no scarlet letters here

New 17-story luxury high-rise stands tall in Tanglewood with posh amenities and a rooftop pool

Houston’s newest luxury high-rise has officially opened its doors. The Hawthorne celebrated its debut with a ribbon cutting on Friday, March 1.

Located in Tanglewood at 5656 San Felipe, The Hawthorne is the first new condominium tower to open in the area in 40 years, according to press materials. First announced in 2019, the 17-story building contains 67 units that average approximately 2,700-square-feet of interior space.

With prices starting at $1.4 million, The Hawthorne aims to draw empty nesters from nearby neighborhoods such as Tanglewood, Briargrove, and Memorial who are looking to maintain their proximity to prime shopping and dining destinations without all of the upkeep required for home ownership. Toward that end, the building offers a range of amenities, including 24-hour concierge, valet parking, and pet walking and grooming, all of which should prove tempting for anyone making the decision to downsize from a private home.

Residents also have access to a number of common areas, starting with a fifth floor lounge that includes a catering kitchen, enough seating for entertaining, and gaming tables. An on-site fitness studio helps owners look their best when they’re taking advantage of the 67-foot, rooftop pool — complete with cabanas and expansive views. Two guest suites are available for short term rentals by visitors.

A similar level of detail has been applied to the individual units. For example, each kitchen features an integrated Sub-Zero refrigerator and Thermidor appliances. Units are pre-wired for upgrades such as smart home technology and motorized shades. Owners even have the option of installing a pet potty.

One small piece of trivia — the building’s name nods to Tanglewood’s history. Developer William Giddings Farrington named the area for Tanglewood Tales, a book by American literary titan Nathaniel Hawthorne that was a favorite of his daughter.

So far, 60-percent of the building’s units have been sold before the first occupants move in later this month, generating more than $90 million in total sales. Pelican Builders, the Houston-based firm that developed the property in partnership with real estate investment firm EMBER, predicts the remaining 40-percent will soon find owners.

“As construction wraps up on The Hawthorne, we are pleased with sales volume to date,” Pelican president Derek Darnell said in a statement. “With the ability to now see the actual quality and sophisticated product, we anticipate a strong reception by the market. Sales will now move very quickly, and available inventory should not last long.”

Lauren Rottet of Houston-based design firm Rottet Studio applied her expertise in working with hotels to the building’s common areas. Kirksey Architecture designed the building, which was built by Ludlow & Associates.

“This is a project that appeals to people who know Houston,” EMBER director of sales Kyle Mikulenka added. “It’s built by Houstonians for Houstonians.”

Photo by TK Images

The rooftop pool features resort-style cabanas.

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How Sweet

Sugar Land's first new apartment complex in 13 years breaks ground

Pearl Lake Pointe luxury apartment complex Sugar Land.

Rendering Courtesy of Morgan

Pearl Lake Pointe is a 376-unit luxury apartment complex slated for early summer 2027 in Sugar Land.

Sugar Land is welcoming its first new apartment development in more than a decade. Pearl Lake Pointe, a 376-unit luxury community from developers Morgan and Carlyle, is underway at 16435 Creekbend Drive.

Construction began in November, with an official groundbreaking held this week. “The groundbreaking of Pearl Lake Pointe marks an exciting new chapter for the Lake Pointe peninsula,” Sugar Land Mayor Carol K. McCutcheon said in a statement. “After years of planning and collaboration with Morgan, this project delivers much-needed, high-quality multifamily housing and strengthens our long-term vision for a vibrant, connected district. This milestone will help drive continued reinvestment and momentum throughout Lake Pointe and across Sugar Land.”

Set across 6.46 acres, the five-story complex will feature five live-work units, a six-story parking garage, and 9,940 square feet of commercial office space. Fitness centers, a resort-inspired pool, a golf simulator, a sky lounge, and a cafe are among the planned amenities.

Inside the residences, features include open-concept floor plans, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, washers and dryers, and balconies in select units.

“Pearl Lake Pointe is a unique opportunity to elevate the living experience and set a new benchmark for luxury in Sugar Land,” Kase Pappert, Morgan senior development manager, said. “We are grateful for the City’s partnership and look forward to helping re-energize the Lake Pointe peninsula with a welcoming community that feels like home and connects residents to the amenities right outside their door.”

Roughly 20 miles from downtown Houston, the site has views of Brooks Lake and is adjacent to the former Fluor corporate campus currently being transformed into the Lake Pointe Green mixed-use development.

The first Pearl Lake Pointe units are slated for delivery in early summer 2027. Morgan and Carlyle will own and manage the community, with project financing provided by Texas Capital Bank.

“With Pearl Lake Pointe, Carlyle and Morgan are redefining multifamily living and adding meaningful momentum to address the demand for high-quality housing in the Sugar Land submarket,” said Adam Buchwald, Carlyle managing director and partner. “Partnering with Morgan — an accomplished developer with a strong track record — makes this project even more exciting, and Pearl Lake Pointe is a standout addition to Carlyle’s portfolio of high-quality multifamily developments.”

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