According to Erin Mulvaney of the Houston Chronicle,www.chron.com. A high-rise luxury condominium project planned in uptown Houston could be a sig n of a more viable market than in previous years. The 26-story Belfiore will have 46 residences, including two pent-houses, on 2 acres at the southeast corner of Post Oak Lane & South Wynden Drive. The project is led by developer Giorgio Borlenghi with the Interfin Cos. www.interfin.com. who has developed high-rise residential buildings since the early 1980s, including Four Lear Towers, Villa dEste Condos & Montebello.

Borlenghi said the new condo tower will be the most luxurious place in town. By keeping the building to only 46 units on such a large site, we will truly be able to provide our residents with a level of privacy, exclusivity & service unlike any other property in Houston, he said.

The units will be the largest available for condominiums in Houston, starting at 4,600 sq. ft. including 700 sq. ft. of terraces. The units will have 11 foot ceilings & views of downtown & Tanglewood. There will be a 24 hour concierge & valet service & underground parking.

Construction is expected to begin early next year with a target completion date of spring 2016. The units are expected to have a starting sales price of $600 per sq. ft. or about 2.8 million. Borlenghi said this is a good time to build condominiums because of the improved economy & a demand from empty nesters who want to downsize, but only to a certain point. 14 people have already purchased units.

The recent demand & real estate market is on the upswing, said Borlenghi. John Breeding, president of the Uptown Management District, said 12 residential projects are under construction in the immediate area. Breeding praised Borlenghi for quality architecture & attention to detail. He said the developer also has a unique sense of when to move early on projects. This is the first edge of the wave of perhaps additional condominium construction, Breeding said.

With the economy improving and getting better now is the time to act in regard to buying or selling real estate, so look no further than Laura Hill at Laura Hill Realtor, www.localkatyrealty.com. for all of your residential & commercial property needs.