Tilman Fertitta knows how to pick ‘em—luxury, one-of-a-kind, consumer destinations, that is. And his latest masterpiece, River Oaks District (ROD), set in the vibrant heart of Houston, Texas. In 2024, Fertitta made waves with a bold acquisition, adding this 18-acre jewel to his already glittering empire. But ROD isn’t just another high-end locale; it’s poised to be the Southern United States’ premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination.

The Height of High-End Experiences.

Spread across more than 300,000 square feet of meticulously curated space, ROD isn’t just about what you see—it’s about how it makes you feel. It’s a place where luxury isn’t just a concept, but a lived experience. From the moment you step foot into this architectural marvel, you’re not just visiting; you’re entering a world where every detail, from designer boutiques to world-class dining and bespoke wellness retreats, has been vetted and handpicked and polished to perfection.

This isn’t merely about indulging in high-end retail or savoring gourmet meals; it’s about experiencing the very essence of what makes a destination unforgettable. Fertitta’s signature is scrawled across every inch of this district, transforming it from a collection of buildings into an experience that lives and breathes the pinnacle of luxury living. Whether you’re a Houston native, a Southern belle, or an international connoisseur of fine living, ROD is more than just a destination — it’s where your expectations come to be exceeded.

The Vision of ROD

River Oaks District has always held a place of prestige within Houston, but its true transformation began when visionary entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta saw its untapped potential. "Timing is everything," Fertitta remarks, reflecting on the moment that solidified his decision to acquire ROD. Positioned just a half-mile from his corporate headquarters, the district's proximity to other luxury holdings, including the Forbes Five-Star Post Oak Hotel and Spa, Mastro’s Steakhouse, and Post Oak Motor Cars, made it an irresistible addition to his portfolio. "I knew I had to have it," he says, and with that acquisition, ROD was destined to rise as a flare of lavishness in Houston’s vibrant Uptown/ River Oaks area. Fertitta’s vision was clear: “We are raising the bar for luxury experiences in Houston,” Fertitta asserts, pointing to the seamless integration of ROD with his Forbes Five-Star Post Oak Hotel and the luxury car dealership housing Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Bugatti.

Discover the Best of ROD

Under the discerning ownership of Tilman Fertitta, ROD has continued to elevate its offerings, making it a pivotal landmark in Houston’s luxury landscape. The addition of deBoulle, a premier jeweler known for its exquisite collection of fine jewelry and luxury timepieces, has further solidified ROD’s status as a destination for the elite.

Nick Boulle, President of deBoulle Houston, shares what drew the brand to open its doors at ROD: "When we began looking to expand in Houston, we examined every location opportunity in the market very closely. We decided that the luxury focus and open-air shopping experience and design of River Oaks District would be far and away the best environment to deliver the ultimate customer experience." This strategic choice underscores the alignment between deBoulle’s commitment to luxury and ROD’s vision of sophistication.

deBoulle is more than just a store; it’s an embodiment of the luxury and personal connection that ROD is known for. Boulle explains, "Our focus has always been to provide customers with a premier collection of fine jewelry, luxury timepieces, impeccable service, and a beautiful and friendly environment. We strive to elevate the shopping experience for visitors to our stores, but, most importantly, we try to make our clients feel at home when shopping with us." This philosophy mirrors ROD’s commitment to creating a unique and memorable experience for every visitor.

One of the most memorable moments at deBoulle’s ROD location was when a customer proposed inside the store—a testament to the intimate and special atmosphere that the brand fosters. "We take great pride in being able to help people commemorate life’s most special moments," Boulle adds, highlighting the emotional and personal connections that are at the heart of deBoulle’s success.

What Sets ROD Apart

Boulle believes what truly sets ROD apart from other prime shopping districts is “the overall customer experience.” He emphasizes the convenience and luxury that ROD offers, from the valet service, to the walkable design, making it an appealing destination for discerning shoppers from across Texas. “Pairing that with our convenient location and great safety and security with many of the world’s most prominent luxury brands and Houston’s best restaurants makes it a destination that people from all around the state of Texas will continue to visit frequently,” says Boulle, perfectly encapsulating why ROD remains a premier destination.

Voices of ROD and the Road Ahead

What makes ROD truly special is its community. From passionate store owners to loyal customers, the stories of those who bring ROD to life are as varied as they are inspiring. These personal anecdotes highlight the warmth and inclusivity that define the district, where every visitor is treated to a personalized experience.

Andrea Lieberman, founder of A.L.C., adds her perspective: “The A.L.C. woman and ROD customer are both wellversed in luxury fashion and appreciate high-quality wardrobing essentials that can be infused with personal style. We are thrilled to offer our Houston clients a new destination to experience the world of A.L.C., and it has been so rewarding to meet our new ROD clients since we opened our doors.”

The inclusion of such distinguished brands like A.L.C. not only enriches the diversity of luxury offerings but also enhances the personalized shopping experience that ROD is known for. Lieberman shares, “We offer every Houston woman who enters our doors a unique shopping experience catered to her multifaceted lifestyle. Clients receive a personalized and intimate styling service as they are paired with our experienced stylists guiding them towards coveted and polished wardrobe essentials.

Fertitta’s vision for ROD is far from complete. He sees the district as a critical component of Houston’s evolving luxury landscape over the next five years. “We are Houston’s most destination-worthy landmarks,” he says confidently, noting that ROD will continue to play a pivotal role in positioning Houston as a global luxury destination. This vision is already taking shape with the addition of new luxury brands and experiences that promise to keep ROD at the cutting edge of high-end living. “River Oaks District and The Post Oak Hotel family of offerings seamlessly complement the curated luxury experience,” Fertitta notes, emphasizing The District’s role in enhancing both local and international perceptions of Houston as a luxury hub.