Renowned architect Robert A.M. Stern, who passed away last week at 86, is widely recognized for his contributions to residential architecture in New York City and South Florida. However, his influence extends to Texas with a significant project that is shaping the state’s luxury condominium market.
Stern was the founder of Robert A.M. Stern Architects (RAMSA). His portfolio includes prominent buildings such as the Bellemont by Naftali Group and 15 Central Park West for Arthur and William Lie Zeckendorf in New York. In Texas, one of his most notable works is the Ritz-Carlton Residences in The Woodlands, developed by Howard Hughes Holdings.
Earlier this year, The Real Deal identified the Ritz-Carlton Residences as an “it building.” As Ritz-Carlton’s first stand-alone condo project in Texas, it introduces a new standard of luxury to the state’s growing condominium sector.
Johnny Cruz, a partner at RAMSA who worked on the Ritz project and has been with the firm for 26 years, shared that Stern was deeply involved from the start. “He was very much involved from day one,” Cruz said. He also noted that Stern considered it “one of his favorites” and described their relationship as close: Stern was “like family.”
Texas traditionally favors ranch-style luxury homes rather than high-rise condominiums. The Ritz-Carlton Residences represents a shift toward high-end vertical living in Houston. Before construction began, 69 percent of its 111 units were pre-sold, leading Howard Hughes Holdings to halt presales and begin a waitlist due to strong demand.
Cruz believes this project has encouraged other developers to pursue branded condos in Houston. Since its launch, Sunny Bathija’s Satya announced plans for a standalone St. Regis condo tower in Houston’s Rice/Military area, while Deiso Moss revealed plans for another Ritz-Carlton condo tower and hotel in Uptown/Galleria.
The development occupies eight acres along Lake Woodlands and features two buildings—one with 15 stories and another with 11—designed to maximize lakefront views.
According to Cruz, Stern drew inspiration from Houston’s River Oaks neighborhood and incorporated elements reminiscent of John Staub, an early-20th-century architect known for single-family homes throughout River Oaks. Cruz described Staub’s style as having “a restrained sense of detail” and “timeless design.”
At an October event hosted by BSH and The Real Deal as part of their Building Luxury series, Cruz discussed what sets the project apart.
The design addresses the needs of many Houston condo buyers—often empty-nesters moving from single-family homes—by offering diverse apartment layouts intended to provide individuality similar to that found in detached houses. Of the 111 units available, 55 have unique floor plans.
“All beautiful American neighborhoods have variety in terms of the houses,” Cruz said. “So that same attitude, but combined in a condominium.”
This marks RAMSA’s ninth project in Texas. The firm previously designed The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas—a 70-unit condo tower featuring hotel amenities—and has contributed to public landmarks such as upgrades at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business and designing the George W. Bush Presidential Center on campus.
