In the late 1990s, Page was tapped to repurpose the historic but long vacant 1913 landmark Rice Hotel into residential lofts. This award-winning effort was broadly acknowledged as the project that sparked the revitalization of Houston’s downtown urban core and introduced new residential units into downtown Houston for the first time in over forty years.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Rice building, originally a 1,000-room hotel, was constructed on the site of the former Texas State Capitol before the Legislature moved to Austin. Extensive research into the building history enabled the developers, architects and designers to restore much of the hotel's original character, which afforded the property a $4.5 million federal historic tax credit.
The 7,000-square-foot Crystal Ballroom was completely restored at that time, including detailed woodwork, cast plaster ornamentation and the hotel's original oil murals. The restoration of the ballroom and parlor, at one time the heart of the Rice Hotel, once again brought people into the building’s first and second floors. These gathering spaces, along with the retail areas on the lower level, were critical public components that had as great an impact as the residential units on the revitalization of downtown Houston.
In 2014, this iconic building came under new ownership and the Page design team was again commissioned to update the interiors of the building. The lobby, common areas and all 308 apartment units in the 18-story building, now known as “The Rice,” are re-imagined with sleek and contemporary fixtures complemented by warm and luxurious finishes. The goal of the project was to make the space feel more modern and bright while respecting the building's historic character.
In addition to updating the residential units, the renovation included enhancements to its amenity spaces, including the entrance and lobby, as well as a new club, fitness facility, outdoor terrace and pool area.
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