Construction Starts on 256-Unit Alta Heights in Houston

By Keith Loria, Contributing Writer

Houston—Wood Partners LLC, a multifamily developer, has began work on Alta Heights, a 256-unit apartment community situated on 3.5 acres at 145 Heights Blvd., in Houston’s Washington Corridor.

“We think the location is unique and special,” Todd Gaines, Wood Partners’ South Texas developer, tells MHN. “There’s only one other property that’s being built in the Washington Corridor right now and we think it’s a great site because you are within walking distance of everything that is happening there.”

The four-story building is being designed by Womack + Hampton, with construction by Heights Avenue Builders, LLC. The first units are expected to be available in May 2013 with final construction set for October 2013.

“When you think about ways the corridor has changed in the last five years and really grown, there’s so much to do there and that was a big attraction for us,” Gaines says. “You add all the other elements happening around the site—tons of retail being built—so by the time we start leasing, all this brand new retail will be open.”

The units will be comprised of efficiency, 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, with amenities including granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, under-mount sinks, subway tile backsplashes, vinyl plank flooring in kitchen and living areas and washer/dryers. Select units will include garden tubs and showers.

“When you look around, everybody in this cycle is designing units maybe a little smaller than average when it comes to square footage, but they are more efficient in the way we lay things out,” Gaines says. “Most of our customers don’t look at how much the property leases for on a square-foot basis, they look at the amount of the check they have to pay us at the end of the month. With the property we intend to offer, A-plus amenities and A-plus finishes, they will still have a reasonable price.”

Half of the units will include a technology package that consists of an in-wall iPod docking station at the entry and speakers mounted in the living room.

“This is something we have incorporated in a number of properties recently,” Gaines says. “We think a technology package adds a lot of value.”

Highlights of the community’s common areas include a two-story clubhouse complete with a coffee bar, pool table and X-box area, a courtyard with a pool, barbecue grills, an outdoor kitchen with TV, a second courtyard with a water fountain and grill, a fitness center and leasing office.

Gaines reveals that Alta Heights will also be a green property, certified with the National Green Building Standard, similar to Energy Star 2.0.

“We are trying to give everyone the space they are looking for and at the end of the day, they have an apartment they want with all the amenities they could ask for,” Gaines says. “In addition to being walking distance from some of the best dining and entertainment in town, the site is also five minutes from Downtown, Memorial Park, Eleanor Tinsley Park, and River Oaks. We think our residents will love living so close to work and play.”