Two skyline-defining towers rise near River Oaks

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A rendering of the "retail village" planned in the RO, Transwestern's new 17-acre mixed-use project rising on a former Exxon site along Buffalo Speedway in Houston. The Clayton, a future 28-story apartment tower, is shown in the background.

Big changes brewing for River Oaks, Upper Kirby area

A key link between River Oaks and Upper Kirby is about to transform as Transwestern breaks ground on the next phase of a new 17-acre mixed-use development that could cost more than $400 million to build.

Rising on a former Exxon research facility site, the RO will bring fresh retail, office and two high-rises to Buffalo Speedway. Construction recently started on a 28-story apartment tower in the development, in addition to a 34-story condo-hotel tower, The Birdsall, Auberge Collection, to be operated by billionaire Dan Friedkin’s hospitality firm.

If completed as planned, the RO could act as a new gateway into River Oaks. See new project updates and renderings here.

Quick Note: We’re trying something new this week: a new Prime Property feature called “Prime Transactions” that will highlight a few key real estate transactions at the bottom of each weekly newsletter. Think of this as a mini deal sheet to catch up on the major news of who is buying, selling and building around the Houston metro.

Marissa Luck, Senior reporter, Real estate

Marissa.Luck@houstonchronicle.com

Residential

Voters wait in line outside the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center to cast their ballots in Houston, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Texas voters approve property tax relief

Texas voters approved several state constitutional amendments this week, including one that would expand homestead exemptions and save businesses on personal property taxes.

Construction continues at Woodmill Creek, a community of 189 build-to-rent, multifamily homes, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in The Woodlands.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

How a growing form of 'invisible government' is driving up Texans’ tax bills

Special purpose taxing districts are booming in Texas, accounting for more and more of many homeowners' property tax bills. Here's how those districts work, and why some politicians are raising alarms.

City Council Member Letitia Plummer, At-Large Position 4, goes over her remarks before a news conference discussing bayou safety in light of the recent discoveries of numerous human bodies being recovered in Buffalo Bayou in Houston, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

Houston's most dangerous apartments could be listed under city rule change

A handful of Houston’s most dangerous apartments could be publicly listed in an effort to protect renters. The proposed program, pitched by Council Member Letitia Plummer, would subject owners of dangerous apartment buildings to fines of $200 to $2,500.

The Woodlands Towers at The Waterway are seen near The Woodlands Mall, Thursday, Sept. 15, 2022.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman, Staff Photographer

These two Houston suburbs just ranked among America’s best for retirees

The Woodlands and Spring, both north of Houston, are among the top U.S. places to retire, according to a new ranking from U.S. News & World Report.

Houston ranked fifth as the best market to watch for real estate investors in 2026, and the third best for homebuilding prospects in a closely watched survey by Urban Land Institute and PwC.

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Renderings show an aerial view of a renovated Rice Stadium, facing west toward Rice Village.

Photo by: Courtesy Populous

Rice unveils $120M stadium overhaul, new pedestrian walkway to Rice Village

Rice University is launching a massive $120 million renovation of its historic Rice Stadium and to connect the west side of campus to Rice Village with a new pedestrian walkway. The so-called "Gateway Project" is expected to transform property already owned by Rice, creating a park-like space for fans at the stadium plus easier access between the oak-lined campus and the Rice-owned shopping area.

The exterior of Doc's Houston jazz supper club on Westheimer in Montrose

Photo by: Matthew Casby

Doc's Houston, the jazz club taking over the Tower Theatre, sets opening date

The former Tower Theatre building in Montrose is getting a new life soon. A trendy new music venue and restaurant is set to open next week in the renovated 1930s-era theater building on Westheimer. Doc Watkins, the purveyor of a popular San Antonio jazz club is behind the new venue, and says the Houston club will feature much more than just jazz.

Bluefin sashimi is seen at Oru Japanese sushi restaurant in Houston, Monday, Nov., 3, 2025.

Photo by: Kirk Sides, Houston Chronicle

Team behind acclaimed Japanese restaurants Neo, Kira to open new sushi counter

A new intimate sushi restaurant is opening in the Heights by the same the team behind acclaimed Houston Japanese restaurants Kira and Neo. The new spot, called Oru, will serve omakase and dishes like barbecue-spiced trout, hay-smoked amberjack nigiri and a Japanese omelette made with salmon roe.

On Friday, VGXI hosted a grand opening for its new Conroe manufacturing plant at Deison Technology Park.

Photo by: Photo Courtesy VGXI

Conroe biotech company to repay over $248K from property tax abatement

Conroe-based bio-tech company VGXI Inc. has defaulted on its tax abatement agreement with Montgomery County by failing to employ enough people. The company must now pay more than $248,000 in property taxes dating back to 2021.