The 47-story Texas Tower is under construction in downtown Houston. Image by Steelblue
HOUSTON — Texas Tower, the 47-story office tower rising on the former Houston Chronicle block, has earned LEED Platinum pre-certification for its sustainability achievements, the building’s developers Hines and partner Ivanhoé Cambridge announced.
The one-million-square-foot office tower, located in the 800 block of Texas Avenue, began construction earlier this year. Already 33% leased, the building is scheduled to open in late 2021.
Texas Tower targets significant energy reductions while maintaining tenant comfort and high standards for connectivity and wellness. The project is pursuing LEED Platinum, WiredScore certification and the WELL v2 Building Standard.
Designed with flexible, customizable workspaces and a people-first approach, Texas Tower incorporates a range of notable green features:
Central, well-connected location with easy access to public transit.
Bike parking and electric-vehicle charging stations.
Energy-efficiency measures projected to outperform ASHRAE 90.1 by 19%.
High-efficiency chillers, improved curtainwall U-values and an underfloor air delivery system to maximize energy savings.
LED lighting integrated with advanced daylight controls and building management and control systems (BMCS).
Low-flow water fixtures expected to reduce potable water use by more than 47% compared to code.
Reduced heat-island effect through parking located under the tower and use of reflective roofing materials.
Multiple rooftop terraces to connect occupants with fresh air, natural light and outdoor views.
Rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery systems designed to supply 100% of the building’s irrigation needs.
Indoor-air-quality strategies plus abundant daylighting and views for occupants.
Hines’ proprietary GREEN OFFICE for Tenants program, offering options to help tenants reduce their carbon footprint.
“Energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity have been hallmarks of our projects since the firm’s founding. The comprehensive sustainability and performance programs at Texas Tower are designed to advance best practices in the built environment. Guided by the highest standards in workplace design and sustainable construction, Texas Tower is a high-performance building focused on office space that maximizes human potential,” said John Mooz, Senior Managing Director at Hines.
The building was designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli.
Michael Anderson of Colvill Office Properties is handling leasing for the ownership. Vinson & Elkins, represented by Cushman & Wakefield, leased 212,000 square feet. Hines, a real estate development firm founded in Houston in 1957, will relocate its headquarters into Texas Tower, occupying 155,000 square feet and leaving the Williams Tower near the Galleria.
The development sits on Block 58, bounded by Texas Avenue, Travis, Milam and Prairie streets.
A Hines-led group purchased the Block 58 site, including an adjacent half-block that served as the Chronicle garage, in October 2015 for $54 million from Hearst Newspapers. The Chronicle relocated from downtown to a building on Southwest Freeway at Loop 610 that formerly housed the Houston Post.
The former Chronicle garage on the half-block at Preston and Milam is being demolished to make way for a residential tower. Hines is developing a 46-story residential building that will be the tallest apartment tower in Houston.
Called The Preston, the apartment project is being developed by Hines with investment partners Cresset Wealth Advisors and Levy Family Partners. The 373-unit development, designed by Munoz + Albin, is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2022. The residential site is located within a federal Opportunity Zone, providing owners with capital-gains tax deferral benefits.
