Gables River Oaks

Chris McBride — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 22:00:00 GMT

Knudson & Associates LP assisted in the planning to obtain a variance from the Houston Planning Commission on behalf of the Gables Residential for an exciting new mixed use development, Gables River Oaks, located on the prestigious intersection of Kirby and Westheimer within the Upper Kirby Management District and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. The variance, providing for a five foot setback along Kirby, Westheimer and Kipling would allow Gables Residential to incorporate the best practices of new urbanist design; including wide pedestrian tree lined sidewalks, 2 stories of retail and 5 stories of residential high end rental lofts. The proposed 175,000 square feet of retail is designed providing for access to Kirby, as well as to the interior motor court designed for sidewalk cafes, galleries, high end retail and elegant dining. The parking garage is hidden from view of the public streets laminated by the retail and residential facades. Just under 2 acres of plaza's, motor courts, pedestrian friendly urban open space will be home to festivals, art shows and urban gathering spaces. The Gables also agreed as a condition of the variance to bury the overhead power lines along Kirby. All of which have been a goal of the Scenic Houston and the Upper Kirby District for over 10 years.

Great care was taken to meet with area home owners associations and business to gain input and educate them on the existing proposed development. The Gables River Oaks also volunteered to conduct the City's first Traffic Impact Study to identify traffic improvements to mitigate impacts to local streets and improve traffic flow on Kirby and Westheimer. The Gables will continue to work with area residents during construction of the proposed development which is set to open in the first quarter of 2008.

The Knudson & Associates LP was proud to work with the developer Ben Pisklak and the Gables team on this exciting new development. If you need assistance in planning, designing or financing your development dreams, please contact Patricia Knudson Joiner or any of the Knudson & Associates LP highly qualified team members.

1-Mar-07 4:00 PM

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Gables River Oaks