Renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, who passed away last week at 86, is widely recognized for his work on condominium projects in New York City and South Florida. However, his influence also extends to Texas, where he designed the Ritz-Carlton Residences in The Woodlands for Howard Hughes Holdings.
The Real Deal identified this project as a significant addition to Texas’s growing luxury condo market earlier this year. As the first stand-alone Ritz-Carlton condo development in the state, it represents a new standard of upscale living.
Johnny Cruz, a partner at Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA) involved with the Ritz project, described Stern’s commitment: “He was very much involved from day one.” Cruz added that Stern considered it “one of his favorites,” and noted their close working relationship over 26 years: “like family.”
Unlike cities such as New York and Miami that have many high-end condos, Texas has traditionally focused on ranch-style luxury homes. The Ritz-Carlton Residences marks a shift toward vertical luxury living in the region. Before construction began, 69 percent of its 111 units were pre-sold, leading Howard Hughes Holdings to halt presales and start a waitlist.
Cruz believes this project has encouraged other developers to pursue branded condos in Houston. Since its launch, Sunny Bathija’s Satya announced plans for a St. Regis condo tower in Houston’s Rice/Military area, while Deiso Moss revealed plans for another Ritz-Carlton tower and hotel in Uptown/Galleria.
Located on eight acres by Lake Woodlands, the development includes two buildings—one with 15 stories and another with 11—and offers lakefront views. According to Cruz, Stern drew inspiration from Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood and incorporated design elements influenced by John Staub, an early-20th-century architect known for single-family homes there.
Cruz explained Staub’s approach as featuring “a restrained sense of detail” and “timeless design.” He also highlighted how the project addresses buyers’ needs: many are empty-nesters downsizing from single-family homes. To accommodate them, more than half of the units—55 out of 111—have unique layouts aimed at providing individuality similar to that found in traditional neighborhoods.
“All beautiful American neighborhoods have variety in terms of the houses,” Cruz said. “So that same attitude, but combined in a condominium.”
This marks RAMSA’s ninth project in Texas. Previous work includes designing The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas—a 70-unit condo tower with hotel amenities—and public landmarks like upgrades for Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and the George W. Bush Presidential Center.
