sweat it all out

24-hour gym known for hot workouts coming to new Fifth Ward development

The East River complex is growing again. The high-end, mixed-use development along Buffalo Bayou in Houston's Fifth Ward will soon become the home base to restaurants, a wine bar, and a host of other businesses. Now, it's announced that HOTWORX, a 24-hour fitness studio, will soon be joining its ranks.

The workout spot will lease 1,700-square-feet on the ground floor of East River's parking garage. It is slated to open later this year, according to a release.

HOTWORX provides its members 24-hour access to virtually instructed workouts within infrared sauna environments, which integrates heat, infrared energy, and exercise to provide an efficient workout experience. The studio offers semi-private, seven-by-nine-foot infrared saunas, optimizing the absorption of infrared radiant energy, which is beneficial for the body’s regenerative processes, according to information from HOTWORX. Workouts range from 15 to 30 minutes, and offer programs like hot yoga, Pilates, barre, cycle, and HIIT, led by virtual instructors specialized in each discipline. There will also include the FX Zone, a space equipped with weights, bands, ropes, and other tools for functional training exercises.

East River

The East River development continues to grow.

The studio will offer a range of membership options. The facility will be staffed during normal business hours and open 24 hours a day, with app-based and personal safety devices for access control and medical emergencies.

"We are excited to welcome HOTWORX to East River," said Laura Harness, senior director of retail leasing at Parkway, a retail development firm that's managing East River. "Their commitment to health and wellness aligns perfectly with our vision. We believe HOTWORX will be a significant addition, enhancing the lifestyle and wellness options available to our residents and visitors."

Construction on East River’s first phase is complete, which means that Houstonians can expect some of the businesses that have leased space at the property to open soon. They include:

La Cantina by La Calle Tacos, a bar and restaurant from the growing local taqueria chain
Kyuramen, a second Houston-area location of the global ramen restaurant
City Cellars HTX, the wine bar and restaurant that originally operated in the Museum District
Lick Honest Ice Creams, the Austin-based scoop shop known for using Texas ingredients

The project is also home to East River 9, a par-three golf course, and Riverhouse Houston, a family-friendly restaurant, both of which opened in 2022. A group of 1,500-square-foot storefronts are being offered to existing, Fifth Ward-based businesses at a discounted lease rate.

openings fitness east river

better than cancun

Ex-NBA star's resort-style Houston home hits market for $11.99 million

Exterior of 3201 Noble Lanes showing the 18-foot custom door, the largest of its kind at the time of construction

Photo by Steve Chenn for Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty

This 18-foot custom front door is claimed to be the largest single family residential door ever built at the time of its construction.

The Los Angeles Laker’s Nick Van Exel generated excitement on the court, with his deep three pointers and All-Star status. The home he used to own at 3201 Noble Lakes Lane in Houston is no slouch in the stat department, either. Sprawling across almost 21,000 square feet within Royal Oaks Country Club, it’s a four-level, resort-style experience that is currently on the market for $11.99 million. It’s represented by Diane Kingshill and Jason Lee Villarreal with Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty.

Those looking for a luxury retreat will be interested in this home designed by architect Paul Olson with interiors by Steven G. and Marc-Michaels. Start with the front entrance, which elevates curb appeal to a new level. Owners and guests are confronted with an 18-foot customer front door, the largest of its kind when the home was built in 2002. Stepping inside, find spaces that will entertain and impress.

A home unlike anything else in the city, this one has an array of incredible spaces inside and out. A grand piano lounge is anchored by a custom metal sculpture installation. The soaring spiral staircase sweeps upward, connecting all four floors and blending function with incredible style. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer exquisite views of the Fred Couples-designed golf course. A linear fireplace seamlessly floats against the living room’s design. Both the kitchen and the dining room are capable of hosting large parties, and the kitchen has panoramic views of the pool and golf course grounds.

Conceived as both living space and retreat, the home also has a 13-seat cinema featuring approximately $500,000 in California Audio Technology speakers; a commercial-grade, two-lane Brunswick bowling alley; dual full kitchens; a 3,000-gallon aquarium; sauna; spa room and a dedicated barbershop.

Outdoors, an infinity-edge pool, swim-up bar, covered terraces, and multiple entertaining areas take full advantage of the lake and golf course setting.

Other details include two elevators, an 11-zone HVAC system, 72 custom walnut doors, and more than 700 recessed lights.

Every level and detail of this home was designed to deliver privacy, scale, and spectacle, resulting in one of Houston's most distinctive residential estates. Blend that with its location, and this is a space that is close to the city’s business centers, but feels far away from the bustle and sprawl.