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

A city retreat

Houston fave Frank Billingley's house hits the market for $1.5 million

Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

Set just off Mid Lane is a beautiful, custom-built home. Located at 38 Hackberry Lane, the four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home with great details is now on the market for $1.525 million, represented by Corey Lipscomb of Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

With 3,356 square feet of living space and sitting on a lot that’s more than 8,300 square feet, the home is currently owned by Frank Billingsley, current executive producer and co-host of Houston Public Media’s Hello Houston. Audiences will also recall him as the longtime meteorologist for KPRC-TV in Houston.

Upon entering the home’s double doors, potential buyers will be captivated by the home's dark, hardwood floors, and a dramatic, custom, wrought-iron staircase. The entryway also offers views of the living room, which features a fireplace, recessed lighting, and French doors that lead to a covered patio and the pool. A wet bar with porcelain counters and an ice maker are right off the living room, handy access for sharing cocktails with guests.

The formal dining room has custom millwork, inlaid hardwood floors, and French doors leading directly to the pool deck. Large windows offer abundant natural light and sweeping views of the backyard.

The kitchen offers porcelain countertops, a gas range, stainless appliances, and plenty of storage. It’s anchored by an island that has bar seating. A breakfast room is an ideal spot to begin the day with a cup of coffee.

Upstairs, the primary suite has its own fireplace and sitting room, making it a true owner’s retreat. The primary suite bath has a double sink vanity, seamless glass shower and separate soaking tub, as well as a walk-in closet. The additional bedrooms on the second floor each have a Hollywood bath. The fourth bedroom is on the third floor, with a full bath and walk-in closet.

The beautifully landscaped yard is perfect for entertaining, with a covered loggia with fireplace, hot tub, pool, and a covered patio.

With its location not far from Highland Village, Central Market, and the Galleria, this is a home that those who want to be in the heart of it all, while still feeling like they have an oasis in the city.

Photo by Josh Gremillion for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

38 Hackberry Lane, currently owned by Frank Billingsley, is on the market for $1.525 million.

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Houston fave Frank Billingley's house hits the market for $1.5 million