Mixed-use and multifamily are becoming synonymous, says Ziegler Cooper senior principal Scott Ziegler. He tells us almost all of his current multifamily projects have some mixed-use component. That includes Gables Tanglewood, which started accepting residents in October and is still delivering units. The eight-story, 316-unit property features 22k SF of street-level retail. Dish Society has opened there (we hear it's awesome), and Woodhouse Day Spa is coming soon. (Not soon enough, we've got a lot of lower neck tension.)

Scott tells us Gables Tanglewood includes some units ranging from 450 SF to 550 SF. (Texans live large; 450 SF is pretty much the smallest unit Houston's ever seen.) They only comprise about 5% of the total units, but Scott says it's a positive step in providing affordable options for entry-level renters who want the urban lifestyle. (This might be catching on; he says many projects Ziegler Cooper is working on include some microunits.) Another big selling point for the community is the elevated pool—from the eighth floor, residents overlook the Galleria and can see the sunset. (Get ready for some selfies.) Scott feels the mixed-use trend is an important one for Houston's future, as the city is “sorely lacking” in density compared to most major metros, and he believes that creating walkable urban village environments contributes to sustainable growth.