoffman: Ken Hoffman broadcasts the list of Houston stars dominating the 2022 Texas Radio Hall of Fame awards
    airwave a-listers
    Hoffman on the Houston stars dominating the Radio Hall of Fame awards
    By Ken Hoffman
    Brianna Caleri: Houston steps to top of list of U.S. cities with lowest carbon footprints
    By the Footprint
    Houston steps to top of U.S. cities with lowest carbon footprints
    By Brianna Caleri
    Steven Devadanam: Beloved University of Houston cougar mascot Shasta VI passes away at 11
    remembering shasta vi
    Beloved University of Houston cougar mascot Shasta passes away at 11
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Fashion + Beauty

    THE LATEST

    : 5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock this summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    I'm a Barbie girl, in the Barbie world
    5 Houston hot-pink essentials to rock summer's viral Barbiecore trend
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly wins best lingerie shop in America title
    a fitting win
    Luxe Uptown boutique fittingly named best lingerie shop in America
    By Gabi De la Rosa
    : Face the scorching Houston summer sun with these tips from local skin care experts
    here comes the sun
    Face the Houston summer sun with tips from local skin care experts
    By Gabi De la Rosa

    SPONSORED BY

  • Real Estate

    THE LATEST

    Hannah J. Frías: Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5 million Texas ranch
    down by the river
    Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
    By Hannah J. Frías
    John Egan: Retro Hill Country drive-in movie theater premieres on the market at $4 million
    Screen dream
    Retro Hill Country drive-in theater premieres on the market at $4M
    By John Egan
    Holly Beretto: Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point blooms on market for $2.8 million
    into the woods
    Contemporary 'treehouse' masterpiece in Piney Point lists for $2.8M
    By Holly Beretto

    SPONSORED BY

  • Home + Design

    THE LATEST

    John Egan: Texas builder unveils sleek prefabricated luxury homes starting at $600,000
    prefab fab
    Texas builder unveils sleek prefab luxury homes starting at $600,000
    By John Egan
    Katie Friel: H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    Milk, Bread, Eggs, Accent Chair
    H-E-B carts out new home decor and furniture for Texas shoppers
    By Katie Friel
    Steven Devadanam: In-demand Houston interior designer opens door to elegant new showroom in Rice Village
    livable luxury
    Haute Houston interior designer opens elegant new Rice Village shop
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Innovation

    THE LATEST

    Natalie Harms: Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    PRIME SHOPPING
    Amazon tries on same-day mall delivery in Houston for in-demand items
    By Natalie Harms
    Steven Devadanam: Houston's elite hospitals score No. 1 spots in prestigious new list of best in U.S. and Texas
    med center might
    Houston hospitals score No. 1 spots in list of best in U.S. and Texas
    By Steven Devadanam
    John Egan: Houston real estate giant cracks down on carbon emissions
    SEEING GREEN
    Houston real estate giant cracks down on carbon emissions
    By John Egan

    SPONSORED BY

  • Travel

    THE LATEST

    Teresa Gubbins: State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex Awards
    all's fair
    State Fair of Texas unleashes 10 creative fried foods for 2022 Big Tex
    By Teresa Gubbins
    Stephanie Allmon Merry: 7 spectacular surprises inside Chip and Joanna Gaines' new Fixer Upper castle in North Texas
    Royal revelation
    7 surprises in Chip & Joanna Gaines' North Texas Fixer Upper castle
    By Stephanie Allmon Merry
    Brianna Caleri: New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    The Juice
    New Hill Country festival jams out with 15 Texas wineries and 3 bands
    By Brianna Caleri

    SPONSORED BY

  • Sports

    THE LATEST

    Steven Devadanam: Viral hug after harrowing accident in Pearland Little League victory is what America needs right now
    everyone wins
    Player hug after accident in Pearland Little League win goes viral
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: Dwayne Johnson's XFL taps Texas football royalty to coach new Houston team
    can you smell what the rock is cookin'?
    Texas football royalty named coach of new XFL team in Houston
    By Steven Devadanam
    Steven Devadanam: University of Houston Cougars score $10M anonymous, game-changing gift for state-of-the-art football center
    coogs (new) house
    UH Cougars score $10M anonymous gift for game-changing football center
    By Steven Devadanam

    SPONSORED BY

  • Charity Guide
  • Tastemaker Awards
Promoted articles are produced by CultureMap sponsors and not by the editorial staff.
Home » Real Estate
buzbee's house for sale
High-power Houston attorney selling River Oaks home for $27.5 million
lock and leave
Upscale lagoon community expands with 200 new units in north Houston
LATEST NEWS
7 things to know in Houston food: Openings, closings, more dining news
NextGen Zen

Find your zen at Mai Garden Terrace: Asiatown’s newest luxury townhome development

