History of development in Downtown and the Houston city itself dates to the Battle with Mexico at San Jacinto. After Sam Houston’s army won, investors from New York founded Houston and the rise of commercial real estate began. Named after Sam Houston, the city became a trading post and developed into its current urban atmosphere. The community began to thrive, and the metropolitan area developed on the grid.
Over time, city leaders crafted buildings that were several stories high to optimize business and commerce. Today, Houston is home to some of the tallest buildings in Texas.
JP MORGAN CHASE TOWER
While stating history of development in Downtown Houston, it is important to mention JPMorgan Chase Tower – home to JP Morgan Chase bank. It is among the tallest buildings in the United States. The tower was built in the 1980s and is seventy-five stories high. It is also the tallest 5-sided building in the world.
WELLS FARGO BANK PLAZA
Wells Fargo Bank Plaza is seventy-one stories high. It is the tallest glass building in the Western hemisphere and the second tallest in Texas. This skyscraper descends four stories below ground and connects, through tunnels, to other downtown office buildings. Among the amenities in the building, The Houstonian Lite Health Club offers over two hundred group exercise classes, nine tennis courts and thirsty five trainers. The club is available every day of the year.
HERITAGE PLAZA
The fifth tallest building in Houston is Heritage Plaza. Heritage Plaza was the last corporate office building completed during the collapse of Texas economy in 1987. The building was one of the most notorious major skyscrapers in Houston for almost fifteen years, until the completion of 1500 Louisiana Street in 2002. Known for the stepped granite feature that resembles a Mayan pyramid at the top, the building’s interior design features Mexican influence and waterfalls. After years of being mostly unoccupied, this iconic building in the Houston Texas skyline, once intended for commercial tenants, now hosts residential property for sale or lease.
WILLIAMS TOWER
Another tower worthy of recognition in history of development in Houston commercial real estate is the Williams Tower. Although not in Downtown Houston, it is the tallest building in Houston and is located just outside the 610 Loop. The other skyscrapers are located in Downtown. The Williams Tower was formally known as the Transco Tower and was occupied by Transco Energy Corporation. It is connected to a ten story parking garage that houses over three thousand parking spots. Williams Tower hosts tunnels that connect to our most notable commercial real estate property, The Houston Galleria. This Houston landmark was complete in 1983 and is a destination for travelers from all around the globe.
More recently, commercial real estate in Houston has blended with residential neighborhoods in Downtown Houston. Over the last few decades, commercial real estate has accommodated former commuters so as to provide the city with a lively space. This urban vibe gives Houston a vibrant night life community, a plethora of entertainment and plenty of outdoor opportunities for health and fitness.
Houston has both residential and commercial real estate neighborhoods now, both near and far from the central Downtown hub. Downtown caters to both seasoned Houstonians and those who are new to the urban vibe of the very vibrant neighborhoods. A tourist attraction and a global traveler’s destination, the city of Houston offers many sights to see. A handful of stories and legends accompany our real estate to support the experience of the city as we know it today.
