Guide To Houston's Best Lofts
Nestled within top neighborhoods, Houston's lofts range from renovated historic buildings to new construction midrises.
Out of Houston's 100+ residential buildings, more than 30 feature lofts and loft-style units. Houston loft buildings can range from converted historic buildings to newer luxury condos.
Nestled within the city's most exciting districts, Houston lofts offer easy access to business and retail centers, vibrant street scenes, and outdoor entertainment spots. Other factors also contribute to loft living's rising popularity, including the lock-and-leave lifestyle, additional security, and building amenities.
There are two types of lofts in Houston: converted historic lofts and new construction luxury lofts.
Exposed brick walls and ductwork, high ceilings, and open floor plans are common features.
Buying a Houston loft can be challenging given the number of loft buildings available, building amenities, HOA fees, location, appreciation rates, and other key factors to consider.
If you’d like to see any specific loft units or learn about residential buildings that are best for you, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Individual Agent with Keller Williams in Houston and #9 in the United States.
Table of Contents
- Houston Loft and Condo Resources
- Houston Lofts by Neighborhood
- Downtown Houston Lofts
- Houston Galleria Lofts
- Houston Inner Loop Lofts
- Houston Lofts by Type
- Houston Lofts Overview
- The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home
Houston Loft and Condo Resources
Want to buy the best Houston loft unit that fits your lifestyle? We're here to help! Contact us, the Houston Properties Team, to get expert advice.
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If you’re interested in making a sound financial decision (and also enjoying where you live), there are three critical factors to consider before making a condo purchase...
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Houston is 3rd US city with the most number of new constructions. Our city also now ranks 7th in Emporis’ list of “North American Cities With Most Numbers Of Highrise Developments”...
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Bayou City residents looking to buy a Houston condo along the METRORail have 21 options (plus a few honorable mentions)...
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Houston Condo HOA Fees & Amenities
If you’re considering buying a condo in Houston, make sure that you’re aware of the monthly HOA fees, their true costs, the benefits you get from being a resident...
Houston Lofts by Neighborhood
If you’d like to see any specific loft units or learn about residential buildings that are best for you, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Individual Agent with Keller Williams.
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Downtown Houston Condos and Lofts
Downtown Houston is home to some of the city's most iconic historic loft buildings. The district also features vibrant dining and entertainment, business centers, and sports venues.
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The Inner Loop is home to a host of luxury lofts - all within a few minutes of Houston's most exciting districts.
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Premier shopping centers, upscale boutiques, fine dining and vibrant nightlife options are all within minutes from lofts within the Galleria / Uptown area.
Downtown Houston Lofts
Want to buy the best Houston loft unit that fits your lifestyle? We're here to help! Contact us, the Houston Properties Team, to get expert advice.
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Located in the northern part of Downtown Houston’s Historic District, Bayou Lofts is a 9-story mid-rise building and was one of the area’s first loft conversion projects.
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Previously home to Byrd’s Department Store, the Joseph Finger-designed 4-story landmark was converted to house lofts in 2005.
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Converted in the late 1990s, Capitol Lofts is a 10-story residential high-rise originally built in 1908 as the M.E. Foster Building.
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One of Houston’s historic buildings, Franklin Lofts is an 8-story converted residential mid-rise. It now houses luxury lofts while keeping its neoclassical aesthetics.
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Built in 1917, Hermann Lofts is an 8-story converted loft building that features distinct yellow brick exteriors with a cast iron canopy adorning the sidewalk.
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Previously the old Herrin Moving and Storage Building, Herrin Lofts is now a 5-story residential mid-rise
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Keystone Lofts is a 10-story residential building located two blocks away from the METRORail. The Joseph Finger-designed converted mid-rise is prized for its spacious units and exciting downtown location.
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Kirby Lofts is an 11-story loft building within Houston’s vibrant downtown area. It is one of the area’s historic buildings, originally built in 1920.
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Located just outside downtown, Rise Lofts is a 15-story luxury residential high-rise. It is one of Midtown’s first high-rise developments and features studio, one- and two-bedroom lofts, and penthouse units.
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Nestled within downtown Houston’s hip warehouse district, San Jacinto Lofts is a converted 2-story building with unassuming brick exteriors.
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Located just north of EaDo’s BBVA Compass Stadium, Stanford Lofts is a 6-story residential mid-rise that's a short walk away from the METRORail and exciting new restaurants and bars.
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St. Germain Lofts is an 8-story luxury residential mid-rise within Houston’s bustling downtown area. A Randall Davis project, the building is popular for its central location and high accessibility.
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Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, The Beaconfield has continued to be a coveted address thanks to its great location and old world charm.
