A new seven-story senior living facility will go up at 1245 W. 18th Street in the Heights—between TC Jester Boulevard and Durham Drive—as a joint project between Watermark Retirement Communities and Hines, the Houston-based real estate management company.

Once completed, The Watermark at Houston Heights will provide an unobstructed view of the downtown Houston skyline, according to a May 26 news release.

The 169,000-square-foot facility will be composed of 222 residences, including 201 independent or assisted living residences and 21 memory care units. Independent and assisted living units will range from 380-1,492 square feet and include one-bedroom and two-bedroom options.

Memory care offerings will range from 204-437 square feet with shared suites and private studio options. Programming for memory care residents will be designed to encourage spending most of the day outside of their apartments, according to Watermark information.

The new project is part of Watermark's Élan Collection, a brand the company created with a focus on providing a "luxury, resort lifestyle," including through its amenities and activities. It will be the first Élan Collection property in Texas, while others can be found in Los Angeles, Brooklyn and Tucson.


“Our goal is to provide seniors a smooth transition from living at home to living in a service- and amenity-rich community, where members can enjoy a vibrant lifestyle with ready access to various levels of care,” said David Freshwater, chairman of Watermark Retirement Communities, in a statement.

Two floors of the complex will be fully dedicated to amenities, which will include a sixth-floor terrace and lounge, fitness center, art gallery, movie theater, library, heated outdoor swimming pool, salon and spa, and a virtual reality lounge. The project will also feature multiple restaurants ranging from formal to casual.

Services will include trained associates available 24 hours a day, preventative health screenings, education programs, housekeeping and laundry services. A Watermark University program offers residents classes and live lectures on subjects such as conversational Spanish and wine pairing.


A price range for units was not provided, but a Watermark official said a sales center is slated to open June 7. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 281-817-0097.


The facility is slated to be complete by next January and will be open to individuals ages 55 and older.