# New vs. Renovated Historic High Rises in Houston > The Star (1915), The Rice (1913/2015) and One Park Place (2009/2023) vs. 2025 towers: rent, layouts, character and systems. URL: https://houstonhighriseapartments.com/guide/new-vs-renovated-high-rises-houston/ Last-Modified: 2026-10-19 Tags: new construction vs older apartments, historic apartments downtown houston, renovated high rise houston Decision guide # New Construction vs. Renovated Historic High Rises in Houston The Star (1915), The Rice (1913/2015) and One Park Place (2009/2023) vs. 2025 towers: rent, layouts, character and systems. By Houston High Rise Apartment Team · Updated October 19, 2026 ·3 min read ![Historic Downtown Houston building facade beside a modern glass tower, golden hour](/images/featured/historic-downtown-houston-building-facade-beside-a.webp) ## Character or Brand-New? Houston’s high rise market offers two very different products. Renovated historic buildings in Downtown give you high ceilings, original details and lower rents. New towers delivered in 2024–2026 give you modern systems, smart home packages and lease-up specials. This guide compares them with real buildings from our October 2026 inventory. It is part of our new construction high rise search [/new-construction-high-rise-apartments/ →](/new-construction-high-rise-apartments/) . ![Renovated historic apartment with tall windows and exposed details, warm light](/images/content/renovated-historic-apartment-with-tall-windows-and.webp) ## The Buildings ### Historic and renovated - **The Star** (1111 Rusk St, built 1915, renovated): from $1,714, 1–2 months free, 4.4★, Class A+ - **The Rice** (909 Texas Ave, built 1913, renovated 2015): from $1,053, 1.5 months free, 4.5★, Class C - **One Park Place** (1400 McKinney, built 2009, renovated 2023): from $2,443, 1 month free on 2BR, 4.6★ ### New construction (2024–2026) - **Rone Residences** (2025): from $3,528, 2 months free plus $2K - **1010 Waugh** (2025): from $1,698, 2.5 months free plus $1K - **The Heron Museum District** (2025): from $1,686, $1,500 look-and-lease, 4.6★ - **Hanover Buffalo Bayou** (2025): from $2,015 - **Forme Houston** (2026): from $1,798, 2 months free, 5.0★ ## Side-by-Side | Factor | Renovated historic | New construction | | --- | --- | --- | | Starting rents | Often lower (from $1,053) | Mid to high (from $1,686) | | Specials | Sometimes | Usually deep during lease-up | | Ceilings and character | High ceilings, original details | Clean, modern, uniform | | Layouts | Irregular, sometimes larger | Efficient, standardized | | Building systems | Depends on renovation scope | New HVAC, elevators, windows | | Amenities | Often fewer | Full packages, sky lounges, pools | | Renewal risk | Moderate | Higher after lease-up specials | ![Historic Downtown Houston building facade at dusk with warm window lights](/images/content/historic-early-twentieth-century-downtown-houston-.webp) ## Rent and Value Historic conversions often win on price. The Rice’s $1,053 starting rent is among the lowest in our data, and it carries a 4.5-star resident rating despite its Class C label. New towers cost more but often offset part of that with lease-up concessions. Compare on net effective rent, then factor in renewal risk. ## Layouts and Character Old buildings were not designed as apartments, so floor plans vary. You may find tall windows, exposed brick, wide hallways or unusual shapes. New towers use efficient, repeatable layouts with more closet engineering and in-unit laundry as standard. ## Building Systems: The Questions to Ask In a renovated building, ask what the renovation replaced: - **HVAC:** age and type; ask about summer performance. - **Windows:** replaced or original? Single or double pane? - **Elevators:** modernized? How many cars per resident? - **Plumbing and water pressure** on upper floors. New towers have new systems but may still have punch-list items. Read moving into a lease-up tower [/guide/moving-into-lease-up-building/ →](/guide/moving-into-lease-up-building/) . > **Do not judge by class alone** > > Class C does not mean poorly run. The Rice and Houston House are both Class C, but rate 4.5 and 2.7 stars. Our > > older vs. newer high rises guide > > [/guide/older-vs-newer-high-rises/ →](/guide/older-vs-newer-high-rises/) > > explains the difference. ## Who Each Fits **Renovated historic** fits renters who value character, high ceilings and lower rent, and who live Downtown near the tunnel system and Red Line. **New construction** fits renters who want modern systems, full amenities and lease-up savings, and who plan for year-two renewal pricing. ## Tour Tips for Each Type **Renovated historic buildings:** - Visit in the afternoon to feel how the HVAC handles heat. - Check window seals and street noise with windows closed. - Ride the elevator at a busy hour. - Ask what the renovation replaced and when. **New construction:** - Ask which amenities are open and when the rest open. - Look for active construction near your stack. - Check the special’s terms and the likely renewal. - Inspect closely for punch-list items. ## Cost Over Two Years A new tower with a big special can be cheaper in year one but more expensive in year two, when renewal starts from gross rent. A renovated historic building with a smaller special may cost more in year one and less in year two. Compare both years before deciding, especially if you plan to stay. ## Compare Both on Your Shortlist We send historic and new towers side by side with net effective rent, resident ratings and what each renovation covered. Start your search [/contact/#questionnaire →](/contact/#questionnaire) . FAQ ## Quick Answers ### Are historic Downtown apartments cheaper? Often. The Rice (built 1913, renovated 2015) starts at $1,053 and The Star (1915) at $1,714, below most new towers. ### Do renovated buildings have modern systems? It varies. Ask about the age of HVAC, windows, elevators and plumbing, and what the renovation replaced. ### Which new towers opened in 2025? In our inventory: Rone Residences, 1010 Waugh, The Heron Museum District, Hanover Buffalo Bayou, The Watt and 1 Riva Row. ### Do older buildings have specials too? Some do. The Rice offered 1.5 months free and The Star 1–2 months free in October 2026. Next step ## Learn more about New Construction High Rise Apartments Towers delivered 2024–2026, with lease-up specials that usually beat stabilized buildings. Explore New Construction [/new-construction-high-rise-apartments/ →](/new-construction-high-rise-apartments/) Start Your Search [/contact/#questionnaire →](/contact/#questionnaire) Keep reading ## More New Construction Guides ![Newly completed Houston residential tower at golden hour with fresh landscaping](/images/featured/newly-completed-houston-residential-tower-at-golde.webp) ### Moving into a Lease-Up Tower: Pros, Cons and What to Watch For [Moving into a Lease-Up Tower: Pros, Cons and What to Watch For →](/guide/moving-into-lease-up-building/)