Houston Chronicle Sunday

High-rise properties ideal for entertaini­ng, hosting events

- By Valerie Sweeten

Living in a high-rise doesn’t mean the end of entertaini­ng, celebratin­g or even hosting a get-together among friends or large groups.

Your personal condominiu­m, and the building itself, is designed to accommodat­e your lifestyle and all that goes with it. Houston’s high-rises have the amenities and services needed to make any event a success.

Highland Towers hosts an estimated 25 events a year for its residents, according to Kathrine Johnson, General Manager at Highland Towers.

With two amenity rooms used on a daily basis and its Wine Room also available, all types of events are possible.

Valets also can assist up to 10 cars, and additional valet services for larger parties can be provided for with the valet company.

Having a “one-stop shop” is ideal for entertaini­ng, Johnson said.

“It’s very intimate,” she said. “They don’t have to rent out an expensive dining area. They can use off-site catering. Their visitors can sign in with the concierge when they get here. It’s very convenient.”

Streetside­Developmen­ts.com’s article, 4 Ways Condo Living is Great for

Entertaini­ng, discussed how high-rises themselves offer a wide variety of options, whatever your lifestyle. Find spacious floor plans in all ranges of square footage. Also mentioned are the home comforts of large kitchen islands and eating bars as well as fireplaces to gather around. Additional features include on-site amenities such as outdoor patios, terraces, deck spaces and common spaces. Proximity to restaurant­s and shops also can enhance entertaini­ng abilities.

Johnson added that Highland Towers is also able to host events on the fifthfloor terrace, which offers grills, cabanas and a pool.

“They can have a barbecue or (be) at the swimming pool with cabanas for parties,” she said.

Russell Little, who resides at One Park Place in downtown Houston, has hosted several events at his building, one with over 300 people.

The eighth-floor party room overlooks Discovery Green, and was a huge hit with guests. The convenienc­e of having Phoenicia Specialty Foods came into play with their catering delivered directly from downstairs on one occasion. “We had Facebook Live and catered food. It was a huge success. There was valet parking for my guests. It has one of the best party balconies in town. It’s one of the great things about where I live,” Little said.

What’s the best feature about being able to entertain on site? Little said knowing all that all the odds and ends are taken care provides peace of mind.

“They had lots of extras, like chairs and tables, if case we needed them,” Little said. “They also helped carry stuff up.

“They took care of everything.”

Highland Towers hosts an estimated 25 events a year for their residents . ... With two amenity rooms used on a daily basis and its Wine Room also available, all types of events are possible.

 ??  ?? Russell Little speaks to guests at One Park Place during his book launch party.
Russell Little speaks to guests at One Park Place during his book launch party.
 ?? Photos courtesy of Russell Little ?? Russell Little is shown entertaini­ng at One Park Place with friends.
Photos courtesy of Russell Little Russell Little is shown entertaini­ng at One Park Place with friends.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States