It seems like the more attention the Heights gets from the rest of Houston and even regionally, its reputation as a tight-knit, art-laden haven for hypervigilant neighborhood activists only grows. While eager to show off its picturesque 19th St. Shopping District and historic areas as an emblem of its funky but livable charm, the Heights hasn’t exactly been as enthusiastic about putting forth its skyrocketing home values as a measure of its appeal.
The continuing droves of home buyers in the inner loop have taken notice, however. Just like rare new construction in West University and Bellaire, the Heights is now confidently a place where million dollar plus listings are the name of the game. If there was any doubt, the recent listing of 1303 Cortlandt at $2.2 million with multiple offers within one week indicates the buying climate in the area.
Just like rare new construction in West University and Bellaire, the Heights is now confidently a place where million dollar plus listings are the name of the game.
"I can't say I was surprised at the market response on Cortlandt," says listing agent Bill Baldwin of Boulevard Realty. "Not only is it a beautiful traditional home but it's on a very nice piece of property. The price reflects what people are willing to pay to own a piece of the Heights."
"Fortunately, we're seeing more outstanding new homes coming on the market to meet the continued strong demand in this price range, each distinctly valuable in their own way."
Some builders are going with traditional styles but ramping up amenities. 2045 Harvard and 639 Allston, already on the market in the $1-million-plus range, are the next round of high-end spec homes by Smith Family Homes with an uncommon level of finishing for visual appeal and remarkable thoughtfulness to touches that maximize comfort, like private guest quarters, enviable walk-in closets, Smart Home pre-wiring, and a level of custom cabinetry that is usually unthinkable outside of the custom home setting.
"Word has gotten around about the level of quality and finishes in their work, but their next round of listings will really see their design instincts take on a life of their own," Baldwin describes. Harvard has a warm, traditional exterior with its reclaimed brick steps, a custom stained glass dormer, and gas lamps, but is breathtakingly cool inside. Rich, dark-stained ceiling beams, the spectrum of grey that inspires the walls, marble, and tile give this house a Hamptons feel in a true-to-mood quiet part of Sunset Heights.
Similarly, Allston blends classic Southern charm with first- and second-story wraparound porches overlooking the Heights Hike & Bike Trail and a sleek interior featuring timeless Italian marble in the kitchen, wine room, and every bathroom. Their soaring definition of comfort translates into a vaulted master suite ceiling and even 11' ceilings in the master walk-in closet. This home can't get enough of its location on one of the city's newest greenbelts with additional terraces off the master suite and the private bonus quarters that could easily be a guest room, game room, or studio. Allston embodies hallmarks of the Smith Family Homes style of homebuilding: traditional, sophisticated, rich with amenities.
New style
Other new homes stand out by embodying a new style altogether. The just completed 1816 Arlington is a modern interpretation of the craftsman farmhouse with a wealth of green features: a rain catchment system, solar panels, reflective roof, and drought-resistant, native landscaping, to name only a few. Dark hardwood floors and doors contrast the crisp, understated walls with the perfect amount of detail. Listed at $1.35 million on what’s shaping up to be one of the most interestingly updated streets in this part of the Heights, Arlington will likely be the first of many homes in this intriguing architectural idiom.
"I'm wildly excited to see new styles emerge in the Heights, especially on its landmark streets. I think the culture and even the feel of the neighborhood will stay the same," says Baldwin.
"I'm wildly excited to see new styles emerge in the Heights, especially on its landmark streets. I think the culture and even the feel of the neighborhood will stay the same," says Baldwin.
It's also no secret that Bell Heights, the gated community of lofts and cottages just one block away from 19th St. shopping, is already settings its own standard of Heights-style luxury, but with the recent unveiling of a new two-level penthouse plan for $1.99 million they are certainly dialing up the allure. The revamped Loft 301 now has a striking 4,031 square feet of living space and private air conditioned patio accessible from the study to complement another private 1,930-square-foot rooftop terrace with an outdoor kitchen and a rare view of the downtown skyline. Following months of buzz, Bell Heights is now 30 percent sold and the adaptive renovation of the highly desired loft building will begin very soon.
If these listings are any indication, values will remain on the rise for Houston's oldest master planned community, sometimes to the chagrin of the area's longtime residents who have lived through an average price per square foot jump from $149 to $350 in less than 10 years.
"Having lived here for the past 20 years and being as involved as I am, I'm confident that the core character of the neighborhood will stay the same," Baldwin proclaims, "We'll always have just as much local art, community involvement, and civic pride. I think people are inherently conflicted about rising property values because they are afraid it will degrade an underlying sense of diversity or create an air of exclusivity, but this area has undergone so many changes in the past and has only grown into itself more and more."
"You really can't have too much of a good thing in the Heights."
To experience this transformation in person, these properties can be seen at public open houses this weekend.
Smith Family Homes continues to wow with 639 Allston, located on the Heights Hike & Bike Trail.
