Privacy, security among priorities for high-rise living
If high-rise living is at the forefront for you, it’s good to know ahead of time that this is a different lifestyle to adapt to, and knowing your privacy and security issues are taken care of is just one less thing to worry about.
As a street-level structure, building management considers all options when it comes to providing top-notch security features for their residents, who are all living in this one concentrated area.
It’s not uncommon to find a 24-hour patrol both inside and outside the premises as well as numerous limited-access controls.
Paige Martin, a Realtor with Keller Williams Memorial, said many of her security-conscious clients who want to live in a high-rise look for a variety of security measures including a 24/7 manned entrance, omni-present cameras, fulltime staff, security elevators that require a key card to access specific floors, and a strong on-site building manager.
According to Martin, some of the buildings in Houston that have done an excellent job with security include 2727 Kirby, Villa D’Este, The Huntingdon and The Montebello.
Privacy options in high-rise living vary, Martin said. Knowing ahead of time that units will share three walls with a neighbor, the best route for privacy is looking for a building with a small number of units per floor and/or a penthouse unit.
“Many of the luxury buildings and penthouses in a number of buildings are not only located high enough where it’s difficult to see into them, but the higher-up floors are often configured in a manner where you don’t have to share your unit’s access with other residents in the building. Some buildings, like 2727 Kirby, have a section of the building where residents take the elevator directly into to their unit. They don’t even share a hallway with other residents,” Martin said.
Kelley Jamison, community manager at Vantage Med Center, said measures are in place to ensure residents’ safety in the 22-story facility.
Residents are given limited fob access for elevators for their personal residential floor as well amenity areas. Vehicles are then equipped with security access stickers for garage entry as well as property sticker identification for security. Valet parking and concierge service are available for guests, for food or package deliveries.
“We have very controlled access,” Jamison said. “We also have courtesy Houston Police on site.”
At Arabella, positioned next to River Oaks District as well, they’re able to provide another level of privacy with private swimming pools on the upper floors at the 33-story building. Private elevator entries also are available, along with a wide variety of floor plans.
Astoria Condos, located in the Galleria with a total of 27 floors, is limited to 75 residences and is able to provide private elevator entrances to residents along with spectacular city views.
At The Wilshire in the River Oaks District, which is still under construction with a move-in date of August 2017, sales manager Jared Bonasera said privacy and security are top concerns for residents.
Residents also will have fob access for their appropriate floor and pool access, as well as a gate code for entry. A full-service building, The Wilshire also will have a 24-hour concierge on duty.
“Most residents have a lock-and-leave lifestyle and don’t want to worry about their home,” Bonasera said. “We have a fully staffed building with a real-live person watching things and seeing what’s going on.”