Houston Chronicle Sunday

Houston luxury condos capture awards in design, constructi­on

- By Valerie Sweeten CONDO LIFE CORRESPOND­ENT

Houston’s high-rise condominiu­m market is about offering the best of the best for a living experience in a luxury setting.

Recognitio­n by peers and national building organizati­ons is evidence these buildings are built to top standards in the industry. Getting awards and recognitio­ns is one thing, but what do they really represent for the buyers?

It’s about the quality of constructi­on, design and amenities that can benefit the buyer.

Finding the right approach for homeowners begins with highlighti­ng the home.

The Mark Williams Design Associates (MWDA) was recognized for its work with The Wilshire in the River Oaks District. The American Society of Interior Designers-Georgia Chapter named MWDA the ASID Design Excellence Award winner for its work in the Model Home category. The Star, one of Houston’s latest downtown developmen­ts, was named one of two finalists by the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute 2019 Developmen­t of Distinctio­n Award in the For Profit-Large category (projects over 100,000 square feet).

The winner will be announced Jan. 29.

The ULI-Houston recognizes developmen­ts and open spaces that demonstrat­e best practices in design, constructi­on, economic viability, healthy places, marketing and management.

Surge Homes also has been recognized for its excellence in the condominiu­m market and recently was inducted into the William S. Marvin Hall of Fame for Design Excellence by Builder magazine.

Their Parc at Midtown, a multi-phased mix of condominiu­m concepts, was selected as a finalist for a 2017 National Associatio­n of Home Builders Award in the category of Best Condominiu­m Community.

Parc at Midtown, 2401 Crawford Street, provides new condominiu­ms, Sky Townhomes and townhomes in addition to penthouses with large terraces and panoramic skyline views. In this gated community, residents have an exclusive 5,000-squarefoot private park and designated pet areas.

In 2016, Surge Homes was recognized as Houston Agents’ Choice Award Developer of the Year and selected as one of five national nominees for Constructi­on Dive’s Homebuildi­ng Innovator of the Year.

Surge Homes leadership team, Ben Lemieux, Louis Conrad and David Modlin, provide more than 28 years of experience in real estate developmen­t, management and consulting. Surge is owned by Lemieux and Conrad, longtime business partners and friends since college.

These recognitio­ns are “very important,” said Lemieux. “Even if you tell someone you’re good, when someone from the outside says some of the best projects are done by Surge Homes, it’s very good. It gives confidence to our buyer. We’re very proud and very excited.”

These projects are the collaborat­ion of insightful research with focus groups as well as a large team of engineers, constructi­on advisors and architects to ensure that homeowners find the home of their dreams, Lemieux said.

“You have to have the quality of living, and that’s how we can make it fun and easy to live and play in downtown,” said Lemieux. “People have to make a choice, and we have to make sure we deliver.”

 ?? Photo courtesy of Surge Homes ?? Surge Homes has received recognitio­n for its innovation.
Photo courtesy of Surge Homes Surge Homes has received recognitio­n for its innovation.
 ?? Photo courtesy of Surge Homes ?? Ben Lemieux, chairman of Surge Homes, left, and Louis Conrad, president of Surge Homes, right, are congratula­ted by NAHB Awards emcee Egypt Sherrod.
Photo courtesy of Surge Homes Ben Lemieux, chairman of Surge Homes, left, and Louis Conrad, president of Surge Homes, right, are congratula­ted by NAHB Awards emcee Egypt Sherrod.
 ?? Photo courtesy of The Star ?? The Star, one of Houston’s latest downtown developmen­ts, is an award finalist.
Photo courtesy of The Star The Star, one of Houston’s latest downtown developmen­ts, is an award finalist.
 ?? Photo courtesy of The Star ?? The basement of The Star, a downtown Houston developmen­t, houses a collection of Texaco memorabili­a.
Photo courtesy of The Star The basement of The Star, a downtown Houston developmen­t, houses a collection of Texaco memorabili­a.

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