Find your zen at Mai Garden Terrace: Asiatown’s newest luxe townhomes

By CultureMap Create
Feb 16, 2022, 12:40 pm
Enlarge
Slideshow
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Guests attending the ground-breaking of Mai Garden Terrace were treated to a traditional dragon dance. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace will bring brand-new luxury townhomes to Houston’s Asiatown for the first time in a decade. Rendering courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace
The ultramodern design of Mai Garden Terrace blends elements of European and Asian aesthetics. Rendering courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace
Prospective buyers can pick from a range of professionally coordinated finishes and energy-efficient appliances. Rendering courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace
Starting in the low $300s, floorplans include two- and three-bed configurations with garage parking and nine-foot ceilings throughout. Rendering courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace
Scheduled to complete in late 2023, the Mai Garden Terrace townhomes already have a waitlist. Rendering courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
The Nguyen family of Gia Capital were joined by NextGen senior VP Andrea Tran for the ribbon cutting. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
A sacred dragon dance was performed to bring good luck and wealth to all those who live and work at Mai Garden Terrace. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
A lavish spread of offerings and treats was laid on for dragons and dignitaries alike. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
This is the NextGen difference: a team – in the truest sense of the word – that shows up to buy, sell, and lease better than anyone else. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Guests of all ages enjoyed the festivities at the Mai Garden Terrace grand opening. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Breaking ground, making history: Mai Garden Terrace is a development like no other in Houston. Photo courtesy of NextGen Real Estate
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking
Mai Garden Terrace groundbreaking

Shabu for sharing. A warming bowl of pho. The pick of the season's crawfish. We all know where to go to find the best of these culinary delights in Houston: Asiatown. But would we also expect to find high-end homes right off Bellaire Boulevard? Perhaps not.

Well, think again. NextGen Real Estate has just announced its next big project: a 134-unit development of ultramodern luxury housing at 4418 S. Kirkwood Rd.

Culture, pronounced
Also known as "Little Saigon" or "Chinatown" — in acknowledgment of the broad range of cultures that call it home — this thriving, cosmopolitan community between Highways 59 and 6 has undergone rapid transformation in the last three decades.

Premium shopping ranges from small specialist groceries to the largest Asian indoor mall in the southeastern United States. Spas, temples, karaoke, banking, healthcare, schools, and community centers all contribute to its reputation as a vibrant and hospitable neighborhood.

Luxury living tends to follow this kind of gentrification, but it has been a long time coming to Asiatown.

"The last large-scale development of this kind was a decade ago," explains exclusive listing agent Andrea Tran. "To live among this hustle and bustle — yet set apart in a tranquil retreat — is a concept familiar to many cultures around the world, in Asia and elsewhere. Our slogan — 'Culture, Pronounced' — is a reflection of this principle. Mai Garden Terrace takes this and applies it to contemporary living for the first time right here in Houston."

A family affair
In most Asian cultures, family is everything. These values are the cornerstone of Mai Garden Terrace, not least because this development on the corner of Kirkwood and Bellaire was the vision of a single Vietnamese family.

The Nguyen family came to Houston from Saigon in 2010. Since forming their company, Gia Capital, they have become a fixture of the property development scene, acquiring and constructing over 1,000 housing units. As such, they are uniquely placed to understand the global needs and wants of the local population.

"Our mission is simple," their project outline states. "To provide a community for families with shared cultural values and a support system for their wellbeing. Mai Garden Terrace will be a one-of-a-kind community designed to celebrate culture and tradition through design, activities, and family events."

"Houston is such a melting pot," adds Tran. "What has been so refreshing about Gia Capital's vision is their conviction to bring the best aspects of Hanoi living to Houston: modern American convenience meets classic Vietnamese aesthetics. It's truly the best of both."

Mai Garden Terrace
Committed to investing $100 million in the community at large in the coming years, the Nguyens envision a vibrant hub that takes care of its residents and serves a wide range of clientele. Despite low HOA fees, Mai Garden Terrace will include a zen garden, a dog park, and a tai chi center, all within a gated community for peace of mind.

The homes themselves are an authentic Asian take on the modern European townhouse.

Designed by the award-winning Mc2 Architects, they feature energy-efficient appliances, thoughtful storage, high-end materials, open layouts, and minimalist decor. Prospective buyers may choose from a selection of professionally coordinated packages that include flooring, countertops, backsplashes, wall tiles, and cabinetry.

Starting in the low $300s, floorplans include two-bed/two-bath and three bed/3.5 bath configurations, each with ground-floor garage parking, second floor living and verandah, third floor ensuite bedrooms, and nine-foot ceilings throughout. Planning for an adjacent development of one- and two-bedroom condos is also underway.

One of the more striking elements about Mai Garden Terrace is the proposed landscaping.

Unlike similar developments, it is not merely an afterthought; instead, the planting resembles the intimate urban gardens that are customary in parts of Asia. Bamboo trellises, tomato vines, and cherry trees demarcate the residences. The zen garden, meanwhile, focuses on traditional hardscaping: a serpentine walkway with a minimalist aesthetic to promote calm, tranquility, and peace.

