Developer, owner, and operator MorningStar (Denver) wanted to enter the Greater Houston area through a new partnership with Hines, the Houston-based international real estate investment firm. This project offered the opportunity to fill a need for seniors to stay in their neighborhood, close to family and friends and the attractions they’ve come to enjoy.
Opening in fall 2021 in Houston, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks will offer 85 assisted living units and 27 memory care units.
The six-story community is located close to well-established neighborhoods and Houston’s Southwest Freeway, allowing ready access to nearby amenities including the Museum District, the Houston Zoo, Rice University, Levy Park, and dining and shopping.
A covered motor court on the west side of the building serves as the main drop-off, while a welcoming lobby offers open views of first-floor amenities such as a bistro, living room with fireplace, theater/chapel, and landscaped courtyard with a barbeque. Additional amenity space is located on the sixth floor including a club room, art studio, massage room, fitness center, salon, dining deck with fireplace, and sky terrace with a panoramic view of downtown.
The 109,150-square-foot community’s design reflects a high-end yet classic contemporary aesthetic. Influenced by the nearby River Oaks neighborhood, where housing prices range from $1 million to $20 million, the design team introduced elements such as emerald green, marble-like surfaces and gold accents to appeal to local consumers. Subtle designs found throughout the community incorporate architectural features found in the surrounding neighborhoods as well, such as the limestone façade, and the use of golds, emerald greens, grays and whites to create a timeless, high-end aesthetic with a contemporary twist.
Infection control design measures are integrated into the River Oaks community and include the use of UVC light to help reduce the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses; a kiosk system for sign-in and health screening, including touchless temperate scan, pulse oximetry, and questionnaire; and needlepoint bipolar ionization that ties into the HVAC system.
Project details:
Facility name: MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at River Oaks
Location: Houston
Completion date: August 2021
Owner: Hines
Total building area: 109,150 sq. ft. (including parking garage level: 130,790 sq. ft.)
Total construction cost: N/A
Cost/sq. ft.: N/A
Architecture firms: Munoz + Albin Architecture and Kirksey Architecture
Interior design: Thoma-Holec Design
General contractor: D. E. Harvey Builders
Engineering: WGA (civil), Imeg (structural), Telios (MEP)
Builder: D. E. Harvey Builders
