HOUSTON—Just shy of its 102nd year as a downtown landmark, one of Houston's most beloved buildings, the Texaco at 1111 Rusk St. is welcoming guests again for the first time since 1989 as part of the Downtown Living Initiative. Under the stewardship of Provident Realty Advisors, the early skyscraper that cemented the city's economic significance has been reborn as The Star, a multifamily building that celebrates the structure's refined Renaissance Revival style with Beaux-Arts accents.

“While much has been said about the volume of class-A apartments coming on line in Houston this year, we feel that we have a major differentiator at The Star given the historic nature of this property compared to our new build comp set,” Kip Platt, of development partner Provident Realty Advisors, tells GlobeSt.com. “Given our experiences in other markets with landmark conversions, paired with the evolution of downtown Houston as an exciting place to live, we're optimistic about leasing prospects in the months ahead.”

Encompassing 286 units, ranging from 730 to 1,730 square feet with architectural details and interior finishes typically associated with a high-end condominium, The Star reactivates a key block in the heart of a neighborhood rejuvenated by the 2017 Super Bowl. The $95 million renovation adds 21,000 square feet of street-front retail within steps of two light rail lines, as well as new office, dining, entertainment and hotel offerings.

“There are so few opportunities to create something as magical as The Star,” said Platt. “We were fortunate to have found an iconic, pre-war building of this scale where a thoroughly modern makeover meshes so seamlessly with its timeless architecture.”

Houston-based Martin Fein Interests Ltd. is actively marketing the luxury apartments, which marked its first resident move-ins late last month. Starting prices of $2,150 per month are currently being supplemented with three months free on a 13-month lease term.

Targeting the categories of restaurant, specialty grocer and soft goods, 75% of the retail is in final contract negotiations. Future onsite dining will support both poolside and residence food delivery services.

The launch delivers 207 one bedroom, one bath and 79 two-bedroom two-bath homes along with ground-floor reception areas. A significant portion of the one-bedroom homes also feature a separate den or study and 40% of the units offer a powder bath. Public spaces include a hotel-style lobby lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a complimentary coffee and snack bar with cafe seating. Restored mosaic tile flooring and original decorative brass elevator surrounds are focal points of the lobby, which is staffed by a 24/7 concierge. A temporary gym will be in place while a fitness center is completed.

The project has 22 different floorplans, recessed lighting, solid core doors, wide plank hardwood floors, stainless appliances, wine refrigerators, stainless farmhouse kitchen sinks, quartz counters, and oversized showers and closets. The majority of master baths are equipped with separate tubs, showers and dual vanities. Two kitchen schemes provide the choice of cabinetry in an expresso finish with a seafoam green glass tile backsplash or white cabinetry with amber glass tile.

Platt traces his relationship to The Star back nearly a decade when his company initially sought out another historic apartment conversion opportunity in Houston. While investigating the nearby option, a chance tour eventually led Platt on a roller coaster ride as the building spiraled through litigation. His perseverance finally paid off in 2013, when Provident Realty Advisors finally took ownership after nearly two years of contract negotiations and an 18-month closing period.

“Looking at The Star today, everything was worth the wait,” said Platt. “Not only have we been able to preserve a property that is integral to Houston's history, but we've also been able to transform it for the residential and retail purposes that will continue to support downtown's resurgence as a neighborhood where Houstonians want to live.”

Occupying a full city block, The Star incorporates an initial 13-story structure that opened in 1915, a 1936 annex and 16-story addition completed in 1958. Built for The Texas Company, which became Texaco in 1959, the original wing was designed by the New York firm of Warren & Wetmore, also responsible for New York City's 1913 Grand Central Terminal. The façade of brick, terra cotta and Bedford limestone, as well as the grand limestone arcades with Tuscan columns, were replicated with the 1958 addition. Texaco occupied the building through 1989, when it remained vacant and shuttered until Provident Realty Advisors commenced its multifamily conversion in 2013.

Instant Insights /

1915 Texaco Landmark Welcomes Guests Again

Related Stories

Recommended For You