Roz here with Julie Weinstein from MyRedGlasses were among the many media friends and colleagues that gathered for our first real on-site peak and official hard-hat tour at what we’ve all been waiting for…..River Oaks District, due to open October 1, 2015.
We were all greeted for our hard hat tours at the check-in. Of course, this was a fashion event and many of us fashion bloggers, PR mavens and media types, were pleased to be greeted by the utterly chic logo emblazoned white hard hats and citron reflective vests as well as ROD-imprinted sunglasses and tote bags….all accessories appropriate for this chic crowd!
Before setting off on our totally guided tour of the soon-to-be-finished complex, Oliver McMillan, that had pulled out all stops to ensure a pleasurable experience equal to the surroundings that were soon to come, provided a lavish spread for all of us to enjoy. We were encouraged to peruse the beautifully appointed and lush areas set up by Todd Events with divine culinary treats by the always yummy A Fare Extraordinaire!
There to greet us all was our go-to-guy for all of the info we will be needing on this long awaited newest addition to the Houston Shopping scene, Director of Marketing for River Oaks Districk, Colin Moussa. He has assured us that this 295,000 square feet district which is entering its final stages of completion will be a unique and complete luxury experience that Houston has not seen.
Some of the many faces in the crowd for the Hard Hat Preview was above, the Paper City Gals……Monica Bickers, Holly Moore and Francene Ballard and Fashion Blogger, Carley Lee of Cstyleblog. Below a photo booth line-up of yours truly with Julie Weinstein, Carley Lee, Issa Chou, Editor-in-Chief of Yellow Magazine and Erica Smith.
Kyle Dorand of Oliver McMillan led our group on a detailed tour that included the shells of what will be 295,000 sq. ft. of retail space, as well as the other components of this luxury mixed use complex, including restaurant locations, Equinox gym, high-end office and residential space (the Greyhouse). Streets are paved, trees are planted and the storefronts are beginning to take shape. The plan is to have each retailer plan their own look, making each street have a “downtown street feel” and all will have canopies with fans included that will make for comfort in walking the District’s streets in the warm Houston heat.
The main boulevard where all were gathering leads directly to the core intersection of the District. Imagine a four-way stop that includes a flagship 6,000 sq. ft. Cartier, 10,000 sq. ft. Hermes and a 9,500 sq. ft. Dior. Slightly off from the corner, next to Cartier will be the IPic theaters, scheduled opening October 30.
A view of the Tom Ford boutique is really taking shape, name plate up is a very good sign and one of the stores that I cannot wait to visit.
The Cartier building, which is relocating to be included in the River Oaks District will be on one of its main corners.
After our touring was ended two key players from Oliver McMillan, Jeff Ziegler, senior managing director for leasing and Greg Wattson, senior managing director of development gave us a brief overview of the plans and progression of the development and responded to a Q & A on many of the most asked questions. Number one, of course, being “why Houston” for this project that we found out at this briefing, was begun back in 2006? The answer is of course, the economy here that has been so strong, Houston’s large number of luxury clientele and our diversity and international ties….all a great mix for this luxury group.
An attentive group of media listening closely to the overview plans for this soon-to-be completed development that offers a total experience for the luxury customer. You can live, work, work-out, dine and even see a favorite movie without leaving the very comforts of your own surroundings.
A CONDENSED LIST OF WHO THE TENANTS WILL BE TO DATE
AS OF JUNE, 2015…
Retailers: Akris, Anne Fontaine, BONOBOS, Brunello Cucinelli, Canali, Cartier, Chopard, Davidoff of Geneva, Dior, diptyque, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Giuseppe Zanotti, Hermes, INTERMIX, John Lobb, Kiton, L’Occitane, Moncler, Patek Philippe at de Boulle, Planet Blue, Roberto Cavalli, St. Nicola, Stella McCartney, Tom Ford, Van Cleef & Arpels, Vince and Vilebrequin
Dining: American Food and Beverage, Le Colonial, Steak 44, Taverna, Thirteen Pies, Toulouse Cafe and Bar
Wellness and Spa: Equinox
Entertainment: iPic Theatres
RENDERINGS OF WHAT TO EXPECT FROM RIVER OAKS DISTRICT
Ariel view of the District in its completed form. As mentioned the target date for the opening of most inhabitants is October 1st. IPic theatre at end of that month and more will be coming in throughout the Fall 2015 and early Spring 2016 time frame.
PARKING
Last but certainly not least in this city…..how do you talk about an inner-loop shopping district, located between Highland Village and the Galleria, without wondering just how the parking issues are being addressed. Where will I park, was certainly my first question. Well, they have certainly made accommodations for that. First of all, although located at 4444 Westheimer, that highly trafficked thoroughfare will not be the front entrance to the District. There will be five valet locations within the side and what has been considered the back entrance on Bettis. You can valet at any of these and pick up at another. Packages can be delivered to valet and if you self park, there will be an app that you can use to have your car delivered to one of the valet locations. The parking garage will also have that same mechanism which we have all seen at the Whole Foods on Post Oak with the red and green warning lights that let you know if, in fact, there is a space available for parking. So I would say that a grand attempt has been made to solve one of inner-city Houston’s most consistent problems!
There is a lot of info in this article but there is certainly a lot to say about this newest addition to the Houston high-end shopping and lifestyle scene. It is luxury planning at its best and we now just have to wait a short time (October 1st!) to let the shopping begin!
So excited for Vince and INTERMIX! thanks Roz for the update!
Sounds fabulous! Can’t wait for the iPic theaters.