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The Edge is a 6-story residential condominium located just within Midtown, a stone’s throw away from downtown Houston.
Houston Galleria Lofts
If you’d like to see any specific loft units or learn about residential buildings that are best for you, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Individual Agent with Keller Williams.
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The Empire is a luxury 8-story mid-rise nestled within a gated enclave. The building features Classical New York architecture with intricate old world style iron work and detailing.
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One of the Galleria area’s premier loft developments, the Lofts on Post Oak offers full service amenities, 6 resort-style pools, a 20-seat theatre, an internet café, and other luxury features.
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The Manhattan Lofts is a 9-story residential condo development from Randall Davis. The complex is known for its unique French Beaux-Arts style architecture.
Houston Inner Loop Lofts
Want to buy the best Houston loft unit that fits your lifestyle? We're here to help! Contact us, the Houston Properties Team, to get expert advice.
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Located within River Oaks, Gotham Lofts is a residential midrise recognized by many as Houston's version of the elegant Credit Lyonnais building in Paris.
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Standing at 4 stories, The Metropolis Lofts is a 32-unit loft building steps away from the River Oaks Shopping Center.
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Located just outside downtown, Rise Lofts is a 15-story luxury residential high-rise. It is one of Midtown’s first high-rise developments and features studio, one- and two-bedroom lofts, and penthouse units.
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Renoir Lofts, a Randall Davis development, is a luxury mid-rise located blocks away from River Oaks Shopping Center. The upscale mid-rise showcases French-inspired architecture.
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Washington Lofts is a mid-rise loft complex made up of 12 lofts and 6 penthouses spread over three 5-story buildings. Six commercial spaces are also available at street level.
Houston Lofts by Type
“Paige and her team helped our family buy and sell five different homes. The HoustonProperties.com team are the best Realtors in Houston because they are extremely knowledgeable and very candid. For sellers, they also have the best marketing tools of anyone we’ve ever seen. Paige and her team also give honest advice and consistent feedback.”
There are two types of loft buildings in Houston: converted historic buildings and newer construction luxury loft buildings.
Converted Historic Loft Buildings
The Southern Pacific Railroad Building, M.E. Foster building, First National Bank, and Byrd's Department Store are just some of Houston's historic buildings that were converted into lofts. These buildings previously housed offices, retail spaces, and warehouses.
Built as far back as the early 1900s, converted buildings typically feature exposed brick walls and ductwork and preserved architecture (in exteriors and common areas).
Converted historic Houston lofts include:
New Construction Houston Loft Buildings
Newer construction loft buildings have also become popular over the past decade. These often feature "loft-style" units with soaring ceilings and open spaces. Modern features meet old styles in these luxury Houston lofts.
Insulated windows, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and exposed ductwork and brick are common features in these units.
Lease Only Buildings
Houston Lofts Overview
If you’d like to see any specific loft units or learn about residential buildings that are best for you, please contact Paige Martin at [email protected], ranked #1 Individual Agent with Keller Williams.
Lofts vs Townhomes or Single-Family Homes
The primary difference between lofts and single-family homes or townhomes is the asset that you're getting for your investment.
When you buy a single-family home or a townhome, you own the land (from the center of the earth to infinity above) plus the structure.
When you buy a loft, you get airspace and shared ownership of the building's common areas.
Condos and lofts are different entities, that's why the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) issues different contracts for them.
As such, it's imperative to use a mortgage broker and Realtor who is familiar with the loft transactions to help you navigate the different buildings, association rules, restrictions, and covenants, potential deferred maintenance issues, historical real estate trends, resale potential, financing requirements, and closing processes for lofts and condos.
Primary Benefits of Living in a Houston Loft
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Lock-and-leave lifestyle. The lock-and-leave lifestyle has become popular over the years, especially for people who don't want the extra yard work, roof repair, building or grounds maintenance.
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Easy accessibility. Loft buildings in Houston are commonly situated at the heart of the city's business and retail centers, like the Galleria and Downtown areas. Residents are usually minutes away from key business, retail, and entertainment centers, as well as plenty of dining options. Main roads and freeways are also typically nearby.
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Security. Many residential buildings offer 24-hour staff and security, controlled (some gated) entrances, secure parking, and security cameras.
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Building amenities. Newer loft buildings often offer a number of amenities, including tennis courts, swimming pools, saunas, theater rooms, fitness centers, rooftop decks, and more.
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Full-service amenities. Houston's most expensive condos and lofts can offer white-glove service: concierge, porter, and valet services; trash and dry cleaning pick-up, shuttle services, and others. Older loft buildings tend to offer fewer amenities than their luxury condo counterparts.
