Tower planned for seniors
A developer has begun construction on a luxury 17-story residential building near Rice Village that is set to be done in 2020.
A developer has started construction on a 17-story residential building near the Rice Village shopping district, adding a new senior housing component to the tony neighborhood near near Rice University and West U.
The Village of Southampton is being developed at 5020 Kelvin, between Robinhood and Quenby, adjacent to the Robinhood condominium building.
The tower, which should be completed in spring 2020, will offer independent living, assisted living and memory care services, filling a gap in the neighborhood, said Jim Gray, founder and president of Bridgewood Property Co.
“We saw that this well-loved, long-established Houston enclave was very much underserved in quality senior living options,” Gray said in an announcement.
He said the location was chosen because it allows residents of the area a place to move as they age without leaving friends, neighbors and churches.
Bridgewood has developed several other senior facilities in or near high-end neighborhoods including Meyerland, Tanglewood, the Heights and River Oaks.
Before it was built, the River Oaks facility was targeted by a group of nearby condominium owners who sued the developer, claiming the building would harm their property values. The lawsuit was later withdrawn.
Bridgewood said it has met with hom-owners who live in the Robinhood to inform them of the project and discuss potential concerns.
The buildings will be close,
but the new tower’s garage will buffer the two structures, said Lynn Wallace, spokeswoman for Retirement Center Management, which will run the property.
“We’re doing everything we can to prevent traffic problems” during construction, she added.
Amenities in the new building will include an indoor heated pool, fitness center, movie theater, full-service salon, secured parking for residents and guests, valet and concierge services and formal and private dining. A shuttle service also will be provided to residents.
Rents have not been determined yet, but likely will be similar to the River Oaks property, where units rent from around $3,900 per month and reach $6,500 per month for the largest units.
“We’re doing everything we can to prevent traffic problems.” Lynn Wallace, Retirement Center Mangement