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.
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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.
Inner Loop Houston Lofts
The Inner Loop is home to a host of luxury lofts – all within a few minutes of Houston’s most exciting districts.
Houston Galleria Lofts
Premier shopping centers, upscale boutiques, fine dining and vibrant nightlife options are all within minutes from lofts within the Galleria / Uptown area.
Bayou Lofts
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.
Byrd’s Lofts
Previously home to Byrd’s Department Store, the Joseph Finger-designed 4-story landmark was converted to house lofts in 2005.
Capitol Lofts
Converted in the late 1990s, Capitol Lofts is a 10-story residential high-rise originally built in 1908 as the M.E. Foster Building.
Franklin Lofts
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.
Hermann Lofts
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.
Herrin Lofts
Previously the old Herrin Moving and Storage Building, Herrin Lofts is now a 5-story residential mid-rise
Keystone Lofts
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.
Kirby Lofts
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.
Rise Lofts
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.
San Jacinto Lofts
Nestled within downtown Houston’s hip warehouse district, San Jacinto Lofts is a converted 2-story building with unassuming brick exteriors.
Stanford Lofts
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.
St. Germain Lofts
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.
The Beaconsfield
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.
The Edge
The Edge is a 6-story residential condominium located just within Midtown, a stone’s throw away from downtown Houston.
Empire Lofts and Flats
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.
Lofts On Post Oak
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.
Manhattan
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.
Gotham Lofts
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.
The Metropolis Lofts
Standing at 4 stories, The Metropolis Lofts is a 32-unit loft building steps away from the River Oaks Shopping Center.
Rise Lofts
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.
Renoir Lofts
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.
Washington Lofts
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.
There are two types of loft buildings in Houston: converted historic buildings and newer construction luxury 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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Security. Many residential buildings offer 24-hour staff and security, controlled (some gated) entrances, secure parking, and security cameras.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
