By Valerie Sweeten
Living in a high-rise doesn't mean you don't get the chance to enjoy the outdoors at all. In fact, it's exactly the opposite.
Today's high-rise and midrise buildings cater to residents and their desire to relax among luxurious settings with resort-style swimming pools, private cabanas, Wi-Fi, firepits, outdoor chef kitchens, beautifully landscaped gardens, expansive terraces, walking trails and dog parks.
This one-of-a-kind experience allows residents to swim nearly 500 feet above the street while down below pedestrians stop to watch.
According to Architizer.com's article, How 5 Architects Are Advancing High-Rise Public Space, outdoor spaces have gone from "roof decks" and "balconies" to "sky gardens" and "sky parks," therefore noting a shift in the concept of outdoor spaces.
Doug Horn, The Houstonian Estates General Manager, said the unique location across from Weiss Park provides a forested feeling in a city location with over 3 acres of property for residents to enjoy.
There is also a 110-foot lap pool, basketball court, tennis courts, clay and gravel walkways and putting green/driving cage, in addition to its proximity to Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou.
The Houstonian Estates also hosts outdoor events for their residents such as Breakfast on the Bayou and barbecue during rodeo season.
"It's a timeless, private setting in a forested area. It's all things that make us unique to the city of Houston," Horn added.
Louis Conrad, president of Surge Homes, said they've incorporated outdoor spaces in three of the Surge Homes communities including balconies, terraces, large outdoor areas with pool and spa, an exclusive park for residents or private fenced-in yards.
Surge's Parc at Midtown location is home to an exclusive park in the middle of the community and is the only new community in this location to have a private park complete with benches and central landscaped area. Each residence has a private, fenced-in yard.
"The urban oasis, three blocks away from downtown, seemed to have resonated with our clientele with rapid sales," said Conrad.
In August 2016, Conrad said Parc at Midtown was named the fastest-selling new "attached residential" subdivision in Harris County.
Why is it important to provide outdoor spaces for their residents? Conrad said people love a touch of nature wherever they can find it.
"We're an urban developer, but we believe in the power of nature and the peace it provides. We try to include a little bit of it whenever it is possible," he said.
"We try to create urban oases despite the very high price of land in prime neighborhoods where we build. Not only do green spaces contribute to a more peaceful and serene atmosphere, they also help increase home value over time.
"The green spaces are also designed for the dogs, the loving companions of our homeowners," said Conrad.
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