HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – Brookfield Properties has completed a multi-million-dollar renovation of Total Plaza, a 35-story Class A office tower in downtown Houston.
Designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects, the redevelopment capitalized on the tower’s glass exterior to maximize natural light throughout the building.
Built in 1971, Total Plaza earned recognition for its all-glass façade and commanding views of downtown Houston. As one of the early adopters of that design approach, the tower helped set a precedent for glass-clad buildings that have proliferated across the downtown skyline.
Second Project for Ziegler Cooper
Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects led a renovation of the building in 1996 and returned in 2019 to complete this latest update.
“A lot has changed in the almost 25 years since that first renovation,” said Jim Zemski, Practice Area Leader of the Commercial Architecture Studio for Ziegler Cooper Architects. “The new lobby renovations are again responding to current demands and trends by including sustainable features, flexible spaces, and by bringing in natural light and warm materials to make the space more inviting and functional.”
Located at 1201 Louisiana Street, the building contains 821,723 square feet of Class A office space and 11,735 square feet of retail space.
French energy company Total occupies 305,680 square feet of office space in the tower, a lease that was renewed and expanded the previous year.
People-Focused Environments
Owner Brookfield Properties, which holds a portfolio of major towers in downtown Houston, initiated the redesign with a focus on upgrading the street-level and second-floor lobbies along with the tunnel level.
The renovation prioritized an open, user-friendly layout that leverages abundant daylight from the building’s glass façade. Key elements of the renovation include:
- Modernized elevator cabs and lobbies, featuring backlit onyx panels in the elevator areas;
- New LED lighting and upgraded furnishings throughout both lobbies;
- Two new security consoles in the second-floor lobby;
- Removal of the east escalator at the street-level lobby to improve natural light and circulation;
- Revamped tunnel level with updated furniture, white tile walls, and an 8’1″ x 21′ preserved plant wall;
- Replacement of art walls at the street-level lobby with an art rail system to accommodate rotating exhibitions;
- Installation of large-format wall tile with a dynamic angular joint pattern at the east and west entrances;
- New interior and exterior signage;
- Construction of Island Grill, a Houston-based American-Mediterranean eatery planned to open in late 2020.
“The renovated Total Plaza sets the stage for what’s to come as we begin to deliver redevelopment projects across our portfolio,” said Travis Overall, Executive Vice President and Head of the Texas Region for Brookfield Properties. “Brookfield Properties’ vision and approach are centered on creating thoughtful, people-focused environments. That approach is reflected not only in the renovation of Total Plaza but also in the ongoing upgrades to Houston Center, Allen Center, and Heritage Plaza.”
In February 2019, anchor tenant Total confirmed its commitment to Total Plaza with a lease renewal and expansion. The building also houses the Petroleum Club of Houston, a private social and business club located on the 35th floor.
Construction at Total Plaza, led by Tellepsen, began in the summer of 2019.
Brookfield Properties has invested heavily in renovating its downtown assets. The firm’s strategy to deliver premier office environments is evident in the concurrent upgrades at Houston Center, Allen Center, and Heritage Plaza. These renovations aim to enhance the competitiveness of Brookfield’s Houston portfolio by creating buildings that promote innovation and productivity. Houston Center and Allen Center were expected to deliver in late 2020, with Heritage Plaza renovations scheduled for completion in early 2021.
Sept. 3, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020.
File: Total Redo – Downtown Skyscraper
File: (2) 1201 Louisiana Street. 821,723 square feet of Class A office plus retail. 9-3-20. Total Redo – Downtown Skyscraper
