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

NBA champion Jordan Clarkson lists San Antonio mansion for $7.5M

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Another NBA player has listed his San Antonio home, but this one never housed a Spur. New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson is selling his Dominion estate for $7.5 million.

After the still-stinging finals, maybe it’s for the best.

Having a Knick embedded in Silver and Black country might seem as unlikely as finding a Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s court. But the shooting guard has a long history in the Alamo City. His parents, both in the Air Force, moved there when he was six. Later, he was named San Antonio High School Player of the Year while attending Karen Wagner High School.

His sprawling five-bedroom, seven-bath mansion, listed by Janay Bankston of Barlowe Daly Realty, naturally contains touches tailored to a pro baller. Photos show customized closets with shelving for caps and a huge collection of kicks. And the property makes space for a private gym and a half basketball court.

Jordan Clarkson home Half-court basketball kept Clarkson in shape.Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

During downtime, Clarkson could relax in a jacuzzi, sip Champagne in a wine lounge, or watch Space Jam from the comfort of a theater room outfitted with stadium seating. Other luxe features include a four-car garage and elevator for those days when he did too many line sprints.

Photo courtesy of Barlowe Daly Realty

The spacious open area is roomy enough for an oversized sectional.

Outside, resort-style landscaping surrounds an infinity pool deck outfitted with an Italian pizza oven. A detached casita — built with its own bar — gives guests privacy but easy access to a quick dip.

Although the home is mostly in neutral grays and whites, the listing does give a peek of some of Clarkson’s personality. A zippy blue stove is installed in the marble island, an oversized Swatch hangs near the living room, and one room features a funky purple shag rug. A mischievous Pokémon is pictured on another rug.

Interested parties must book a showing 24 hours in advance. Inquiries may be made through Realtor.com. There’s no word on whether the many lanterns scattered across the living areas are included in the sale.

home listings nba new york knicks the dominion home tours homes for sale