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Like-minded neighbors. Living in a Houston loft offers great opportunities to meet like-minded people. A number of loft buildings and luxury condos have resident committees and social groups that arrange events and gatherings.
Primary Drawbacks (compared to Houston Townhomes or Houston Single Family Homes)
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Monthly maintenance fees. The staff and amenities are great but come with a fee. Monthly maintenance fees pay for shared expenses like common area maintenance and such. Be sure to weigh costs versus the benefits before you buy a loft, and be wary of certain buildings that have large deferred maintenance issues.
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Neighbors. As you can't choose your neighbors, it's important to look for lofts in buildings with good soundproofing (and/or limited units per floor).
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Converted units. Be wary of buildings that were originally built as apartments as the quality of construction can be inferior. Older loft buildings can have their unique issues as well, including drafty windows.
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Associations. Residents elect a Board of Directors to manage the building's business and to establish and enforce building policies. Loft residents are part of a community, subject to community guidelines and restrictions. Knowing the guidelines before buying is imperative (especially if you have pets).
A great Houston Realtor can help guide you with reviewing maintenance fees and building policies.
The Best Houston Realtor to Sell Your Home
The Houston Properties Team has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member. Each member is a specialist in their role – which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.
Paige Martin, Broker Associate with Keller Williams Realty, and the Houston Properties Team are ranked among the top residential Realtors in the world.
They have been featured on TV and in dozens of publications including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, Reuters, Fox News in the Morning, Money Magazine, Houston Business Journal, Houstonia, and Houston Chronicle.
Paige Martin was just ranked as the #5 agent in the world with Keller Williams, completing over $1 Billion in Houston residential real estate sales.
Her recent awards include:
– 2021 Best Real Estate Teams in America, RealTrends.com
– 2021: Top 100 Women Leaders in Real Estate of 2021
– 2021: America’s Top 100 Real Estate Agents
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2021: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2021: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
– 2020: America’s Best Real Estate Teams, Best of America Trends
– 2020: Best Houston Real Estate Team, Best of Reader’s Choice
– 2020: Top Real Estate Team (Houston Properties Team), Houston Business Journal
– 2020: #6 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
– 2020: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas (Top Keller Williams Realtor)
– 2020: #1 Real Estate Team, Keller Williams Memorial
- 2019: Top Residential Realtors in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2019: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2019: #5 Individual Agent, KW Worldwide
- 2019: #1 Individual Agent, KW Texas
- 2018: #5 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2018: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2018: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2018: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2018: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2017: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2017: #10 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2017: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2017: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, Houston Business Journal
- 2017: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2016: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2016: #20 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Worldwide
- 2016: Texas’ Most Influential Realtors
- 2016: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, HBJ
- 2016: Five Star Realtor, Featured in Texas Monthly
- 2016: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: #9 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, United States
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Texas
- 2015: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams, Houston
- 2015: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2015: Top 25 Residential Realtor in Houston, HBJ
- 2015: Five Star Realtor, Texas Monthly Magazine
- 2014: America’s Best Real Estate Agents, RealTrends.com
- 2014: #1 Individual Agent, Keller Williams Memorial
...in addition to over 318 additional awards.
Paige also serves a variety of non-profits, and civic and community boards. She was appointed by the mayor of Houston to be on the downtown TIRZ board.
Benefits Of Working With The Houston Properties Team
Our team, composed of distinguished and competent Houston luxury realtors, has a well-defined structure based on the individual strengths of each member.
We find team approach as the most effective way to sell homes. We have dedicated people doing staging, marketing, social media, open houses, and showings. Each Houston Properties Team member is a specialist in their role—which is why our homes sell faster and for more money than average.
The benefits of working with a team include:
- the ability to be in two or three places at one time; a member can handle showings, while another answer calls
- collective time and experience of members
- targeted advice and marketing of agent expert in your area
- competitive advantage by simply having more resources, more ideas, and more perspectives
- a “checks and balances” system; selling and buying a home in Houston is an intensely complex process
- more people addressing field calls and questions from buyers and agents to facilitate a faster, successful sale
- efficient multi-tasking; one agent takes care of inspections and repair work, while another agent focuses on administrative details
- multiple marketing channels using members’ networks
- constant attention: guaranteed focus on your home and your transaction
- lower risk for mistakes. Multiple moving parts increase oversights. A team approach handles these “parts” separately
- flexibility in negotiation and marketing
- better management of document flow
- increased foot traffic through more timely and effective showing schedule coordination; and
- increased sphere of influence and exposure to more potential buyers.
To meet all the award-winning members of the Houston Properties Team, please go here.
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