Transwestern has begun construction on the second phase of its 17-acre mixed-use development known as The RO, located between Houston’s Upper Kirby and River Oaks neighborhoods. The project’s latest addition is a 34-story tower under the Auberge Collection brand, which will be situated at West Alabama Street and Buffalo Speedway.
The Birdsall, Auberge Collection, marks the debut of The Friedkin Group’s hospitality brand in Houston. The tower will offer 44 condominiums above a 105-room hotel. Amenities for residents include a pool, outdoor entertainment deck, fitness and wellness spaces, and a members-only club.
In addition to the condo-hotel tower, phase two of The RO includes an 80,000-square-foot retail village with space for up to eight restaurants, a 317-unit apartment complex, and office space. Madison Realty Capital is providing construction financing for the project. Citizens Bank and Amegy Bank are supporting the apartment and retail components.
The design team features several notable firms: Kohn Pedersen Fox is responsible for the building’s architecture; Roman & Williams and Dillon Kyle Architects are handling interiors; Pickard Chilton is master planner and design architect for office and multifamily components; Michael Hsu Office of Architecture is designing retail spaces; OJB Landscape Architecture will oversee green space planning.
Auberge Resorts Collection will operate both the hotel and residences. According to Transwestern executives, “The RO’s mix of materials, including brick facades, cobblestone walkways and heritage oaks, is designed to feel like an extension of River Oaks rather than a new urban district.”
Retail leasing led by Transwestern has reportedly attracted significant interest from restaurant operators and boutique retailers.
Phase one of The RO—a 145,000-square-foot office tower fully leased to energy trading firm Vitol—is nearing completion with occupancy expected next summer. The second phase totals about 740,000 square feet with delivery anticipated in late 2027.
The site previously housed ExxonMobil’s upstream division offices. Transwestern operates through several divisions including Transwestern Development Company, Transwestern Investment Group, and Transwestern Real Estate Services. While primarily based in Texas, its portfolio extends across the United States.
