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HOUSTON'S Sky-High Guide Project: SKYHOUSE RIVER OAKS Address: 2031 Westcreek Lane. Developer: Simpson Housing, Novare Group, Batson-Cook Development Co. and Houston developer Peter Dienna. Floors & Units: 25 floors, 352 units. Status: Completed. Square Footage: 561 to 1,428 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Houston-based MP Studio Design. Amenities: Floor-to-ceiling windows with solar shades, car-charging stations, extra- large baths with soaking tubs. Luxe Factor: SkyLounge top deck is a 20-something's dream playground. We're talking two heated pools, billiards lounge and stunning views galore, and a nail salon on the ground floor. Walkability: The first high-rise near River Oaks District to open, SkyHouse River Oaks is easy strolling to Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Van Cleef & Arpels, restaurants, iPic Theaters, Equinox gym. Why We'd Live Here: It's the rare rentable option in the heart of Houston's new high-rise and shopping area. With its new high-rise neighbors selling units for millions of dollars, SkyHouse River Oaks offers leases that aren't far out of line with what you'd pay in Midtown. Dollar: For lease; $1,600 to $3,900 monthly. Move-In Date: Now. Contact: On-site leasing office, 713.239.1436, skyhouseriveroaks@ simpsonhousing.com, skyhouseriveroaks.com Project: THE WILSHIRE Address: 2049 Westcreek Lane. Developer: Robert Bland, Pelican Builders. Floors & Units: 17 floors, 96 units. Status: Under construction; on track to be completed 2017. Square Footage: 1,392 to 3,561 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Houston-based Kirksey Architects. The Wilshire UPPER KIRBY Project: ARIA AT WILLOWICK PARK Address: 3255 Las Palmas Street. Developer: Martin Fein, Martin Fein Interests. Floors & Units: 7 floors, 325 units. Status: Completed. Square Footage: 539 to 1,728 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Houston-based Steinberg Design Collaborative and Ziegler Cooper Architects; Dallas-based Moore Design Group. Amenities: Yoga and Pilates studios, resort- style pool, day spa, game room, library, fitness center, pet grooming facilities. Luxe Factor: Sky bar with views of the Galleria makes cocktails at home quite fabulous. There are 38 three-story townhomes, each with its own large rooftop terrace, private backyard and private two- car garage in the complex dubbed The Townhomes at Willowick Park, for an all- together different luxury splurge. Walkability: 75-year-old oak trees. It's a nice strolling distance to Highland Village and River Oaks District. Why We'd Live Here: Three times the amenities: Aria is part of a three-property complex, so residents have more perks and a one-acre park in the middle of the community. Dollar: For lease; $1,275 to $3,665. Move-in Date: Now. Contact: Rental office on site, 713.572.3255, ariaarwillowickpark.com. Project: AVENUE GROVE Address: 3815 Eastside Street. Developer: Midway Companies. Floors & Units: 8 floors, 270 units. Status: Under construction. Square Footage: 650 to 1,730 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Houston-based House + Partners and Munoz Albin. Amenities: 10,000-square-foot pool deck, outdoor lounge and pool, outdoor kitchen, state-of-the-art fitness center, Project: HANOVER RIVER OAKS Address: 2920 Steel Street. Developer: The Hanover Company. Floors & Units: 40 floors, 370 units. Status: Under construction. Square Footage: 572 to 3,160 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Chicago-based Solomon Cordwell Buenz. Amenities: Technogym fitness club, resort- style pool with private cabanas, outdoor kitchen and grilling stations, catering kitchen and private dining room, private screening room, valet dry cleaning, bike storage and repair room, pet washing station and pet park. Luxe Factor: Everyone's at your beck and call, from dry cleaning delivered to your front door to the fantastic shopping and grocery stores that are your neighbors. Walkability: In the heart of Upper Kirby, it's easy walking to Whole Foods Market and the shops and restaurants at West Ave (Tootsies!). Why We'd Live Here: It's being a good neighbor. The building will focus on green preservation by saving five of the large historic oak trees that line the street and adding pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Dollar: For lease; $1,830 to $9,950 monthly. Move-in Date: Fall 2017. Contact: The Hanover Company, 713.267.2100, hanover.com. The River Oaks Skyhouse River Oaks The Wilshire Aria at Willowick Park Avenue Grove Hanover River Oaks Cameron Fairchild-designed 1960s building, previously known as the River Oaks Apartments, into luxury palaces. Move-in Date: Early 2017. Dollar: For purchase; $875,000 to $10 million. Contact: Sudhoff Companies, on-site sales center, 713.600.5078, info@ theriveroaks.com, theriveroaks.com. Amenities: German SieMatic