[Montrose1100]

The Wells Fargo Plaza:

Location: Street 1000 Louisiana Street
Postcode: 77002
Neighborhood: Downtown
Borough: Inner Loop East
City: Houston
Country: U.S.A.

Technical Data:
Height: 972 ft (296 m)
Floors: 71
Construction: Built in 1983
Style: Modern

Facts
- Inside, two double-decked skylobbies offer public views from different heights uring business hours.
- The building's footprint is in the shape of a dollar sign.
- Tallest all-glass building in the Western Hemisphere.
- Wells Fargo Center is located in Houston's Central Business District on the corner of Rusk and Travis Streets.
- The 71-story building features a warm bronze glass facade and a main lobby adorned with terrazzo tile accented with incandescent lighting.
- Wells Fargo Center's convenient location offers Metro Bus Service and direct access to downtown Houston's 2.5-mile climate controlled underground pedestrian system.
- The design partner for Wells Fargo Plaza was Richard Keating.
- This is the second tallest building in Houston and Texas.

Companies:
owner: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
owner: Metropolitan Tower Realty Company, Inc.
developer: Century Development Corporation
design architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
associate architect: Lloyd Jones Brewer & Associates
general contractor: Turner Construction Company
structural engineering: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP
tenant: Wells Fargo Bank

[Talbot]

I like the building due to the glass look, and i think it adds a lot of characteristic to our skyline.

[chayves4u]

I have a sort of emotional attachment to this building -- my mom used to work on the 69th floor (she now works on the sixth), and I would go to work with her quite often when I was younger. I loved to just sit at the window and look out to the world around us lol.

It's a pretty cool building.

[jmancuso]

ahh yes, that building has some good views...

[Montrose1100]

Talbot, on Sunday, August 29th, 2004 @ 8:14pm, said:

I like the building due to the glass look, and i think it adds a lot of characteristic to our skyline.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

One time I had a meeting on the 75th floor of the Chase Tower (It was a travle angency) and I could see the shores of Galveston!

[Talbot]

I bet that was an awesome sight to see.

[Montrose1100]

indeed it was...

[UrbaNerd]

Is the skydeck still open? The Willams one was closed after 9/11, but I am not sure about these...

[Montrose1100]

UrbaNerd, on Sunday, August 29th, 2004 @ 9:35pm, said:

Is the skydeck still open?  The Willams one was closed after 9/11, but I am not sure about these...
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes it still is, the 60th floor I belive..? and 40th.

[CincoRanch-HoustonResident]

I love this building in Downtown. It's one of my favorites.

[h-townrep]

I use to work on the 71st floor of Chase and on a low foggy morning, all you could see was the Wells Fargo tower, BOA and the then Transco Tower and Sanfelipe in a distance. That was pure beauty. Wells Fargo has a pretty cool design on top also. $$$$$$$

[Subdude]

It is a bit dated, but I like Wells Fargo more than its contemporaries (e.g. Chase Tower). The design in plan is two offset quarter-circles, although it is often said to be based on a dollar sign. While it lends some visual interest to the exterior, the shape to me makes the interior spaces a bit awkward.

[H-Town Man]

Anyone who does not like this building, has not seen it from the observation deck at JP Morgan Chase. On a clear, dry morning, when the sun lands on it in several hues, it is absolutely majestic.

[SpaceCity]

This has got to be the most impressive building in downtown Houston. It's a giant with great views.

[bachanon]

i went to a halloween party in this building several years ago. i'm not sure what floor it was on, it was a private club or something. the view was amazing. when the fog came in it became perfectly erie (sp?).

[Montrose1100]

I think its really cool, how Houston has multi-colored buildings to tie into our skyline, more then any other I would suppose. (in a Downtown Area)

[UrbaNerd]

I love it! The design is soo clean, simple, and sleek. It is beautiful!

[GovernorAggie]

This is my absolute favorite building in all of Texas!

[Montrose1100]

Can anyone put up some better pictures? When I search for them, all I get are other Wells Fargo buildings... Does anyone have personal, or other photos of the building they would so kindly share?

[DaTrain]

Wells Fargo Plaza is a Perfect TEN! Well set apart from the others in the skyline with the dollar sign shape, the blue-green tint on the glass and the sleek and clean feel to it. <_<

At first I assumed it was the tallest -- until I found out neighboring JP Morgan Chase had that honor. Chase is so obscure when viewed from the west at Buffalo Bayou Park.

[DaTrain]

Montrose1100, on Tuesday, August 31st, 2004 @ 3:48pm, said:

Can anyone put up some better pictures? When I search for them, all I get are other Wells Fargo buildings... Does anyone have personal, or other photos of the building they would so kindly share?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I found these pics off Skyscraper City and Urban Planet. Better than the first grainy ones.

