Hines Bullish on Houston

Montrose boutique hotel partners with Hines for upgrade and luxury residential high-rise

Montrose boutique hotel La Colombe d'Or set to undergo a $10 million renovation and the addition of a 34-story residential tower.

At a time when some developers are backing off high-rise residential projects, others are moving ahead, planning to open new doors in sync with Houston's anticipated economic recovery. Hines is the latest to announce a luxury tower, this one connected to the storied La Colombe d'Or boutique hotel on Montrose Boulevard.

Hotel owner Steve Zimmerman and Hines announced Tuesday the partnership that will result in a $10 million expansion and renovation of the hotel and the addition of a 34-story, 285-unit tower to be known as the Residences at La Colombe d'Or. The project is a joint venture between Hines, the Zimmerman family and TIAA Gobal Asset Management.

The tower will rise just behind the hotel, replacing the parking lot and the ballroom that was a later addition to the mansion, built in 1923. The residences will connect to the hotel through "a series of amenitized areas," including an art gallery and an outdoor space with a fireplace. In addition, the new building will provide 17 luxury rooms for La Colombe d'Or hotel guests.

“La Colombe d’Or is one of those unique Houston gems that makes our city so special,” Hines founder and chairman Gerald D. Hines said in a statement. “We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the Zimmerman family to be a part of the next chapter in the legacy of this celebration of enriched living.”

Construction will begin in the second quarter of 2017 with completion expected in 2020.

“There are no multifamily assets of this quality slated to compete with the opening of La Colombe d’Or, and the timing of this luxury development takes full advantage of that,” according to a statement by Tom Melody of JLL, which represented Hines and Zimmerman in the transaction. “When the Residences at La Colombe d’Or delivers, it will be unrivaled by any other product of this quality in the asset class.”

For those emotionally attached to the ballroom, which is elegantly dressed in oak panels from a 300-year-old French chateau and laced with crystal chandeliers, Zimmerman assures that a ballroom with those amenities will be rebuilt at a neighboring location.

The 31-story Hanover Montrose luxury apartment, immediately north of La Colombe d'Or, is now accepting renters and offering up to eight weeks free rent. The Hines/Zimmerman are betting that by 2020, there will be no need for that kind of rental incentive.

hotels high-rises luxury

HAUTE PROPERTIES

675-acre Hill Country ranch where George Strait rehearsed lists for $19.5M

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

Lone Woman Ranch, the Hill Country estate where country stars like George Strait, George Jones, and Ace in the Hole Band rehearsed, is up for sale for $19.5 million.

Located 65 miles from San Antonio in Hays County on 675 acres, the secluded ranch once served as an artistic getaway for emerging Texas artists. The property, listed by Olmos Park firm Republic Ranches. is named after the nearby Lone Woman Mountain, and its elevation gives an incredible view of the county. On a clear day, you can see downtown Austin.

The land comes with two residences, both built near the entrance gate. The primary stone house has original hardwood floors, a recently remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a new HVAC system. The secondary residence was used as a rehearsal space. Both have had long-term residents who made improvements, and both have their own septic systems, wells, and electric meters.

The real appeal of Lone Woman Ranch, however, is the extensive woods, creeks, and natural setting. It is next to 6,000 acres of conservation land, including Storm Ranch. The entire mountain is also included in the property, making it a veritable mini-kingdom for the owner with unobstructed privacy on three sides.

Two ponds are on the site — a 4-acre and a 1-acre — both fully stocked. Runoff from the larger pond creates picturesque seasonal limestone waterfalls.The surrounding woods are full of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, doves, and more. The property is under wildlife exemption.

It's little wonder the ranch was a muse to so many country musicians. A network of ranch roads provides access throughout the property, including most of the way up Lone Woman, giving views around every corner. Only Strait can tell you whether his 1996 hit "King of the Mountain" was inspired by the ranch.

Photo by Michelle Watson CultureMapSnap

George Strait developed his early sound at Lone Woman Ranch.

ranches hill country hays county celebrities george strait george jones listings