Development x NextGen
This depth of thinking — right down to philosophical considerations such as these — is largely thanks to the detail-oriented, deal-making Realtor who has been working behind the scenes for two years to bring this development to market.

It is often said that NextGen is "more than just a brokerage," and Tran — a senior vice president at the firm — takes this pledge to heart. From sourcing the land to engaging architects and designers, right through to the sales and marketing strategy we more commonly associate with a listing agent, Tran has worked with Gia Capital to bring their vision to life.

"From the initial idea through to breaking ground and beyond, we offer a full service for investors and developers," Tran explains. "I've hand-selected and trained our sales team to ensure that they have an inside-out knowledge of every project. This means that we can guarantee uncompromising expertise and a concierge level of service 'round the clock for both our builder clients and our prospective buyers."

The team she refers to is the AT Group: an ever-growing class of elite agents — 30 and counting — who came to Tran for mentorship, having recognized that her particular brand of principled, purpose-driven real estate is among the best in the business.

Having lived through three catastrophic hurricanes in her two hometowns (New Orleans and Houston), Tran understands the importance of community-building, values that she has helped Gia Capital build into the very foundations of Mai Garden Terrace.

Groundbreaking modern luxury
Like many of the street signs in Asiatown, Mai Garden Terrace has a Vietnamese name too: Mai Gia Thon, which translates literally as "Cherry Blossom Village." But, as you might expect, this name also has a deeper meaning.

"Thon is a word that reminds people of where they were born or where they came from," explains Gia Capital CEO Long Nguyen. "It emphasizes strong family and community bonding."

On February 11, the undeveloped land that will become Mai Gia Thon was host to an epic ground-breaking ceremony that featured a dragon dance and offerings to the land, as well as a colorful array of delicious cuisines.

Dignitaries from across the real-estate world gathered to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to watch as the Nguyens joined Tran to cut the Mai Garden Terrace signature red ribbon and announce the official start of construction.

Completion of the townhome phase is scheduled for late 2023, with a waitlist already in place.

Tran thinks she knows why this project has proven so popular: "The floorplans are perfect for empty-nesters and retirees. The location and amenities are perfect for anyone of any generation who enjoys Asian culture and values. And the price point makes it the perfect investment opportunity."

She adds, "It is unique, which I think is what has piqued everyone's interest. There really is nowhere else like it anywhere in Houston — or even the southern United States."

---

If you would like to know more about what makes Mai Garden Terrace so special, or how NextGen can help bring your real estate vision to life, reach out to Andrea Tran and her team by emailing atgroup@nextgen.re or calling 713-254-2990. You can also follow Andrea or the AT Group on Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Read These Next
19 Mile Ranch Nueces River
Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
Couple in front of new house
Tips for getting the best home loan from a top Houston Realtor
brown county old jail
Lock up a tour at the Brown County Museum of History in Brownwood
19 Mile Ranch Nueces River
Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
Couple in front of new house
Tips for getting the best home loan from a top Houston Realtor
brown county old jail
Lock up a tour at the Brown County Museum of History in Brownwood
  • Latest News
  • Most Popular
  • Houston Astros hometown hero's return headlines Hall of Fame Weekend
  • Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday experience stepping down
  • Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
  • Stars at night are big and bright at this stunning $18.5M Texas ranch
  • Tips for getting the best home loan from a top Houston Realtor
    - promoted -
See All Latest News >
  • Justin Verlander shouts out his favorite Houston burger on national TV
  • 7 things to know in Houston food: Openings, closings, more dining news
  • Longtime leader of Houston's beloved holiday experience stepping down
  • Sports power couple hosts gala with surprise Astros star guests
  • Houston's first Nikkei restaurant blends 2 great global cuisines
Vote Now
Whats Eric Eating
7/28
Riel talk about Montrose's award-winning restaurant, more food news
7/21
The dish on new Thai tapas, plus best Houston Restaurant Weeks hacks
7/7
2 star chefs dish on their downtown sustainable seafood restaurant
Hoffman's Houston
8/9
Hoffman on the Houston stars dominating the Radio Hall of Fame awards
8/1
Hoffman's stone-cold prediction on the demise of a U.S. ice cream fave
7/25
Hoffman on a Houston Jewish bakery's role in a record-breaking victory
Where to Eat Houston
6/23
Where to eat in Houston right now: 9 stupendous new restaurants
4/20
Where to eat in Houston: 9 new restaurants for steak, ramen, and more
3/21
Where to eat in Houston: 10 new restaurants from Wild fare to steaks
Home | About Us | News Tips & Suggestions | Submit An Event | Submit A Charity | Advertise | Media Sponsorship | Jobs | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
© 2022 CultureMap LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Be A CultureMap Insider
Get Our Emails
Sign Up

We will not share or sell your email address

Newsletters for exploring your city

Thank you for signing up Please verify your e-mail by following the link we just sent you.
Look for an e-mail from CultureMap <info@culturemap.com>