Transwestern has begun construction on the second phase of its mixed-use development, The RO, located between Houston’s Upper Kirby and River Oaks neighborhoods. The new phase features a 34-story tower called The Birdsall, Auberge Collection, which will be the first project in Houston for The Friedkin Group’s Auberge brand.
The Birdsall will offer 44 condominiums situated above a 105-room hotel. Amenities planned for residents include a pool, outdoor entertainment deck, fitness and wellness spaces, and a members-only club. Auberge is set to operate and manage both the hotel and residences.
Financing for the project is provided by Madison Realty Capital. Additional financial support for apartment and retail components comes from Citizens Bank, Amegy Bank, and others. Besides the condo-hotel tower, this phase will add an 80,000-square-foot retail village that can accommodate up to eight restaurants, a 317-unit apartment complex, and office space.
The architectural design of The Birdsall pays tribute to River Oaks’ heritage and is named after early Houston architect Birdsall Briscoe. Kohn Pedersen Fox leads the tower’s design with interiors by Roman & Williams and Dillon Kyle Architects. Other firms involved in designing various parts of The RO include Pickard Chilton as master planner for office and multifamily areas; Michael Hsu Office of Architecture handling retail design; and OJB Landscape Architecture overseeing green spaces.
According to Transwestern executives: “The RO’s mix of materials, including brick facades, cobblestone walkways and heritage oaks, is designed to feel like an extension of River Oaks rather than a new urban district.” They also noted strong interest from restaurant and boutique operators in leasing retail space at the development.
Phase one of The RO consists of a 145,000-square-foot office tower leased entirely to energy trader Vitol. This building is expected to reach its top-out soon with occupancy scheduled for next summer. The newly launched phase two covers about 740,000 square feet with completion targeted for late 2027.
The site where The RO is being developed was previously home to ExxonMobil’s upstream division. Transwestern operates across commercial real estate sectors through entities such as Transwestern Development Company, Transwestern Investment Group, and Transwestern Real Estate Services.