cabinets, guest suites for rent, resort-style pool, electric solar shades, 24-7 concierge. Luxe Factor: Living high in the sky means never having to lose power at The Wilshire. This tower has its own massive backup generator, ensuring residents can weather any storm … with Wi-Fi. Walkability: Adjacent to River Oaks District: Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Cartier, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Hermès, Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Van Cleef & Arpels, restaurants, iPic Theaters, Equinox gym … Need we say more. Why We'd Live Here: Location, location, lavish location. Plus, legendary Houston developer Robert Bland calls The Wilshire the best building he's ever been part of. Dollar: For purchase; $800,000 to $3 million. Move-In Date: Summer 2017. Contact: Sudhoff Companies, on-site sales office, 713.600.5072, thewilshirehouston.com. gratis on-site exercise classes and nutritional workshops. Luxe Factor: Fifteen two-story brownstone-style townhomes within the high-rise provide an extra level of luxury for those who want to go multilevel. Walkability: Part of the Levy Park complex, which includes a large park, dog park, community garden, playgrounds and office buildings. Greenway Plaza is across the street, and AMC Edwards Greenway cinema is close by. Why We'd Live Here: Levy Park is new and interesting, with plans for a performing pavilion. Dollar: For lease; rates from $1,750. Move-in Date: July 2016. Contact: Leasing off-site (for now), 713.629.5000. Project: KIRBY COLLECTION Address: 3200 Kirby Drive. Developer: New York-based Thor Equities. Floors & Units: 25 floors, 199 units. Status: Under construction. Square Footage: Units average just under 1,500 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: L.A.-based Richard Keating Architecture and Houston- based Kirksey; L.A.-based Dianna Wong Architecture and Design. Amenities: Resort-style pool, cabanas, fire pits and bar areas — with more to be revealed. Luxe Factor: Pairs high-rise building perks with townhouse privacy, with seven two- story ground-level townhomes and seven loft residences with private green spaces. Walkability: Restaurants and retail slated for the Kirby Collection complex. Whole Foods Market is just across the street, and West Ave with more shops and restaurants is a stroll away. Kirby Collection Why We'd Live Here: This is part of a massive new complex. Plans call for new restaurants and retail, which will put even more options right outside your door. Dollar: For lease; rates to be determined. Move-in Date: Late 2017. Contact: Thor Equities, George Stanchfield, leasing has not yet begun, 212.529.8422, info@thorequities.com. Olympia at Willowick Park Project: OLYMPIA AT WILLOWICK PARK Address: 3939 West Alabama Street. Developer: Martin Fein, Martin Fein Interests. Floors & Units: 6 floors, 189 units. Status: Completed. Square Footage: 1,024 to 2,172 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Houston-based Steinberg Design Collaborative and Ziegler Cooper Architects; Dallas-based Moore Design Group. Amenities: Surround showers, resort- style pool with sundeck, heated spa, cabanas with TVs, fitness center, pet grooming facilities. Luxe Factor: An observation lounge offers stunning views of downtown skyline; wine lounge in the building. Walkability: Tiny Boxwoods is close enough to be your neighborhood hangout. Why We'd Live Here: A one-acre park, wine bar, massive gym. Dollar: For lease; $2,445 to $4,820. Move-in Date: Now. Contact: Leasing office on-site, 713.261.3939, olympiaatwillowickpark.com Project: 2929 WESLAYAN Address: See above. Developer: PM Reality Group. Floors & Units: 40 floors, 254 units. Status: Completed. Square Footage: 680 to 4,000 square feet. Starchitect/Designer: Dallas-based RTKL Associates Amenities: Grotto pool and wet deck, resort-style cabanas, grilling stations with firepits, fitness center with refreshment bar, direct elevators to select units, wireless home automation, indoor dog run, skyline lounge with professional chef's kitchen and gas kitchens in all homes. Luxe Factor: Upscale Japanese steak and sushi concept Roka Akor is set to opens its first Texas location on 2929's ground floor later this year. Walkability: Central Market and Highland Village are around the corner. Why We'd Live Here: This is the tallest rental tower in Houston (so far). Some of the best views lease money can buy. Dollar: For lease; $1,978 to $15,795 monthly. Move-In Date: Now. Contact: On-site leasing office, 713.572.2929, 2929weslayan.com. 2929 Weslayan UPTOWN Project: AURORA Address: 4906 Tilbury Drive. Developer: Chris Sims, Sims Luxury Builders. Floors & Units: 16 floors, 40 units. Status: Construction begins after half the 40 units are sold; sales are not there yet. A chic sales office is open in Uptown Park. Square Footage: 3,400 to 6,400 square feet. APRIL | PAGE 66 | 2016