The Epic Transformation Of 1010 Waugh Drive: From Historic Shelter To Houston's Newest Luxury High-Rise
The address 1010 Waugh Drive in Houston, Texas, represents one of the most significant and dramatic real estate transformations in the city's vibrant Montrose neighborhood in recent memory. As of late 2025, this prime piece of real estate, once a quiet, single-tenancy office building with a profound social mission, has been completely reimagined and redeveloped into a premier, luxury high-rise apartment community, forever changing its footprint on the Houston skyline and the local community.
This article dives deep into the site's compelling history, the influential organizations and developers involved, and the stunning features of the new residential tower that now stands at this coveted intersection. The narrative of 1010 Waugh Drive is a perfect illustration of Houston's relentless growth and the evolving landscape of its most sought-after urban cores.
The Complete Profile of the 1010 Waugh Drive Development Site
The story of 1010 Waugh Drive is a tale of two eras: a decades-long history of critical social service and a modern chapter of luxury urban development. Understanding the full profile of the site requires acknowledging both its past and its present.
- Current Property Name: 1010 Waugh Apartments (also referred to as Fairfield Waugh).
- Location: 1010 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX 77019, situated in the trendy and centrally-located Montrose neighborhood.
- Former Occupant: The Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC).
- Former Building Profile: A single-tenancy office property, Class C, built in 1968 and renovated in 2008.
- Developer/Owner: Fairfield Residential, a subsidiary of the San Diego-based multifamily development company.
- Architectural Firm: KTGY Architecture + Planning.
- Project Type: Luxury Multifamily Midrise/High-Rise.
- Building Height: 14 stories.
- Unit Count: Approximately 223 to 340 luxury rental units (figures vary slightly based on initial filings vs. final design).
- Property Size: Located on a 1.45-acre lot.
- Year Redeveloped: Purchased in late 2022 (implied by sale date) with construction completed and leasing beginning in 2024/2025.
The Legacy of the Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC)
For decades, 1010 Waugh Drive was synonymous with the Houston Area Women's Center (HAWC). HAWC is a vital non-profit organization dedicated to helping survivors of domestic and sexual violence. The building served as its headquarters and a critical hub for its operations for many years. The sale of the property was a major event in the Houston philanthropic and real estate communities.
In a strategic move, HAWC sold the property to Fairfield Residential in late 2022, a transaction valued at approximately $12 million. This sale was not an end but a significant new beginning for the organization. The substantial proceeds were earmarked for the construction of a new, expanded shelter and campus, allowing HAWC to meet the increasing demand for its services and provide even more comprehensive support to the community.
The old structure, a single-story or low-rise building, was demolished to make way for the new development, marking the physical end of one era and the start of another. This transition highlights how urban development can sometimes fuel growth in the non-profit sector, leading to expanded capabilities for social good.
5 Defining Features of the New 1010 Waugh Apartments
The new 1010 Waugh Apartments, designed by KTGY and developed by Fairfield Residential, is a 14-story luxury midrise that has become a prominent feature in the Montrose skyline. The design is described as a transitional style, blending modern luxury with the eclectic and historic feel of its surroundings. The building is explicitly designed to offer residents an unparalleled high-rise living experience in the heart of Houston.
1. Unimpeded Downtown Skyline Views
One of the most significant selling points of the 1010 Waugh location is its positioning, which offers unimpeded views of the downtown Houston skyline. The height of the 14-story structure ensures that many of the luxury rental units, which range from studio to two-bedroom floor plans, have spectacular, panoramic city vistas. This visual connection to the urban core is a major draw for professionals and residents seeking a dynamic city lifestyle.
2. Prime Montrose Neighborhood Access
The apartment community is situated in the Montrose submarket, known for its vibrant culture, eclectic dining, art galleries, and historic charm. Living at 1010 Waugh Drive places residents within walking distance of some of Houston's best restaurants, coffee shops, and entertainment venues. The location is strategically positioned for easy access to major employment centers like Downtown, Midtown, and the Texas Medical Center, making it a highly desirable residential address.
3. Elevated Luxury Amenities and Design
The development was conceived as a premium luxury community, offering a comprehensive suite of high-end amenities. While specific features can be extensive, typical luxury high-rise offerings at properties like 1010 Waugh include:
- A resort-style pool deck and lounge area.
- A state-of-the-art fitness center and dedicated yoga/spin studio.
- A resident lounge, co-working spaces, and business center.
- Pet-friendly facilities, such as a dedicated pet spa or dog park.
- Controlled access and concierge services, ensuring a secure and convenient high-rise experience.
4. Diverse and Spacious Floor Plans
The 1010 Waugh Apartments offer a variety of living spaces to suit different needs, with units ranging from compact studios to expansive two-bedroom layouts. The square footage of the units is generous for the market, spanning from approximately 539 to 1,612 square feet. The interior finishes typically feature modern, high-end materials, gourmet kitchens, and smart home technology, catering to the expectations of the Montrose luxury renter.
5. Activation of the Streetscape
The architectural design by KTGY was intended to activate the streetscape on a stretch of Waugh Drive that was previously less dynamic. The ground-floor design, including the lobby and entrances, contributes to a more pedestrian-friendly and engaging urban environment, aligning with the dense, walkable nature of the surrounding Montrose neighborhood. This is a key element of modern urban planning, turning a single-purpose site into a multi-faceted community hub.
The Impact of Redevelopment on the Montrose Real Estate Market
The redevelopment of 1010 Waugh Drive is a microcosm of the broader trends sweeping through the Houston real estate market, particularly in established inner-loop neighborhoods like Montrose. The transaction and subsequent construction underscore the intense demand for high-density, luxury rental housing in locations with high walkability and proximity to employment and entertainment.
The decision by Fairfield Residential to invest in this area, alongside other major projects they have in the Houston market, signals confidence in the long-term growth of the city’s urban core. This project, along with others nearby, is driving up the topical authority of Montrose as a premier destination for high-rise living, competing with areas like Downtown and the Galleria.
For the Houston Area Women's Center, the sale was a financially prudent move that enabled a massive upgrade to their operational capacity, demonstrating a successful and responsible use of a high-value asset to further a non-profit mission. This outcome is often lauded as a win-win, allowing for both necessary urban density and expanded social services.
Ultimately, 1010 Waugh Drive has transitioned from a quiet, utilitarian building to a vibrant, vertical neighborhood. It stands as a testament to Houston's continuous evolution, where history is respected and new, luxurious living opportunities are constantly being created to meet the demands of a growing, modern metropolis.
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