Clearwater at The Heights
During his time with Looney & Associates, John Nelson developed a longstanding hospitality relationship with Hines: Global Real Estate Investors. This relationship led to an opportunity to design Clearwater at The Heights, which is a 350,000 SF luxury senior living community located in a residential neighborhood. With a concept to offer a resort-style hospitality experience within the heart of an affluent Houston neighborhood, the property appealed to the local residents by encouraging transition to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) that felt more like a hotel rather than a retirement home – redefining aging in place with a focus on comfort, style, and hospitality.
Set on a suburban treed lot, Clearwater at The Heights is a destination that resonates with local seniors looking to retire without leaving their own local neighborhood. The community blends high-end design with an approachable scale, offering amenities and finishes that elevate the expectations of senior living in Houston.
The project was designed and constructed during the COVID-19 pandemic and faced significant budget and logistical challenges. Budget challenges were numerous as the project required numerous modifications to maintain the budget as material costs escalated. Extensive material studies helped the team identify high-impact, cost-effective design elements that could be strategically placed to preserve the project’s upscale look and feel. Notably, many adjustments focused on the exterior of the 7-floor building’s upper façade—minimizing any impact to residents’ experience.
The complex nature of the building and numerous consultants involved were further complicated by extensive remote meetings throughout the pandemic. Still, the team remained agile and collaborative to deliver a project that sets the bar for senior living facilities in Houston and beyond. The project was awarded the Hospitality Design Gold Key Award for Senior Living Best of Year Award in 2022.
While a change of operators took place within 12 months of opening, transitioning from Watermark to Clearwater, the project has continued to evolve and thrive, firmly establishing itself as a premier senior living destination in Houston.
*Project completed by John Nelson while he was employed at Looney & Associates.
- 350,000 sf
- 7 Floors
- Interiors
- Hospitality Design
- Interiors
- Lobby
- Residences (Independent / Assisted Living / Skilled Nursing / Memory Care)
- (3) Restaurants + Coffee Café
- Spa / Fitness / Wellness / Salon
- Rooftop Club
- Golf Simulator
- Pool & Activity Club
- 2022 Hospitality Design Gold Key Award for Senior Living Best of Year Award
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