Area high-rises don’t come up short on luxury

The word “luxury” has so many meanings, but when it comes to high-rise living, especially in Houston, options are able to offer incredible amenities, living spaces and locations.

What is it about a luxury high-rise that makes people leave behind single-family homes and take up an entire new way of life?

According to the U.S. News & World Report January 2017 article, How to Define Luxury Real Estate in Today’s

Market, it is the little things that buyers are most concerned about in condominiums. The report stated that it’s common to find highly desirable features in many upscale properties throughout major U.S. cities.

These include important staples such as prime location, high-end interior finishes such as marble countertops, professional-quality kitchen appliances, customized closets and hotel-like amenities.

Houston has it’s share of gorgeous, excellently detailed properties, most with incredible views, in top neighborhoods to choose from if considering a move to a luxury high-rise.

Molly Ann Kaplan, a Realtor with John Daugherty, Realtors, said buyers have many possibilities to choose from in downtown Houston, inside the Loop and west of 610.

Kaplan said there are different things buyers are considering when buying a luxury piece of property.

“There is security starting from the front door,” Kaplan said. “You drop your vehicle, and it is taken away and brought to you when needed. Groceries are taken to your condo. If something breaks, you can call, and it can be done for you. You can lock the door, and all is safe.”

Also important are the finessed touches throughout the home of a luxury condo, Kaplan said.

The 10- to 11-foot ceilings to floorto-ceiling glass walls, interior storage closets, and balconies or terraces one finds at these properties make the home even more special. There is also top-ofthe-line cabinetry; Gagganeau, Wolf, and Miele appliances; a Programme Martin master closet system; Lutron lighting system; and hardwood/marble floors, Kaplan said.

With a luxury high-rise, that means the entire building reflects that atmosphere as well for its residents.

“There are conference/ events room, party room with catering kitchen, a fitness center with showers and steam baths, heated pool with a spa, service elevator, trash chute, and dog park,” Kaplan said.

In addition, there are amenities such as 24/7 valet parking, 24/7 concierge, an on-site guard and porter to assist with your needs.

So, what’s a luxury high-rise price look like for Houston buyers?

Kaplan said a 3,776-square-foot home sold for $2,249,000 at The Belfiore; a 5,100-square-foot high-rise went for $3,400,000 at The Houstonian; and a 7,265-square-foot home sold for $2,500,000 at The Huntingdon.

Prices can range anywhere from the high $400,000s and up to $5.5 million, depending on the size and location of your choosing.

Many residents enjoy being able to call someone when something breaks, and have it fixed.

Photo courtesy of Sudhoff Companies High-end finishes are apparent in kitchens at The Sophie.

Photo courtesy of The Wilshire Luxury high-rises are full of amenities for residents to enjoy and to simplify their lives. Shown is the fitness center at The Wilshire.