Old World Style, New World Luxury: Clockwise from top left: One-bedroom study units are spacious and modern; Portico at West 8 features a mix of Spanish, Mediterranean and Texan architecture; the new community room offers residents a place to lounge; a swimming pool is at the center of this enclosed courtyard with barrel tile roofs and stucco siding.
In Italy, the word “portico” simply means “porch” – but in Westchase District, the word is associated with luxury multifamily living. Since 2008, Portico at West 8, located at 3003 Seagler Road, has treated its residents to an eclectic mix of Spanish-Mediterranean-Texan architecture and Class A amenities. Recently the community more than doubled in size, adding 296 units to its existing 230. The expansion of the four-story, mid-rise community is the fruition of a master plan years in the making.
Extended drumroll
The community’s owner, Richfield Real Estate Corporation, always intended for there to be two phases to the project, even building a shared parking lot with 2,300 spaces. Following the financial crisis of 2009, the second phase of Portico temporarily was put on hold. “For a while, we had what was arguably the most spacious parking garage in Houston,” said Daniel Calderon, community manager.
In 2013, Richfield broke ground on Portico’s second phase, adding an additional 296 units to its existing 230 at an unhurried pace. “For the staff, it felt like an extended drumroll as we anticipated the Phase 2 opening,” Calderon said. “Now that we’re finally here, we’re excited to fill up the new units.”
A twist of the old and new
Portico at West 8 features such architectural elements as articulated roof lines, wrought iron railings and arched entryways. “Each building is constructed in curved street patterns to reinforce a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere,” said Calderon. “It’s all meant to feel more like an old world neighborhood.”
That old-world charm is balanced by modern touches in Phase 2’s design. “There’s LED lighting, granite countertops, wood flooring, two-tone paint schemes and ceramic tile backsplashes,” Calderon said. “The two-bedroom units now have garden tubs in both bathrooms, the one-bedroom studies are more spacious and we’ve redesigned the washers and dryers to be in the bathrooms rather than in the hallways.”
Amenities for residents and guests
A new community room – available for parties and meetings – complements the leasing office lounge, where the staff hosts monthly brunches, movie nights, and arts and crafts sessions. Residents also have access to Starbucks coffee and a juice bar all day long. “Also, we offer a limited number of guest suites for short-term stays,” Calderon said. “We manage it like a hotel. It’s a great amenity for residents’ relatives and friends who are in town for holidays or a brief visit.”
Calderon and his staff are currently leasing one- and two-bedroom floor plans between 870 to 1,300 square feet. For more information, call 713-781-9628 or visit porticoatwest8.com.
