Introduction to Luxury Living
The most ambitious luxury high-rise project in the history of The Woodlands is slowly coming to life. The topping off ceremony for The Woodlands’ new Ritz-Carlton Residences brought Robert A.M. Stern’s (RAMSA) Johnny Cruz home to Texas, along with Paul Whalen and Luis Arturo Corzo. For Cruz, seeing the building in real life was a dream come true. "From the architect’s point of view, it was great to see something go from just a thought in your head, from pencil and paper in a sketch to seeing the real thing going up," he says.
Bringing the Design to Life
While the architects’ designs are showcased in renderings and sophisticated modeling prior to construction, seeing the building in real life is a different experience altogether. "It confirmed a lot of our assumptions, design wise, about how this thing really might turn out," Cruz says. The first standalone Ritz-Carlton Residences in Texas began with the setting provided by an eight-acre site along Lake Woodlands. Preserving the existing trees on the site became part of the sustainability of the project for Cruz. "There was an existing sort of buffer of trees on the north edge, on Lake Woodlands that we wanted to protect," he says.
A Tower of Options
One of the most unusual parts of the Ritz Carlton Residences, The Woodlands is the breadth of floor plans that will be available in the luxury tower. "We work closely with Douglas Elliman, and it’s an iterative process," Cruz says. "We would produce sketches. ‘What do we think about the living room being here? Or the living room being there? Or are we capturing the best view?’ And this would go through cycle after cycle, not just with Douglas Elliman, but also some representatives from Howard Hughes as well." The design will be complemented by a country-club atmosphere with outdoor and wellness amenities and concierge services.
River Oaks Inspiration
Much of the inspiration for the Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands came from the work of John Staub, the New York architect who came to Houston, fell in love with the city, and became known as the man who built River Oaks. The new high-rise’s limestone facade is one of those John Staub-like touches. Many of the precast concrete panels are already in place, and the installation of some of that limestone facade is set to begin soon. "At the base, the lower two levels will all be handset limestone," Cruz says. "They’re very, very close to getting to that point."
Construction and Completion
Construction is scheduled to continue until it is completed in 2027, when the Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands is slated to open. "I always think we have to serve three constituents that we designed for," Cruz says. "The first one, of course, is the developer that’s important. They’re the client. The second one is the unit owners. You know, we have to craft plans and residences that fit their needs and so forth. And the third one, which we never really talk about, what we should talk about most, is the city and doing a responsible building." Cruz saw that in person, with the vision rising to life, in his visit to the site.
Conclusion
The Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands is a luxury high-rise project that is slowly coming to life. With its unique design, breathtaking views, and country-club atmosphere, it is set to become a landmark in The Woodlands. Cruz’s vision for the project is one that prioritizes sustainability, responsible building, and attention to detail. As the project nears completion, it is clear that the Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands will be a truly special place to live. With its beautiful silhouette, casual design, and stunning lakefront views, it is a must-see for anyone looking for luxury living in The Woodlands.
