Luxury apartment complex opens off Hwy. 249

The development of luxury apartment units in the Cy-Fair area is continuing with the opening of the Highpoint at Cypresswood in July. The complex, located at 13920 Mandolin Drive, is leasing units for occupancy with the expectation that people will be able to move in starting Aug. 15.

The project was developed by Embrey Partners and Stonelake Capital partners and features two four-story buildings with 336 units on 15 acres of land. Floor plans are offered for one- and two-bedroom arrangements with sizes ranging from 574–1,188 square feet. Rents start at $900 per month.

John Kirk, executive vice president of development with Embrey, said the project was intended to meet a particular demand for upscale apartments that has gone overlooked in the northern suburbs outside of Houston.

"Our goal is to provide a community that you would typically find inside the Loop, minus the parking garage," he said.

Amenities include a 6,500-square-foot clubhouse, a pool surrounded by cabanas and grills, a dog park, bike station, fitness room and wildflower garden. The clubhouse features an event space with televisions, tables, couches and a gaming area, including an outdoor pool table on a covered patio.

The project comes on the market at a time when apartment vacancy rates in the Cy-Fair area have been historically low, generally hovering around 3–5 percent, according to data from Reis Reports. The nearby Retreat at Vintage Park also capitalized on the high demand by opening 323 luxury units in October 2013. Several projects were completed earlier this year in western Cy-Fair near Fairfield, with the 394-unit Fairfield Ranch Apartments on line as of June 26, and residents expected to start moving in July 24.