Tommy Kanarellis has been appointed Associate Sales Director at Ritz-Carlton Residences, Houston - TX, USA
Tommy Kanarellis, a longtime residential real estate expert, has returned to Houston to join Redeavor Group as associate sales director for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Houston. Following several years in Aspen working with Compass' ultra-high-net-worth buyers in one of the country's most competitive luxury markets, the University of Texas graduate brings a deep understanding of real estate. With a career spanning mortgage lending, construction and new-development sales, Kanarellis offers a rare, end-to-end perspective on how luxury residential projects succeed, from concept and positioning to presales momentum.
Following his return to Houston, Kanarellis shares what drew him to the project, how the city's buyer profile has evolved, and why this development marks a defining shift for the market.
What drew you to The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Houston at this moment in the project's lifecycle?
Houston is the fourth-largest city in the country, yet it has never had a truly great luxury hotel or condominium product at this level. Much of the existing inventory is dated, and new development simply has not reached this caliber before. When I looked at this project, and at what Redeavor Group is doing more broadly, it felt like a once-in-a-generation opportunity. This is the type of product Houston has wanted and needed for a long time, and the timing and momentum behind it are undeniable.
The Ritz-Carlton brand aligns perfectly with the evolution of Houston itself, which is entering a new era, and this project harnesses that momentum by delivering a modern expression of luxury that feels timely, relevant and forward-looking for the city.
How does this role build on your experience across luxury residential and new development?
My path into real estate was very hands-on. I started in mortgage lending, did contracting work, and upon earning my real estate license, quickly realized my passion was new development. I have worked on everything from closing out repositioned projects and condominium conversions to helping lead presales for branded luxury residences. Living and working in Aspen over the past few years, one of the toughest luxury markets to break in to, sharpened my ability to work with ultra-high-net-worth buyers and sell highly specialized new product. That combination of experiences has served me well and made this role a natural next step.
How would you describe today's luxury buyer in Houston, and how has that profile evolved?
This project is a microcosm of what Houston is becoming. Houston is now a top-five city for ultra-high-net-worth individuals according to data from Henley & Partners, and the buyer base is increasingly global. We're seeing longtime Houstonians, including empty nesters from neighborhoods like Tanglewood and River Oaks, alongside buyers from New York and Mexican nationals who value the proximity to the Galleria and River Oaks shopping districts, and easy access to Mexico City. There's a real sense of "it's about time" that Houston is finally getting a product that matches its stature.
What's driving interest in branded luxury residences in Houston specifically?
Trust and consistency. Buyers understand what the Ritz-Carlton name represents, not just brand recognition but a proven standard of service, execution and long-term quality. For many, particularly those with multiple homes, the appeal lies in lock-and-leave living paired with a hospitality-driven experience. Interest is further reinforced by generous floor plans, seamless indoor-outdoor living and thoughtfully designed layouts that support both part- and full-time residents with valuable flexibility, while the variety of residence types appeal to everyone from empty nesters to highly mobile buyers to families looking for space.
What amenities or services are resonating most with today's ultra-high-net-worth buyers?
It is less about any single amenity and more about the overall experience. The standard of excellence and level of service that the Ritz-Carlton provides is what resonates most with our buyer profile. Buyers know that when they purchase here, they are buying into the gold standard. We have also curated a robust amenity program with a variety of spaces for use from morning until night, including a full fitness suite with indoor and outdoor pools, resident lounges and meeting spaces, entertainment spaces and dedicated children's areas - all exclusively private for residents. On top of that, residents have access to the spectacular hotel amenities.
How has the definition of luxury shifted post-pandemic, and how does this project reflect that?
Proximity has become one of the most motivating factors post-pandemic. Buyers want to be able to walk to restaurants, grocery stores and social spaces. This is the only truly walkable luxury residential project in Houston, with immediate access to dining, retail and greenspace. People are increasingly willing to give up land in exchange for proximity and lifestyle, a meaningful shift, particularly in a market like Texas that traditionally values wide, open spaces.
People also look for top quality finished product, so they don't have to purchase, then renovate later. Our developers and design teams have crafted the highest quality residences inside and out, comparable to some of the City's nicest custom homes, and that confidence of vision and craftsmanship mean buyers can close and move in on day one. Saving time is the ultimate luxury.
What's giving you confidence in the project's trajectory?
The demand is proving the thesis. Buyers in early previews have responded to the design, location and overall execution. The sales gallery, which is best in class, represents a significant investment, and the presentation is incredibly polished. The renderings are beautiful, and the level of interest confirms that Houston has the depth of demand for a product like this; it is simply being delivered for the first time.
How do you see this project influencing Houston's broader luxury residential landscape?
Houston is still relatively green when it comes to luxury condominium living, but it is maturing quickly. I expect more branded luxury residences to follow, and this project will be the benchmark against which they are measured. It is a catalyst for what comes next.
Sales for The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Houston are set to formally launch in Spring, with growing interest underscoring the project's position as a new benchmark for luxury living in the city.
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