Bored with doing the same \"Turn-of-the-Century\" restoration projects for the previous five years, in 2002 I decided to mix things up bit with a little Mid-Century Modern.

This classic 1950s 8-plex is one of only a few original, small complexes built in Afton Oaks that are still standing. (http://www.aftonoaks.org/)

Because of its excellent in-town location, unusually large lots, and strictly enforced deed restrictions, the prevailing model in Afton Oaks is to tear down the existing 1950s \"ranch-style\" houses (@ $500K a pop) and replace them with faux French McMansions (@ $2 million a pop). Most of the original, smaller, vintage apartment buildings like this one have been laid low by that same paradigm.

As tempting as that might be to me financially, I kinda liked Afton Oaks the way it was--quaint and unpretentious--so I decided to recycle this classic building instead of sacrificing it to the gods of consumption.

This project was fun mainly because we got to work and re-work the same basic floor-plan--eight times. This allowed me to tweak the scope & look a bit after each unit to keep improving the functionality and aesthetics of each unit from first to last. (My own mini Case Study project.) My goal was to end up with eight unique units--and I think achieved that goal. No two units in the building are alike.

Aside from the common floor plan of two bedrooms and one bath--and some shared color schemes--every unit has its own personality. Sometimes the differences are subtle. Sometimes they are drastic. But each has its own individual character.

The tenants are generally an eclectic mix of young professionals (25-45) + two dogs & three cats. This property has more of a community feel to it than any other property that I have owned--which I like.

If you work or play inside the loop, this location is hard to beat. \"Galleria\" is an oft abused reference point in Houston real estate--especially in apartment listings. This property is literally three blocks due east of the Galleria shopping centers--tucked right inside Loop 610. You could walk out your front door & be trying on shoes at Neimans in about five minutes. There is also a 24 Hr Fitness, a Kinkos/FedEx, and three Starbucks within easy walking distance. (damn those $5 iced chai lattes w/double shots of espresso!)

There is also great freeway access to 59, 610, and I-10. And the shopping is the best in the state; (where else in Houston can you live close enough to walk to Crate & Barrel, Central Market, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Nordstrom, and Anthropologie?) http://www.shophighlandvillage.com/center.html

For what they are--750-800 s.f., Mid-Century, two bed / one bath flats--these are about the nicest units in this price range that you are going to find anywhere near this location--possibly anywhere inside the loop.

See unit details below for pics & info on each individual unit. Click any thumbnail to enlarge.

(Project Resources) Thorntree (quartz & slate), DalTile, ICI Paints, K&N Appliance, the Detering Company (trim & moulding), Custom Precision Stainless (custom kitchen sinks & other stainless details), Ferguson (misc. plumbing fixtures & door hardware), Trinity Hardwoods, Klassic Hardwoods (recycled flooring), CheMa Carpentry (cabinets & trim), M&M Lighting, Bobbitt Glass, Emmanuel del Angel (project manager and overall badass).

For more info about renting one of these units (policies, procedures, showing dates & times, etc.) see email at the end of each unit description below.

4719 Oakshire Drive
HOUSTON, TX 77027
(map)