[dbigtex56]

I remember when this building was going up, and how impatient everyone was for them to complete it. The external construction elevator remained for months after the rest of the building had been clad with its distinctive green glass.

Finally, in early August of '83, the construction elevator was removed and the last glass panels were installed. So beautiful!

Three weeks later, Hurricaine Alicia hit, and smashed out dozens and dozens of panes of glass. For nearly a year the exterior was a patchwork of glass and plywood. Fortunately they were able to match the glass so that the damage is now undetectable.

I wonder if they'd be able to do the same if another hurricaine should hit - glass tends to change color over the years.

[dalparadise]

dbigtex56, on Sunday, October 17th, 2004 @ 6:50pm, said:

I remember when this building was going up, and how impatient everyone was for them to complete it. The external construction elevator remained for months after the rest of the building had been clad with its distinctive green glass.

Finally, in early August of '83, the construction elevator was removed and the last glass panels were installed. So beautiful!

Three weeks later, Hurricaine Alicia hit, and smashed out dozens and dozens of panes of glass. For nearly a year the exterior was a patchwork of glass and plywood. Fortunately they were able to match the glass so that the damage is now undetectable.

I wonder if they'd be able to do the same if another hurricaine should hit - glass tends to change color over the years.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe much of the glass breakage was due to loose gravel on the roof of the Tenneco (now El Paso) building being whipped up by the wind. If I remember correctly, the glass damage alone went into seven figures. Needless to say, the lawsuits and embarassment have ensured there won't be a repeat of that.

Now, as for the building's design -- as 2112 will tell you, it is ground zero for upskirt shots on even moderately windy days. The facade swirls winds around more than any other building in town. So, it's possible that enough negative pressure could be generated to blow a some windows out in a strong hurricane. I doubt it would be anything close to the rain of glass during Alicia, though.

[2112]

dalparadise, on Sunday, October 17th, 2004 @ 10:51pm, said:

I believe much of the glass breakage was due to loose gravel on the roof of the Tenneco (now El Paso) building being whipped up by the wind. If I remember correctly, the glass damage alone went into seven figures. Needless to say, the lawsuits and embarassment have ensured there won't be a repeat of that.

Now, as for the building's design -- as 2112 will tell you, it is ground zero for upskirt shots on even moderately windy days. The facade swirls winds around more than any other building in town. So, it's possible that enough negative pressure could be generated to blow a some windows out in a strong hurricane. I doubt it would be anything close to the rain of glass during Alicia, though.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dall!!! Youre back!!!

Good to hear from you! Hey, youre making me look like some kinda' prevert! Generally, I dont like my name associated with the phrase "upskirt", although, in the event that one is presented to me, I may have no choice but to look. Its who I am.

Its whats for dinner.

Anyways, hope the magazine and all is doing well. Oh, and, Montrose1100 says hello.

Laters.

[ricco67]

Tsk. Tsk, 2112.


You owe a round.


R

[Metro Matt]

Here are some night shots I took last year on a very cloudy night hence the orange sky from all the city lights. I wonder how come they weren't lighting the top for awhile, then after the Super Bowl its been lit ever since? I like it better at night now, makes downtown more visible from a far.

[MidtownCoog]

The street level lobby of the building could use some work.

My CU is on the 59th Floor. What a view.

[dalparadise]

MidtownCoog, on Tuesday, October 19th, 2004 @ 8:17am, said:

The street level lobby of the building could use some work.

My CU is on the 59th Floor.  What a view.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What's a "CU?"

[MidtownCoog]

Energy One Credit Union.

There is a nice little lobby where you can eat your lunch up there. Great view.

[Heights2Bastrop]

[Montrose1100]

[Heights2Bastrop]

Yes, VH1 originated in Houston. I knew about it, but I weasn't into it or MTV back then, so I don't know all that much about how it got started. I do know that it was 1985 when they were in Allied Bank.

[Montrose1100]

Heights2Bastrop, on Friday, December 3rd, 2004 @ 5:50pm, said:

Yes, VH1 originated in Houston.  I knew about it, but I weasn't into it or MTV back then, so I don't know all that much about how it got started. I do know that it was 1985 when they were in Allied Bank.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thats crazy, but now there in Hollywood.... or NYC?

[MidtownCoog]

I call BS on the VH1 starting in Houston.

Show me in print.

You are getting it confused with that old station on Ch 43(?) that played the four same videos day after day. A local station from downtown.

Duran Duran, Dire Straights, Tina Turner...

ok, three videos.

[pukins]

Hi there, i am doing some research on the wells fargo tower in houston and i came across this forum. specifically i am looking for any information on the damage that was done to it during hurricanes, i guess particularly alicia but anything would be great. did anyone see the glass blown out of the windows? did you hear anything about glass being broken? if you happen to have any pictures or know where i could get some that would make my day. thanks!

