Warrior Construction completed The Lamar Tower in 1965. The building was owned by a group of
investors, headed by John Mecom. Mr. Mecom chose the glazed blue tiles on the exterior of the building after seeing similar terrazzo during a visit to Italy. The paneling in some portions of the public space was also
used in The Warwick Hotel, another Mecom property. Consistent with Mr. Mecom's commitment to high quality construction, each apartment unit had independent fresh air and exhaust vents, providing an odor free
environment. The partitioning between units contained four sheets of 5/8" sheet rock to enhance soundproofing. While The Lamar Tower was one of the first high rise apartment buildings developed in the city along with
Inwood Manor and the Willowick, its 8'-9' ceilings, floor to ceiling glass doors onto open balconies and unobstructed views of the downtown and Galleria skylines set a standard for luxury high rise residency that still remains
today. In 1992, the office building located on the 1.345 acres north of The Lamar Tower was
purchased. The Lamar Tower Co-Owners demolished the building and improved the existing garage facility. Landscaping included picnic facilities and a jogging track. The
three-level covered garage provides additional parking for residents and guests. It is accessible through to the main building through a security door.
By late 1997, the only commercial unit in The Lamar Tower was owned by Dr. Ford, a physician with a small family practice. The Board authorized purchase of that unit. An
architectural committee is presently studying the development of this unit, located on the northwest ground floor, which consists of a little over 2,200 square feet. Plans include a
large exercise facility and improved management offices. Recent improvements have included computerization of the fire system to sound alarms
directly in the local fire station and the monitoring company as well as pressurizing the stairwells. Today, The Lamar Tower is a high rise condominium of 284 units, a swimming
pool, recreational areas and the adjoining parking garage. The Lamar Tower offers the highest quality of high rise living in a River Oaks area neighborhood.
Texas passed its first condominium law in 1963 but it was not until the 1970's that high
rise apartment buildings in Houston began to convert to condominium. In its original form, The Lamar Tower boasted a Chinese restaurant, night club, beauty parlor, grocery store and doctor's
office on the lobby level. In 1979, Portfolio Management Company purchased and converted The Lamar Tower. In the following years, all of the commercial and retail spaces were sold and
The Lamar Tower became a total residential community.
