Renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, who passed away last week at the age of 86, is widely recognized for his influential condominium designs in New York City and South Florida. His legacy also includes a significant project in Texas: the Ritz-Carlton Residences in The Woodlands, developed by Howard Hughes Holdings.
The Real Deal identified this development as an “it building” earlier this year. As Ritz-Carlton’s first stand-alone condo project in Texas, it marks a new chapter for luxury residential offerings in the state.
Johnny Cruz, a partner at Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) who has worked with the firm for 26 years, said Stern was closely involved with the project from its inception. “He was very much involved from day one,” Cruz said. He described Stern as being like family and noted that the Ritz-Carlton Residences was “one of his favorites.”
While high-end condos are common in cities such as New York and Miami, Texas has traditionally focused on ranch-style luxury real estate. The introduction of the Ritz-Carlton Residences aims to test demand for upscale vertical living options in the region.
Before construction began, 69 percent of the 111 units had already been pre-sold, leading Howard Hughes Holdings to pause presales and start a waitlist due to strong interest.
Cruz believes that this project has encouraged other developers to pursue branded condominiums in Houston. Since work began on the Ritz-Carlton Residences, additional projects have been announced including Sunny Bathija’s Satya standalone St. Regis condo tower and Deiso Moss’s plans for another Ritz-Carlton condo tower and hotel.
Located on eight acres along Lake Woodlands, the development features both a 15-story and an 11-story building designed to maximize lakefront views.
According to Cruz, Stern drew inspiration from Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood and incorporated elements reminiscent of John Staub—a prominent early-20th century residential architect known for designing single-family homes throughout River Oaks—into the design. Cruz described Staub’s style as having “a restrained sense of detail” and “timeless design.”
At an October event hosted by BSH and The Real Deal as part of their Building Luxury series, Cruz discussed what makes this project unique: many buyers are empty-nesters downsizing from single-family homes. To accommodate them, more than half of the 111 units feature unique layouts intended to provide individuality similar to that found in traditional neighborhoods. “All beautiful American neighborhoods have variety in terms of the houses,” Cruz said. “So that same attitude, but combined in a condominium.”
This will be RAMSA’s ninth project in Texas. Previous work includes designing The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas—a 70-unit condo tower with hotel amenities—and public landmarks such as upgrades to Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
