David Ploger, Corus Bank's first vice president, tells GlobeSt.com that the bank took the time to get to know the Houston market and then applied principles for condominium construction lending that has been gleaned from markets such as New York and Chicago. The bottom line is that bank OK'd the financing after deciding that demand would be considerably high for luxury, high-rise condos in Houston's vibrant Downtown.

"While this project is somewhat unique for us," Ploger says, "owing to the lack of existing high-rise condominium units in the Downtown market, we believe that this market is ripe for well-located, luxury urban residences." The financing had been closed without any presales, says Ploger.

But, says the towers' marketing agent Rosemary Hoty, the building is actually 30% sold. She says the young, urban professional and empty nester target markets have been particularly enthusiastic about the project and the city's Downtown revitalization. There are 49 floor plans available, including a two-story unit that's being undertaken for one buyer.