Looking for an apartment near United Airlines‘ headquarters in Downtown Houston? Here are six top options, each offering unique features and amenities to fit your lifestyle:
- Market Square Tower: Famous for its 40th-floor glass-bottom sky pool, luxury finishes, and proximity (5-minute walk) to United Airlines HQ.
- Sabine Street Lofts: Industrial-style lofts near Buffalo Bayou trails with a 10-minute commute.
- Brava: Downtown’s tallest residential high-rise, featuring a 47th-floor sky lounge and modern finishes, just 8 minutes from the office.
- Aris Market Square: A 5-minute walk from HQ with a chef hall, skyline-view pool, and historic district charm.
- The Rice: A historic landmark blending original architecture with modern updates, located 10 minutes away.
- The Star: A restored 1915 building with smart home tech, an indoor dog park, and a 7-minute walk to HQ.
Quick Comparison
| Property | Distance to HQ | Starting Rent (1BR) | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Square Tower | 5 min (0.3 mi) | $2,100+ | Glass-bottom sky pool |
| Sabine Street Lofts | 10 min (0.8 mi) | $1,514+ | Industrial loft design |
| Brava | 8 min (0.7 mi) | $2,300+ | 47th-floor sky lounge |
| Aris Market Square | 5 min (0.3 mi) | $1,645+ | Chef hall + vinyl lounge |
| The Rice | 10 min (0.7 mi) | $2,380+ | Historic charm + updates |
| The Star | 7 min (0.5 mi) | $2,200+ | Indoor dog park |
Choose based on your priorities – short commute, budget, luxury amenities, or historic charm. Each property ensures convenience and access to downtown living.
1. Market Square Tower
Market Square Tower is a 40-story luxury residence located just 0.3 miles from United Airlines’ headquarters at 777 Preston St. With a commute of only five minutes to the office, it’s a convenient choice for professionals.
The building is famous for its stunning glass-bottom Sky Pool on the 40th floor and a second-level pool overlooking Market Square Park. These features are part of the 46,000 square feet of amenities that helped the property win the Golden Trowel Houston and Texas Awards[5][6]. Whether you’re into fitness or just looking for a way to unwind after work, this property has plenty to offer.
Fitness facilities include a sky gym with virtual classes, an indoor basketball court, and a virtual golf simulator[3][4][5][7]. For entertainment, residents can enjoy a movie theater, a grand ballroom, and a poker suite complete with billiards[3][7].
For those who work from home or host business meetings, the property includes:
- Executive conference room
- Tech lounge
- Private dining room for client meetings
- Community-wide WiFi access[3]
The apartments themselves are designed with luxury in mind, featuring oak hardwood herringbone floors, Wolf E-Series appliances, and spa-inspired bathrooms[3]. Here’s a quick look at the available units and pricing:
| Unit Type | Square Footage | Monthly Rent | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 Bed | 814 – 1,058 | $2,400 – $3,000 | Custom closets, panoramic views |
| 2 Bed | 1,031 – 1,136 | $2,850 – $3,400 | Multiple balconies available |
| 3 Bed | 1,406 | $3,750 – $3,875 | Coffered ceilings, dual-sink bathrooms |
Additional conveniences include pet walking and grooming services, EV charging stations, valet parking, and a car wash area[3]. The building also offers 24/7 security with key fob access, perfect for frequent travelers[3]. Situated downtown, residents are steps away from dining and entertainment options, making it easy to enjoy the city after work.
2. Sabine Street Lofts
Sabine Street Lofts stands out with its industrial-chic vibe, offering a great option for United Airlines employees looking for a short commute and a balanced lifestyle. Located at 150 Sabine Street in Houston’s Sawyer Yards district, it’s just 0.8 miles (about a 10-minute commute) from United Airlines’ headquarters. This 198-unit community, built in 2001, combines urban living with the peaceful surroundings of the Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail. The design blends industrial touches like exposed ductwork with modern features, including 10-foot ceilings[8][9].
The lofts come with:
- Wood plank or stained concrete floors
- Granite countertops paired with custom cabinetry
- Built-in wine racks
- Stainless steel appliances
- Full-size washer and dryer[8][9]
| Unit Type | Square Footage | Monthly Rent | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | 740 – 1,075 | $1,514 – $2,518 | Includes home office space |
| 2 Bedroom | 1,303 – 1,634 | From $2,800 | Larger balconies |
Residents enjoy amenities like two pools, a sundeck with grilling stations, and a fitness center. For pet owners, the $25/month pet fee is a plus, along with $50 for assigned parking[11]. Some units also offer stunning views of Buffalo Bayou or the downtown skyline[10].
