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View from The RO’s retail village looking towards The Birdsall; Rendering courtesy of The Boundary
Transwestern has begun construction on the next phase of The RO, a mixed-use development situated at the intersection of West Alabama and Buffalo Speedway in Houston. This phase includes The Birdsall, a hotel and residential tower, a retail village, and The Clayton, a multifamily residential building. The development spans 17 acres and is part of an ongoing project in the River Oaks neighborhood.
The Birdsall will feature 44 private residences above a 105-room hotel. The 34-story tower is designed by Kohn Pederson Fox and includes materials that reference the architectural style of River Oaks. The hotel and residences are set for completion in late 2027. The project also involves collaboration with Auberge Collection, which will manage the hotel and residences.
The retail village, designed by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, will offer 80,000 square feet of space for restaurants and boutiques. It will incorporate existing heritage oak trees and feature brick facades and pavers. The village is expected to enhance the aesthetic of the River Oaks area.
The Clayton, a 317-unit residential tower, is another key component of this phase. Designed by Pickard Chilton, the building will integrate with The RO’s overall design through its masonry facades and window lines.
The initial phase of The RO includes a 145,000-square-foot Class AA office building, which is nearing completion and is scheduled for tenant occupancy in June 2026. The office space is fully leased.
The Birdsall, Retail Village, and The Clayton have been financed through a combination of private investment and construction loans from financial institutions, including Madison Realty Capital, Citizens, Amegy Bank, and Texas Capital.
