The RO Project boasts an impressive team of designers, architects, and builders. Can you share how this talented group came together and what makes their collaboration unique?
It is difficult to build something new that is experienced as if it was developed over time, organically, and fits naturally within the surrounding community. This was one of Transwestern Development Company’s primary design goals and, in our view, having different architects for each product type was the only way to make it happen.
River Oaks is one of Houston's most prestigious neighborhoods. Why did Transwestern choose this area for such an ambitious development?
It is very uncommon, even in a city with no zoning, to find 17 acres with great geometry and eight access points. Also being a block away from some of the highest demographics in the country created the ideal equation for what could be developed. Our real “aha” moment came after a trip with our master planning architects to the Pearl in San Antonio. The Pearl is an incredible mixed-use development, and we took two things away from our time there that heavily informed our approach to The RO. The first, “Why doesn’t Houston have anything like this?” and second, “So much of the Pearl reflects the character and personality of San Antonio – our plan should capture the character and personality of River Oaks, a neighborhood where many of us live and everyone loves.”
What aspects of The RO project do you find most remarkable, and how do they reflect the vision behind the development?
The elements we are most excited about are the way we prioritized aspects of the architecture and massing. For example, everything 30 feet and below will be heavy masonry, primarily brick. We are using some antique Cedar Bayou brick which many of the original River Oaks homes were built with in the 20s and 30s. Our landscape plan resembles grounds you would walk through on a River Oaks estate, rather than something you would see in a commercial district. We are moving a handful of onsite live oaks to strategic locations to lend weight and history to the overall aesthetic. Parking for the restaurants and retail is all below grade so vehicles don’t conflict with patrons, adding another thoughtful layer to the placemaking.
Houston is home to many luxury properties. What innovative or distinctive amenities will The RO offer to truly set it apart in such a competitive market?
The Birdsall’s 44 private residences are located on top of a hotel, both are Auberge branded. The casual luxury of Auberge combined with their commitment to exceptional, individualized service is unparalleled, so being able to access that daily as a homeowner represents an uncommon level of richness and convenience.
The second part to this answer ties to our residential design approach. Early on we decided that we didn’t want the residences to resemble condominiums or secondary homes, but instead as custom, primary residences that just happened to be in a tower. That is how we connected with Dillon Kyle, whose architectural practice focuses on custom homes within Houston’s most affluent neighborhoods. Hiring Dillon is one of the best decisions we’ve made.