Mister Big

Tilman Fertitta going high stakes with 10-acre luxury office tower development on West Loop

Billionaire entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta has never been one to think small and his latest project, The Post Oak, raises his ambitions to a new level. The owner of Landry's Inc. has announced development of a 10-acre site on the West Loop South that will include a multi-use luxury tower, a ballroom and conference center, two restaurants and more than $1 million in landscaping.

With groundbreaking on The Post Oak, Fertitta becomes the first in Houston to embrace the international trend of high-rise towers that combine office space, hotel rooms and residences.

“I am excited about creating Houston’s finest hotel, most unique service-oriented office space, exclusive luxury residential apartments, and once again, some of Houston’s best restaurants."

Focal point of the master-planned development will be the 35-story tower that will include 240 luxury hotel rooms, more than 120,000 square feet of boutique office space and 22 apartment units ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Piece de resistance of the tower will be the 4,000 square foot Chairman Suite featuring two bedrooms, a media room, exercise room, private terrace and private elevator access.

“The Post Oak will serve as a luxury destination for guests, businesses, and residents,” Fertitta said in a prepared statement. “I am excited about creating Houston’s finest hotel, most unique service-oriented office space, exclusive luxury residential apartments, and once again, some of Houston’s best restaurants."

The site, to be richly-landscaped with a central open plaza, outdoor dining patios and pedestrian areas, will include the first Mastro's Steakhouse in Houston and Willie G's, which will be relocated from its nearby perch on Post Oak Boulevard.

Event planners will welcome the ballroom and conference center, a 30,000 square foot multi-function area that includes a 16,000 square foot ballroom and a second level junior ballroom and additional meeting spaces. Unique to the center, will be a two-story auto showroom with floor-to-ceiling windows displaying Bentley and Rolls-Royce luxury cars from Fertitta's Post Oak Motor Cars, which is located on the site.

Landry's Inc. headquarters is located on the northeast corner of the new development, allowing Fertitta a day-to-day bird's eye view of progress on The Post Oak. Master planning and architecture is by Gensler. The project, estimated to cost in the neighborhood of $200 million, is expected to open in the fall of 2017.

The Post Oak development will cover 10 acres on the West Loop South.

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spacious sandalwood retreat

England-inspired lakeside Houston mansion hits market for $7.75 million

Photo by Aria Media for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

This secluded, wooded estate is for sale for $7.75 million.

On the shores of Sandalwood’s largest lake is a stunning wooded estate. 50 Patti Lynn Lane, tucked between Briar Forest Drive and Memorial Drive, offers luxury living in tranquil seclusion. It’s on the market for $7.75 million and listed by Inga Laughlin Smith with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

A rare find, this 9,000-square-foot home offers five bedrooms, five full and four partial bathrooms, exquisite details, and striking craftsmanship. Designed by Rice Residential Design, with interiors by Scene One Interiors and built by Corbel Custom Homes, this home is a remarkable example of how modern living blends with the natural setting.

Echoing an English manor, this home unfolds in its wooded surroundings. Come through the French chateau front doors into a sweeping grand foyer with hardwood floors and a wrought-iron staircase. A study features custom millwork, soaring views, and a club-like feel. The bar’s detailing lends an air of sophistication to this easy gathering space. The climate-controlled wine room has storage for 1,500 bottles. A lovely grand gallery links the wine room and dining room.

The kitchen is at the crossroads of the home, anchored by an oversized island, perfect for casual conversation and quick meals. Professional-grade appliances make it a home cook’s dream, while custom cabinetry and elegant architectural details demonstrate its blend of form and function.

On the main level is the primary suite, with a spa bathroom and a dressing room that mirrors a luxury boutique. Upstairs, a secondary suite has a window seat, custom built-ins, and an en-suite bath. Additional bedrooms are spacious retreats, and the game room has plenty of space to relax and enjoy treetop views. Currently, a secondary bedroom serves as an in-home fitness studio.

The resort-style grounds feature an infinity pool and spa. The back patio has a stone fireplace, outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounging spot, making it a retreat all of its own. Steps lead down to gorgeously manicured grounds with mature trees and meandering paths to the lake.

This home should prove irresistible to a wealthy family seeking an exceptional blend of modern living with the feel of a private oasis.