STYLE + LEISURE
GOING UP TEXACO BUILDING NOW SOARS AS THE STAR
It ’ s been vacant since 1989 , but now Downtown ’ s landmark Texaco Building has a stylish new lease on life .
Just shy of its 102nd birthday , the Renaissance Revival-style former oil company headquarters at 1111 Rusk Street is welcoming guests again as part of the Downtown Living Initiative . Under the stewardship of Provident Realty Advisors , the skyscraper has been reborn as THE STAR – a luxury apartment building .
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY : Built for The Texas Company , which became Texaco in 1959 , the original wing was designed by the New York firm of Warren & Wetmore , also responsible for Manhattan ’ s 1913 Grand Central Terminal and a number of upscale hotels and residential buildings . The façade of brick , terra cotta and Bedford limestone , as well as the signature , grand limestone arcades with Tuscan columns along Rusk , was replicated with the 1958 addition by noted architect Kenneth Franzheim .
Forget those new cookie-cutter developments . The Star ’ s restored mosaic tile flooring and original decorative brass elevator surrounds are focal points of the lobby , which is staffed 24 / 7 by a concierge and free valet for leasing visitors , residents and their guests .
With 22 different floorplans , the design of each residence maximizes window placement , views and a myriad of unique attributes . Depending on the apartment location , the historic nature of the building has created a bonus mix of extras such as deep window ledges for seating or display , beamed ceilings over 11 feet in height and large kitchens , living areas and bedrooms .
It ’ s been a labor of love ( and love at first sight ) for Provident ’ s KIP PLATT , who traces his relationship to The Star back nearly a decade when his company initially sought out another historic apartment conversion opportunity in Houston . While investigating the nearby option , a chance tour eventually led Platt on a roller coaster ride as the Texaco Building spiraled through litigation and unmet fates . His perseverance finally paid off in 2013 , when Provident Realty Advisors finally took ownership after nearly two years of contract negotiations and an 18-month closing period .
Says Platt , “ Looking at The Star today , everything was worth the wait .” You might say a star is re-born .
By Tim Moloney Photography courtesy of Max Burkhalter
64 LOCAL | march 17