Construction Underway on Avenue R Development in Houston

By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Writer

Houston—The bustling and cosmopolitan Galleria area of Houston is the site of a new Meeks + Partners-designed community being developed by Greystar. Construction commenced recently on the approximately 400-unit development to be called Avenue R, for its strategic location on Richmond Ave. at Barrington Rd., just outside Interstate 610. The development is slated for completion in summer of 2013, but first units will be ready for occupancy late this year.

“Avenue R will add to the vibrant lifestyle of the Galleria and Uptown District through its urban character and design,” Meeks + Partners CEO Don Meeks tells MHN. “The property also follows Houston’s green building initiative, making Houston a more sustainable living environment.”

Avenue R will feature four residential stories constructed around a six-story pre-cast garage. Exterior finishes were selected with the intention of imbuing the neighborhood with distinctiveness and character. They will feature contemporary woven metal, limestone, burnished block, metal panels and glass balcony rails.

An open-concept entrance and four-story clubhouse, along with outdoor canopy seating, will deliver the atmosphere of a multi-use structure to the Richmond Ave. frontage. Among the clubhouse features will be a first-floor cyber lounge with conference rooms, game room and a two-story, fully equipped fitness room with yoga and tanning spaces. Outstanding views of the Galleria area will be afforded by a fourth-floor sky lounge available for resident parties.

The property will also feature a distinctive dog park that will allow residents to avoid the busy streets nearby when offering their pets some needed exercise.

Houston’s Uptown district has long been renowned as a hub of commerce and shopping. It is home to almost 2,000 companies as well as Galleria, the largest indoor shopping center in the Lone Star State. “Virtually every inch of the area is occupied with the amenities that urban living can offer,” Meeks says.

“Avenue R’s convenient location on Richmond Ave. provides residents with easy access to everything the Uptown District has to offer, while still affording them the ability to access major highways.”

Houston’s legendary lack of zoning can result in residents of a community being concerned when they hear of major new developments that may affect property values or other aspects of their neighborhood. Such a situation calls for the kind of clear communication initiated prior to Avenue R’s development.

“We met with the homeowners’ association to offer them further information on the designs, and were able to answer questions regarding the property’s drainage solutions,” Meeks says. “Several residents have had issues prior to the project. Avenue R’s new drainage system will likely help the neighborhood.”

In a city known for heavy dependence on the automobile, Avenue R will help spur the use of public transit and walking among those so inclined. Houston’s bus system, METRO, offers a bus stop at the corner of Richmond Ave. and Barrington Rd., right at the property. As well, residents will be able to walk to hundreds of retail stores and restaurants situated within a mile of Avenue R.

“The site is also within walking distance of the proposed Uptown Line, which is a part of the MetroRail system,” Meeks reports.