going up

Twin tower retail and residential high-rises break ground in Upper Kirby

Houston’s newest mixed-use development broke ground this week, as Nashville-based Southern Land Company (SLC) launched its latest project, a new luxury mixed-use destination in Houston's prestigious Upper Kirby district.

Fashioned as two buildings on one property, 2811 Kirby Drive and The Lily River Oaks sit between West Alabama Street and Westheimer Road. In press materials, Southern describes the project as "a design-forward, complementary development that will further enhance one of Houston's most distinguished areas."

Two towers anchor the project’s 953,000 square feet, rising from a shared parking podium that will feature approximately 15,000 square feet of ground-level restaurant space.

The Lily River Oaks is a 38-story apartment tower featuring 331 rental residences, including 18 penthouses. Future residents will enjoy amenities such as a rooftop indoor and outdoor spaces and a seventh-floor garden deck. The seventh floor will also include a residential spa, guest suites, and a fitness center available to both residents and office tenants.

Meanwhile, 2811 Kirby, the project’s 10-story tower, offers four stories of Class AA office space totaling approximately 107,000 square feet. Stream Realty Partners, the firm partnering with SLC on the project, is leading leasing efforts for the office space.

"After meticulous planning and preparation, we are excited to break ground on a one-of-a-kind mixed-use community," said Tim Downey, SLC founder and CEO, in a release. "Today marks an important milestone in our mission to deliver a landmark destination where locals and visitors can live, work, and gather, and that exemplifies SLC’s hallmark standard of extraordinary placemaking."

2811 Kirby and The Lily River Oaks mark the latest expansion of SLC's growing Texas portfolio, which includes Tucker Hill, a single-family community in McKinney; Lunaroya, a single-family community in Dripping Springs; and Deco, a 27-story luxury mixed-use community in downtown Fort Worth. They’ve also developed and sold mixed-use and multifamily properties in Plano, Dallas, Keller, and Allen.

Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) is the new development’s architect and interior designer; Kimley-Horn helms its civil engineering; and DeSimone Consulting Engineering leads the structural engineering. SLC is the leading landscape architecture and horticulture for the project.

Construction is slated for completion in 2028.

Tower of 2811 Kirby and The Lily River Oaks

Photo courtesy SLC

2811 Kirby and The Lily River Oaks is a multiuse space including offices, restaurants and retail, and luxury living.

high-rises construction

Where to Live Now

Houston high-rise's 2-story penthouse hits the market at $11 million

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

For those looking to move on up to a deluxe penthouse in the sky — the new $11 million listing at 1275 S. Post Oak Lane, Unit 2502 hits the right note.

At nearly 9,000 square feet, Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two floors of the 26-story high rise.

"The team that created Penthouse 2502 offers Houston something exceptionally rare: a brand-new, never-occupied, two-story residence with custom-caliber design atop an established luxury tower," said Justin Dugat of Douglas Elliman, co-listing agent with Misty Meredith, in a statement.

The penthouse underwent a full build-out in the past seven months under the guidance of Jeffrey Fawaz and Mike Elaridi of Fratelli Companies with Ghandi Saad and Salim Obeid of RSG Development Group.

“From the beginning, we saw the opportunity to create something truly elevated; not just in design, but in experience,” Fawaz said. “Every detail was approached with intention, and the result is a space that reflects both luxury and functionality in a seamless way.”

$\u200bPenthouse 2502 at The Belfiore$

Photo by Harry Stonhill

Penthouse 2502 at The Belfiore spans the top two stories of the high rise.

What was once a blank concrete shell is now an 8,689-square-foot home with five bedrooms, including two primaries and a dedicated 680-square-foot dressing room, along with three full and three half bathrooms.

The home’s two floors are connected via both an interior lift and a floating staircase that serves as a sculptural centerpiece. Multiple entertaining spaces include a media room, office, wet bar, massage room, and a wine cellar.

The views are a luxury of their own, with floor-to-ceiling windows and two corner terraces offering panoramas of the east, west, and south.

The list of elevated features is extensive, including an automated designer lighting system by Lutron and appliances from La Cornue and Gaggenau. Venetian plaster, Italian marble countertops, European cabinetry, and custom white oak herringbone flooring throughout highlight the attention to craftsmanship.

The Belfiore’s amenities add to the penthouse’s appeal, with a 24-hour concierge and valet, swimming pool, athletic club, private dog park, and — perhaps most enticing in Houston — industrial generators. The perks come with a hefty monthly maintenance fee of $11,157.

The 45-residence building, completed in 2016, was originally developed by Giorgio Borlenghi of The Interfin Companies alongside McNair Interests, the investment entity of late Texans owner Bob McNair.

“Houston’s luxury high-rise condo market is gaining momentum, driven by demand for a lock-and-leave, full-service lifestyle,” Dugat said. “As more wealth flows into the city, buyers are prioritizing efficiency, design, and the ability to spend more time living and less time managing a traditional home.”

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