PHOTOS THIS PAGE BY RICHARD PAYNE DESIGNER PORTRAIT/ APARTMENT PHOTOS BY JILL HUNTER
URBAN GEM
Downtown’s iconic mid century highrise gets a modern-day makeover that recalls its 1960s debut BY SANDRA COOK
THE COOLEST DOWNTOWN ADDRESS FROM THE LATE 1960s has been made over for this millennium, yet retains is ’60s soul. Built in 1966 and designed by noted Washington, D.C.-area architect Charles Goodman, the 31-story building was instantly considered one of the most stylish apartment buildings the city. The mid-century modern highrise has recently undergone a ’60s-cool renovation that showcases the stylish functionality of midcentury modern architecture and interiors. More than one-third of the 396 units have been fully renovated and 90 percent are occupied. The apartment renovations are being completed at a rate of about 40 units per month, with the entire building expected to be done by June 2012. FROM THE GROUND UP In addition to the upgrades to each unit, the amenities and common areas have been revamped for the modern era. The generous ground-floor lobby is a celebration of mid-century style. Also at street level, the new Go Fresh! gourmet café now serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. The building also includes multiple spaces to work and play, including a pool, gym, full-size basketball court, conference room, media room and party lounge. Four rising stars of interior design decked out units in the iconic Houston House building as a way to help Houstonians see the dynamic design potential for units in the building. We have featured each designer and their work on the following pages. To read more about the building, go to www.HoustonHouseApts.com.
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