3. Brava
If sleek, modern high-rises appeal to you more than industrial lofts, Brava is a standout option. As downtown Houston’s tallest residential high-rise, it reaches 533 feet and is conveniently located just 0.7 miles (about an 8-minute commute) from United Airlines’ headquarters[13]. Found at 414 Milam Street, this 47-story building emphasizes walkability, making it a great choice for downtown professionals.
The residences include floor-to-ceiling windows, Italian cabinetry kitchens with Bosch appliances, and quartz countertops. Some units also offer wine coolers and soaking tubs for added luxury[12][14].
| Unit Type | Square Footage | Monthly Rent | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 580-650 | $1,748 – $2,100 | Open-concept layout |
| 1 Bedroom | 750-950 | $1,847 – $3,500 | Custom backsplashes |
| 2 Bedroom | 1,100-1,500 | $3,200 – $5,800 | Walk-in closets |
| Penthouse | 1,739-2,927 | Up to $15,340 | Outdoor living areas |
Brava offers a range of amenities designed to elevate daily life. These include a 47th-floor sky lounge with sweeping views of the city[12][15] and a 10th-floor zero-edge pool complete with cabanas. For remote workers, the building provides co-working spaces and private meeting rooms[12][13][15]. On the ground floor, you’ll find 6,800 square feet of retail and dining options, all contributing to the building’s impressive WalkScore of 97[15].
Penthouse units take luxury a step further with outdoor living spaces and freestanding tubs[14][15]. The retail spaces at Brava also complement the mixed-use concept seen at nearby Aris Market Square.
4. Aris Market Square
Located at 409 Travis Street, Aris Market Square is a 32-story luxury high-rise just 0.3 miles (about a 5-minute commute) from United Airlines’ headquarters[16][19]. It offers 274 residences ranging from 570-square-foot studios to 2,227-square-foot penthouses. The building features a mixed-use design with a ground-floor Bravery Chef Hall, while its historic district location mirrors the preservation approach seen at The Rice[1][17].
The apartments boast 10-foot ceilings, wide-plank engineered hardwood floors, and gourmet kitchens equipped with Italian cabinetry, gas ranges, and quartz countertops enhanced by LED lighting[16]. Select units also include private balconies[16].
| Unit Type | Size (sq ft) | Rent | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 570+ | $1,645+ | LED cabinet lighting |
| 1 Bedroom | – | $2,200+ | Gas ranges |
| 2 Bedroom | – | $3,500+ | Private balconies (select units) |
| 3 Bedroom/Penthouse | Up to 2,227 | Up to $8,712 | Custom wood shelving |
Amenities Designed for Urban Living
Residents enjoy a variety of perks tailored to city professionals:
- A skyline-view pool
- A vinyl listening room stocked with a curated record collection[16][17]
- A laptop lounge and complimentary valet parking for United Airlines employees[17]
- The 9,000-square-foot Bravery Chef Hall on the ground floor[17]
With a walkability score of 95, the property offers access to over 60 dining and entertainment spots within walking distance[19][20]. The building has also received accolades, including the 2018 HBJ Landmark Award and the Kingsley Excellence Award for its design and services[19].
Pet-Friendly Features
Pet owners will appreciate the building’s policies, which allow up to two animals (weighing up to 99 lbs each). Residents can take advantage of a dedicated pet parlor and the nearby dog area at Market Square Park[17][18].
5. The Rice
For those who love a bit of history, The Rice offers a charming alternative to sleek, modern buildings like Brava and Aris Market Square. Sitting at 909 Texas Avenue, this historic landmark is just 0.7 miles from United Airlines’ headquarters[21][24]. Once known as the Rice Hotel and a host to U.S. Presidents, it has been transformed into upscale residences while keeping its timeless charm. It’s a perfect example of how historic buildings in the area have been given a new lease on life, as noted earlier.
| Unit Type | Size (sq ft) | Monthly Rent | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 337+ | $2,380+ | Industrial loft design |
| 1 Bedroom | – | $3,965+ | Gourmet kitchens |
| 2 Bedroom | Up to 2,366 | $4,065+ | Select units with city views |
| 3 Bedroom | – | $4,552+ | Premium finishes |
The apartments combine historic charm with modern touches. Think 10-18 foot ceilings, refinished original dark maple wood floors, and quartz countertops in gourmet kitchens[22][23]. Some units even feature exposed brick walls, clawfoot tubs, and stunning views of downtown.
