HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The Houston-based Transwestern real estate firm has started construction on the next phase of The RO mixed-use development which will have a 34-story Auberge hotel/condominium tower, retail space, and an apartment complex.
The RO will rise on 17 acres at the intersection of West Alabama and Buffalo Speedway – a site located between River Oaks and West University, two of the most affluent communities in Houston.
The Birdsall, Auberge Collection – Houston’s first Auberge-branded hotel and residences – will include 44 private residences situated above a 105-room boutique, luxury hotel. The 34-story tower designed by Kohn Pederson Fox includes architectural references to River Oaks, incorporating materials such as reclaimed Cedar Bayou brick, characteristic of the upscale neighborhood’s original homes.
The hotel’s interiors are designed by Roman and Williams, and the residences by one of River Oaks’ architect, Dillon Kyle. Auberge Collection has collaborated with Transwestern’s development and hospitality teams on the planning, design of The Birdsall and will manage and operate the completed hotel and residences.
“Houston is a particularly meaningful city for Auberge Collection and for me personally,” said Dan Friedkin, Chairman, Auberge Collection. “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.”
Sales for The Birdsall Residences are being managed by Compass Development Marketing Group in collaboration with Laura Sweeney of Compass and William Wheless of Wheless Realty.
This second phase of RO will also include 80,000 SF of chef-driven restaurants and boutique retail and The Clayton multifamily community.
RO’s Retail Village Designed by Michael Hsu
Retail Village, designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, represents a series of small buildings set within lush landscaping that includes a handful of heritage oak trees original to the site. Brick facades and pavers as well as a paseo will capture the aesthetic of River Oaks, which will be reinforced through restaurants and boutiques.
“Given the location and design quality of the project, the response from restaurants and retailers has been overwhelmingly positive,” said Transwestern Regional Partner Sean Suffel.
The 317-Unit Clayton Apartments Designed by Pickard Chilton
The Clayton is a 317-unit residential tower situated at the corner of West Alabama and Buffalo Speedway. It will integrate seamlessly into The RO through thoughtful architecture that includes masonry façades, gracious window lines and timeless interiors. The Clayton was designed by Pickard Chilton, which has designed buildings around the world. The RO’s initial office building, which is fully leased, was also designed by Pickard Chilton.
Transwestern Executive Chairman Robert Duncan said, “By tapping into the defining features of the community to create spaces where people want to live, work and visit, we reflect and honor the unique history of River Oaks and the overall vibrancy of Houston.”
The Birdsall, Auberge Collection has been capitalized by Transwestern and private investor partners with a construction loan from Madison Realty Capital. Retail Village has been capitalized by Transwestern and private investor partners with a construction loan from Citizens and Amegy Bank. The Clayton has been capitalized by Transwestern in partnership with Nomura Real Estate Asset Management with a construction loan from Citizens, Amegy Bank and Texas Capital.
Expected Completion Dates
The Birdsall, Retail Village and The Clayton are expected to be complete in late 2027.
The RO’s first phase includes a 145,000-SF Class AA office building that is nearing completion and scheduled for tenant occupancy in June 2026.
The property, which is just north of Richmond Avenue, was formerly an Exxon campus with large oak trees and lawns of St. Augustine grass. Exxon sold the site in 2017.
Nov. 5, 2025 Realty News Report Copyright 2025
Rendering courtesy The Boundary
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