When developers Jeffrey Fawaz and Mike Elaridi first walked through the shell of the late philanthropist and Houston Texans founder, Bob McNair’s penthouse in 2020, they knew what it could become.
The problem was the price; the late Houston Texans founder had bought the raw space in 2016 at the Belfiore, a boutique 26-story building in Houston, but never built it out. The unfinished duplex sat empty.
“Nobody wanted to take it on and complete it,” Jeffrey said, told Mansion Global.
The developers, who run Fratelli Companies, waited and when the price dropped to US$3 million, they moved, purchasing not just the shell but Bob McNair’s original floor plan.
Now, after years of work, the 8,869-square-foot penthouse is complete and listed for US$11 million – which is about A$17 million.
“The floor plan of the unit is Bob McNair’s, so we say it was built for a billionaire,” said Justin Dugat of Douglas Elliman, who shares the listing with Misty Meredith.
The result spans two floors with five bedrooms, a study, a breakfast nook, and terraces on either side of the great room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Houston’s skyline. An in-unit elevator and a curved statement staircase, (additions by the developers) connect the levels.
Three half-baths feature handcrafted onyx pedestal sinks, each made by an artisan in a different country. The bar area uses Rosso Levanto marble and rhe faucets are un-lacquered brass, chosen specifically because they patina over time.
“They age with the house,” Jeffrey said. “They look more and more beautiful the more you use them.”
Built-in vanities include skincare fridges. Two water vapour fireplaces anchor the living spaces.
There’s also a tribute to Bob McNair himself – a plaque commemorating his career, signed by former Texans star J.J. Watt, built into one of the building’s pillars.
“It feels like you’re walking into a home,” Mike said. “It just flows really nicely for a condo.”
The Belfiore has just 45 units across its 26 storeys, with all apartments delivered in shell condition for custom buildouts. Jeffrey and Mike completed the work in collaboration with Ghandi Saad and Salim Obeid of RSG Development Group.
They expect the buyer will be someone with multiple properties seeking a “lock and leave” option in Houston’s growing luxury condo market.