Where History and Modern Comfort Meet
The Rice stands out for its blend of heritage and convenience, offering residents thoughtful amenities:
- A beautifully restored Crystal Ballroom for events
- A heated, remodeled underground pool with a relaxation area
- A cozy resident bar and gathering space in the updated lobby
- Secure, controlled-access garage parking[22][24]
Perfectly Located in Downtown
With an impressive Walk Score® of 97[21], The Rice is ideal for those who want everything within reach. It boasts on-site dining options like Azuma, Lawless Bar, and Sambuca[22]. Plus, its proximity to the underground tunnel system makes getting to United Airlines headquarters a breeze.
Welcoming for Pets
Got pets? The Rice allows up to two animals (max 80 lbs) and even has a fenced dog park nearby.
In 2023, The Rice underwent a renovation that added modern upgrades to its units while keeping the historic feel intact. These updates have increased rents on renovated units by 15%[22].
6. The Star
The Star at 1111 Rusk St breathes new life into a 1915 Renaissance Revival building, just a 7-minute walk (0.5 miles) from United’s headquarters[26]. This 16-story property blends restored architectural details like terrazzo floors and brass fixtures with modern smart home technology, offering 287 residences.
Living Spaces and Features
| Unit Type | Size | Rent Range | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | 740-1,080 sf | $1,781+ | Farmhouse sinks, KitchenAid appliances |
| 2 Bed | Up to 1,730 sf | – | Floor-to-ceiling windows, quartz counters |
Amenities That Stand Out
The Star offers unique perks, including downtown’s only indoor dog park, a golf simulator, and room service from The Nash restaurant[25]. Residents can also enjoy a rooftop terrace with a firepit and stunning skyline views. A 24-hour concierge is available to accommodate busy schedules.
Pet-Friendly Living
Pets are welcome here, with features like:
- Indoor dog park and run
- Pet washing stations
- $300 non-refundable pet fee per pet[25]
Prime Location Perks
Living at The Star means easy access to:
- Restaurants and nightlife within walking distance
- The Galleria shopping district nearby[26]
- Convenient valet services[27]
Quick Comparison Guide
Here’s a quick look at how these properties stack up:
| Feature | Market Square Tower | Sabine Street Lofts | Brava | Aris Market Square | The Rice | The Star |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit Sizes (sq ft) | 814-1,406 | 740-1,634 | 580-2,927 | 570-2,227 | 337-2,366 | 740-1,730 |
| 1BR Starting Rent | $2,100 | $1,514 | $2,300 | $1,645+ | $2,380+ | $2,200 |
| Signature Amenity | 40th-floor sky pool | Exposed industrial design | 47th-floor sky lounge | Chef hall + vinyl lounge | Historic ballroom | Indoor dog park |
| Distance to United HQ | 5 min | 10 min | 8 min | 5 min | 10 min | 7 min |
Each property offers something distinct. Whether it’s Brava’s impressive sky lounge or The Star’s indoor dog park, these options cater to a range of needs while keeping downtown convenience front and center.
Best Options by Need
Here’s how these properties align with different lifestyle priorities:
For the Shortest Commute
Market Square Tower and Aris Market Square are the top picks, both located near United Airlines’ headquarters at 609 Main Street[2].
Affordable Choices
Sabine Street Lofts offers a more budget-friendly option compared to other downtown properties. While the commute is slightly longer, it balances cost with charm.
High-End Living
Market Square Tower shines with features like oak hardwood herringbone floors, Wolf appliances[3], and its iconic glass-bottom sky pool[29].
Work-From-Home Setup
The Rice combines historic charm with practicality, offering coworking spaces, a central location, and original 1912 architecture updated with soundproofing.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Sabine Street Lofts is perfect for those seeking outdoor access, located next to Buffalo Bayou trails and featuring two pools.
Vibrant Social Scene
Aris Market Square is ideal for nightlife lovers, just steps away from Market Square Park’s bars and restaurants and close to United’s headquarters[28].
These options strike a balance between workplace proximity and lifestyle preferences.
