Barrington Is BACK and BETTER!

This morning, more than 22 months after Hurricane Harvey, the Barrington held a grand re-opening ceremony for its 18,000 square foot Manor House. When project manager Lauren Blackburn cut the red tape, residents got their first glimpse of a newly renovated and re-imagined community facility without equal in Kingwood, and perhaps without equal in the Houston area.

*Houston City Council Member Dave Martin (left of bow) addresses a crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony.*

*Lauren Blackburn, right, the project manager planned the renovation meticulously. She laid out 72 steps that had to be taken before residents could even vote on the proposal.*

Time to Enjoy Life Again

Driving into the parking lot, I could sense the electricity in the air. A large crowd gathered in front of the Manor House. People wanted this.

Residents of one of the hardest hit subdivisions during Harvey were out to make a statement. Every home looked perfectly manicured and freshly painted. Every blade of grass looked neatly trimmed and postcard perfect. Golfers were enjoying the immaculate greens and fairways of the surrounding Kingwood Country Club. Even the bluebirds were singing.

*Impressive without being intimidating, the Manor House radiates warmth and welcome.*

*Part of the library in the Manor House.*

*A grand piano adorns the entry hall which looks out over the swimming pool.*

*Opposite the piano in the entry hall, another conversation area welcomes residents and guests to sit awhile and stay.*

*The Manor House is large enough to provide couples and friends with private, peaceful places to relax and socialize. It’s designed to bring people together..*

*One end of the Manor House provides an exercise room for adults.*

*The kitchen and dining area include a bar.*

*Game room for kids and teens includes a full size pool table.*

*…air hockey and more. Before the renovation, the Manor House did not have a game room at all.*

*The Manor House even has a play room for smaller children. Parents and babysitters can bring kids here to play and socialize.*

*The Manor House contains a room big enough to host parties, book clubs, church groups and more.*

*A lighted tennis court allows extended play for serious enthusiasts.*

*This cabana provides shade near the tennis courts and swimming pool.*

*Residents* *Audrey and Gabriel Alvarado with their daughters Gloria and Reeva, can all walk to the new Manor House.*

*The Barrington is surrounded by the Kingwood Country Club, one of the largest private clubs in the country. It offers 72 holes of golf. The Club’s Lake Course surrounds the Barrington.*

Overwhelmingly Approved by Barrington Residents

Blackburn says her team of residents surveyed the community three times to determine what the new Manor House should offer. Residents volunteered ideas for everything from the types of activities to the art on the walls.

Even though renovations cost more than $750,000, a whopping seventy-two percent of the residents voted for them.

Reflecting Needs of Next Generation

The developer originally conceived the Barrington for people older than 55. However, the survey found that 30% of the families had children under 10. As a result, the design of the original building, built in 2002/2003 changed.

“The community is different and the Manor House reflects the composition and wishes of the community,” says Blackburn.

Cultivating a Sense of Community

“In fact, we designed it to cultivate a sense of community,” said Blackburn. “People can hold all kinds of private events here. Or just hang out with friends. Groups can hold private events. Book clubs. Watch parties. Bible study. Birthdays. Community meetings. Weddings. Receptions. No other community has something like this. It’s what makes us special.”

*The Barrington offers stately homes on immaculate streets surrounded by the Kingwood Country Club and nature.*

Defined by Dreams, Not Disaster

Yes, the people of the Barrington made a statement today. They said, “We will no longer be defined by disaster. We will be defined by our dreams.” And they’re making those dreams come alive.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 7/20/2019

690 Days after Hurricane Harvey

Time to Enjoy Life Again

Overwhelmingly Approved by Barrington Residents

Reflecting Needs of Next Generation

Cultivating a Sense of Community

Defined by Dreams, Not Disaster

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