802 Lovett has a long history as a hub for innovation in Houston.  From it's origin as the residence of a famous oilman, to the early beginnings as the inspiration for architectural design that changed the skyline of Houston, to a center for Houston software startup companies, the "RedHouse" fosters creativity, teamwork, and success.  

The RedHouse possesses that elusive karma

where hard work brings great rewards!

1926.  New York architect Harrie T. Lindberg designed the English Georgian 'Country House' at 802 Lovett for independent oil operator John Hamman. The house was built by Russell Brown Company, Houston's premier homebuilder of that era.  It remains one of the outstanding building designs of the Montrose area, and the Hamman Oil and Refinery company is still in business in Houston today.  

1951.  Architect Kenneth Franzheim bought the property from the Hamman heirs to serve as his office and residence.  This office played a prominent role in the design of many of Houston's major office buildings, including the Travis Tower, 919 Milam, and Macy’s Downtown.  

1960.  The property is acquired by the Welton Becket Associates after Franzheim's death.  They added the one story open plan drafting room connecting the original 3-story house and 2-story carriage house making the property more viable as a modern commercial office.  Welton Becket designed the Crowne Plaza Hotel and ExxonMobil Building (originally Humble Oil & Refining)

1977.  The mansion was purchased by Lloyd Jones Fillpot Arichitect and restored to it's original beauty.  Arthur Jones helped design the Astrodome, American General Tower, Three Allen Center, and 1400 Smith Street. 

1997.  The building is purchased by Mike Clark as the office for Tech Startup PentaSafe Technologies.  The house and yard was considered to be the perfect environment to house a software company, giving the closest thing Houston has to the Silicon Valley campus feel.  The building became known as the "RedHouse" due to numerous parties and recruiting events held there..  PentaSafe grew to over 200 employees in the two houses, before moving to a tower on the West Loop in 2000. 

2003.  After renovating the building, the Red House becomes the home for another Tech Startup, idera Inc., as well as angel investors Mike Clark and Keith Kreuer.  Over the next 8 years, idera grows to 200 people and expands to another building down the street at 411 Lovett Blvd.  The company finally outgrows the space and moves to a American General tower in March 2011.  Interestingly, Loyd Jones Brewer designed the American General tower. 

2011.  The property was extensively renovated to house RedHouse Associates (www.RedHouseAssociates.com).  The initial RedHouse partners include Doug Erwin, Mike Clark, Keith Kreuer, Joe Horzepa, and Ben Erwin.  The "RedHouse" continues to be known as a hub for technical innovation in Houston and the home of a number of successful startup companies.  Assemble Systems and Onit move into the RedHouse to start and grow their companies.

2012.  The Surge Accelerator joins RedHouse Associates in providing an exciting environment to accelerate the growth of energy tech startups.  In March 2012, the first Surge class opened with 10 exciting companies.  Surge called the RedHouse home for 2 years before moving to their permanent home.

2014-2018.  Idera is acquired in 2014, followed by the 2018 acquisitions of Assemble Systems, Onit and Liquid Frameworks.

The RedHouse tradition lives on...