As Houston continues to welcome new hotels and mixed-use projects, work is beginning on the second phase of one of the most ambitious projects of that kind, courtesy of Transwestern.
Located at the intersection of West Alabama and Buffalo Speedway, The Ro spans 17 acres and will feature The Birdsall, a Auberge Collection luxury hotel, as well as luxury residences, restaurants and boutique retail, and premier office space, according to a Transwestern press release.
The Birdsall, a 34-story tower designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, will be Houston’s first Auberge-branded hotel and residences and will include “architectural references to River Oaks.” The boutique luxury hotel will offer 105 rooms topped by 44 private condos.
According to the release, Auberge Collection will manage and operate the completed hotel and residences and has collaborated with Transwestern’s development and hospitality teams regarding the planning, design and placemaking of The Birdsall. The hotel’s interiors are designed by Roman and Williams, and the residences by Dillon Kyle.
“As we continue Auberge’s strategic expansion into key urban markets, we are thrilled to add a new city property on The Friedkin Group’s home soil and pleased for this opportunity to celebrate what makes Houston such a wonderful destination with every touchpoint of our extraordinary new hotel, residences, and private members’ club,” said Dan Friedkin, Chairman, Auberge Collection.
The 80,000-square-foot Retail Village, designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, will feature “chef-driven” restaurants and boutique retail within a series of small buildings.
Meanwhile, the 317-unit luxury residential tower The Clayton designed by Pickard Chilton will integrate seamlessly into The RO “through thoughtful architecture that includes masonry façades, gracious window lines and timeless interiors.”
The Ro’s first phase includes a 145,000-square-foot Class AA office building is nearing completion and scheduled for tenant occupancy in June 2026.
The Birdsall, the Retail Village, and The Clayton are scheduled to be completed in 2027.
Learn more about the project: Transwestern Breaks Ground on Next Phase of The RO
Written by Norma Salcedo
Photos Courtesy: Transwestern
