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Reaching 34 stories into the sky above the shaded streets of Montrose, Hines’ multifamily project La Colombe d’Or Hotel & Residences is poised to be one of Houston’s hottest addresses. The 265-unit luxury high-rise broke ground last year, next to the historic La Colombe D’Or, the boutique hotel and romantic restaurant that has been a destination for generations of Houstonians.

Now, Hines has released its first concepts of what life inside the new high-rise will look like. With designs by Rottet Studios, a press release announcing the interiors promises a project that “blends contemporary architecture with old-world charm.”

“The interiors of the La Colombe d’Or Hotel & Residences combine the charm of old-world Houston with the grace and elegance of new contemporary design,” said Lauren Rottet, principal of Rottet Studio, and interior architect for the project. “Keeping in mind the indoor-outdoor lifestyle of Mediterranean architecture, of which the original La Colombe d’Or mansion was fashioned, the interior views are focused out to the lush greenery of the neighborhood and the landscaped courtyard in between the new tower and the existing mansion.”

Classic charm
The mansion, once the home of the Walter Fondren, co-founder of Humble Oil — known today as ExxonMobil — and his family, was built in 1923. Fondren died in 1939, a d throughout much of the mid-20th century, the home was used as a base for the Red Cross to house and train visiting nurses.

In the late 1970s, Steve Zimmerman bought and renovated the property, fashioning it after the charming auberges he loved so much in France. Cinq, the mansion’s restaurant, blends traditional French fare with modern touches, and La Colombe D’Or is home to an art gallery, and light-filled and individually decorated suites. When the Zimmerman family entered into an agreement with Hines to develop the one-acre property on which the mansion sits, the concept was intentionally designed to incorporate modern, luxe living in the space across from the mansion, while allowing the Old World style and warmth to remain.

A new look
Enter Rottet Studios, with its signature style of clean lines, warm materials and an abundance of natural light taking center stage in its projects. Renderings show a two-story lobby offering parlor seating by the concierge desk, a well-crafted mailroom in which residents can socialize while checking their mail and a comfortable living room with fireplace and views of the surrounding live oaks. A dynamic light-filled corridor with faceted ceilings, walls for art, and a long shelf for decorative objects and books leads from the new tower lobby to the existing hotel.

The tower’s 10th-floor amenity deck features a resort-style pool, private dining area, well-appointed display kitchen, private meeting rooms, social lounge with complimentary coffee bar, state-of-the-art gym and spa-like relaxation zone. The ground level will feature exclusive courtyards with sculptures, fountains, a cigar bar, and a fireplace centerpiece, as well as a 14,000-square-foot private park.

Additional luxury amenities will include a 24-hour concierge, valet, and access to the hotel’s room service and poolside service. The new building will also provide 18 additional luxury rooms for guests of La Colombe d’Or Hotel.

Luxe living
Residences will range between 740 and 3,100 square feet, with 10 penthouses on the tower’s top two levels. Each single-level floorplan will be spacious and light-filled, featuring flexible living spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize views of the property’s lush greenery. Natural materials and finishes will create the perfect blend of contemporary and traditional styles with Quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and wide-planked wood flooring complimenting Italian-made custom cabinetry throughout.

“La Colombe d’Or Hotel & Residences will evoke an elegant, stylish and sophisticated lifestyle reflective of the landmark property,” said Kevin Batchelor, senior managing director, Hines. “Hines is committed to delivering a superior product and we are thrilled to be a part of the next chapter in the legacy of La Colombe d’Or.”

La Colombe d’Or Hotel & Residences is a joint venture with Hines, TIAA Global Asset Management and the Zimmerman family. Construction on the residential building is slated for completion in the third quarter of 2020. Pre-leasing will begin October 2019.

CULTUREMAP HOUSTON: Story by Holly Beretto