[ChannelTwoNews]

pukins, on Tuesday, February 1st, 2005 @ 2:17pm, said:

Hi there, i am doing some research on the wells fargo tower in houston and i came across this forum. specifically i am looking for any information on the damage that was done to it during hurricanes, i guess particularly alicia but anything would be great. did anyone see the glass blown out of the windows? did you hear anything about glass being broken? if you happen to have any pictures or know where i could get some that would make my day. thanks!
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can dig up some captures from some footage I still have from the Hurricane...

I don't recall it did that much to Wells Fargo, though the Hyatt and 1100 Louisiana got it bad on portions.

[pukins]

ChannelTwoNews, on Wednesday, February 2nd, 2005 @ 4:22am, said:

I can dig up some captures from some footage I still have from the Hurricane...

I don't recall it did that much to Wells Fargo, though the Hyatt and 1100 Louisiana got it bad on portions.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you have photos of anything after the hurricane that would be such a huge help. Any photos of damage done to high rise buildings...

THANKS!

[nastor]

Hey, i am doing research on the Wells Fargo Tower too. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the glass systems that the building uses that would be great. Specifically, i need to know what kind of glass it is, and how it is held in place.
thanx alot!

[pukins]

nastor, on Wednesday, February 9th, 2005 @ 8:20pm, said:

Hey, i am doing research on the Wells Fargo Tower too. I was wondering if anyone had any information on the glass systems that the building uses that would be great. Specifically, i need to  know what kind of glass it is, and how it is held in place.
thanx alot!
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you should check it out on emporis.com. there is a listing on there of what construction companies were involved with it and if you call them im sure they could give you an answer.

[brijonmang]

????...yeah...how bout you do us all a favor and stop posting. alright thanks KOK head STEEL

[RaiderDude]

^ hahaha he is kinda random

[Subdude]

My psychic voices are saying he's not going to last long around here...

[luvarch]

interesting building. Does anyone have photos of the interior?

[HoustonianInColorado]

I used to work in what was then the First Interstate Bank building back in 1991-92.

One interesting thing happened that I still recall. . .

I got off the Metro bus at street level. It was raining.

Rode the express elevator to the sky lobby. The sky was clear blue and the clouds were below me.

Rode the local elevator down to my office (47th floor IIRC), and it was densly foggy out my window. Couldn't see a thing. No rain, no blue sky. Just fog.

[LTAWACS]

i like it.

[marc]

Montrose1100, on Sunday, August 29th, 2004 @ 6:42pm, said:

The Wells Fargo Plaza:

Location: Street 1000 Louisiana Street                         
Postcode: 77002
Neighborhood: Downtown
Borough: Inner Loop East
City: Houston
Country: U.S.A.

Technical Data: 
Height: 972 ft (296 m)
Floors: 71
Construction: Built in 1983
Style: Modern

Facts 
- Inside, two double-decked skylobbies offer public views from different heights uring business hours. 
- The building's footprint is in the shape of a dollar sign. 
- Tallest all-glass building in the Western Hemisphere. 
- Wells Fargo Center is located in Houston's Central Business District on the corner of Rusk and Travis Streets. 
- The 71-story building features a warm bronze glass facade and a main lobby adorned with terrazzo tile accented with incandescent lighting. 
- Wells Fargo Center's convenient location offers Metro Bus Service and direct access to downtown Houston's 2.5-mile climate controlled underground pedestrian system. 
- The design partner for Wells Fargo Plaza was Richard Keating. 
- This is the second tallest building in Houston and Texas.

Companies:
owner: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 
owner: Metropolitan Tower Realty Company, Inc. 
developer: Century Development Corporation 
design architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP 
associate architect: Lloyd Jones Brewer & Associates 
general contractor: Turner Construction Company 
structural engineering: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP 
tenant: Wells Fargo Bank 






<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Very Nice.

Some times i think this tower gets overlooked because of the Williams Tower and former TX Commerce Tower. Like other posters, i think it adds great distinctiveness to Houston's skyline. I tried to go to the observation deck back in Dec. when i visited Houston, but it was closed. Is this still true? I would love to be able to see some of the posted vistas first hand.

m.

[marc]

KOKON Steel, on Monday, April 4th, 2005 @ 9:57pm, said:

I like big butts and I cannot lie.  You other brothers can't deny.

Oh yeah the Wells Fargo building is pretty cool.  It's all...glass and whatnot.  Green is good, too.  Greeeeeen...yeah...like the stuff I light and inhale...ohhhh yeah baby.

Cough, Cough...

ohhh, man....

I gotta go, it's time to eat Cheetos.

Later,

I mean on steel...


<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You are an idiot.
m.

[sevfiv]

is is strange that i was linked to this page from google maps?

[Kirzania]

sevfiv, on Tuesday, August 9th, 2005 @ 12:26pm, said:

is is strange that i was linked to this page from google maps?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Oh, that's creepy. I was just thinking/seeing the same thing.