DJ V Lawrence Posted May 23, 2006 Share Posted May 23, 2006 transco energy companyhttp://www.williams.com/newsmedia/newsreleases/rel354.html Thanx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trophy Property Posted May 24, 2006 Share Posted May 24, 2006 I don't think you can compare the two. Transco was bought by Williams, where Enron imploded into bankruptcy. Transco didn't hurt thousands of people, nor does it conjure a negative connotation as Enron does.I was being a little sarcastic, but If Transco is no longer a ongoing concern or is owned by a bigger entity than the name should change. I am sure your original comment was toungue in cheeck as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonianInColorado Posted May 26, 2006 Share Posted May 26, 2006 As for name changes, I will always think of Williams Tower as Transco.Also I call the building on the SWF The Summit, not Compaq Center, and certainly not Lakewood Church. Maybe comes from not living in Houston since 1992. I also don't think of Reliant's tower as anything other than 1100 Milam and actually I think of Reliant itself as HL&P and Entex. Yep, old habits die hard. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The New Juniper Posted June 2, 2006 Share Posted June 2, 2006 As for name changes, I will always think of Williams Tower as Transco.Also I call the building on the SWF The Summit, not Compaq Center, and certainly not Lakewood Church. Maybe comes from not living in Houston since 1992. I also don't think of Reliant's tower as anything other than 1100 Milam and actually I think of Reliant itself as HL&P and Entex. Yep, old habits die hard.I think they should just call it Enron Tower. That should encompass just about everything. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashikaga Posted June 12, 2006 Share Posted June 12, 2006 Williams Tower - formerly known as Transco TowerHeight: 901 feet 64 stories Circa: 1983 Architects: Johnson Burgee and Morris Aubry Facts - Then Transco Tower became Williams Tower when Transco Energy was bought out by Williams Energy Corp. in 1999 - Tallest building outside of any CBD - Rotating beacon at night on roof every 15 seconds - Williams Tower functions as two 32-floor towers stacked on top of each other, complete with separate lobbies, elevators, and garages. - South of the building is a 3-acre park with a large fountain called the "Waterwall" (aka Transco Fountain), designed by the building's architects with Richard Fitzgerald & Partners. The fountain is a stunning work of hydraulic engineering. - The top of the building features a beacon that sweeps the night sky over the Galleria area. - Construction took only 16 months, a remarkably short time for a tower of such height. 2 Pics by Patrick Benders Next four Pics by Mancuso Former 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZbratTX Posted June 20, 2006 Share Posted June 20, 2006 Back in the 80s when I was a student at Rice, a buddy of mine and I decided to go up as high as we could in Transco..........We rode up to the top floor and found a stairwell that led even higher...... we climbed and climbed up until we found ourselves right there next to the motor that drove the spotlight around! And the pyramid roof of the very top was right over our heads. We could not have climbed any higher. It was odd because the spotlight itself, whose beam we had seen night after night shining its great arc across the wide, flat expanses of our restless, beloved city, apparently emanated from a smallish beacon only about the size of a TV set. Has anyone else ventured so high in Transco? This all predates 9/11, of course............In 1999 I was fortunate enough to also climb to the very tip top. It is just exactly as you described and all I can say is EXCITING! Definitely a day I won't soon forget. Zbrat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmancuso Posted June 22, 2006 Share Posted June 22, 2006 Was that brick structure in front of the water wall always there? It looks terrible.always been there. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Moss Posted July 9, 2006 Share Posted July 9, 2006 (edited) The transco is one of my favourites. Please clarify my statement: Is it true that the light on top was inspired by the light on top of the light towers? The light always indicates to me (on 59S) that I am getting closer to home. No it was not. Mr. Hines in 1982 decided he wanted something different than any other building of this nature. He found a group with Disney World help him design a light as what was installed as the building was completed. The transco is one of my favourites. Please clarify my statement: Is it true that the light on top was inspired by the light on top of the light towers? The light always indicates to me (on 59S) that I am getting closer to home. No it was not. Mr. Hines in 1982 decided he wanted something different than any other building of this nature. He found a group with Disney World help him design a light as whast was installed as the building was completed. Was that brick structure in front of the water wall always there? It looks terrible. Yes it was part of the original design and construction that was completed in August of 1983. It apparently has not been kept cleaned as it use to be when I was in Houston with Hines. Edited July 9, 2006 by Gene Moss 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmancuso Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 As for name changes, I will always think of Williams Tower as Transco.Also I call the building on the SWF The Summit, not Compaq Center, and certainly not Lakewood Church. Maybe comes from not living in Houston since 1992. I also don't think of Reliant's tower as anything other than 1100 Milam and actually I think of Reliant itself as HL&P and Entex. Yep, old habits die hard.i never called that areana the compaq center either...always the summit but now i do call it lakewood beucase it's no longer an arena but a supersized church.the transco tower will always be the transco tower to be but wachovia tower does sound a lot better than williams tower. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted July 26, 2006 Share Posted July 26, 2006 My cousin is an accountant and works in the upper floors of the Williams Tower. Perhaps I should ask what the 'low-down' is. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gilder Posted September 12, 2006 Share Posted September 12, 2006 Excellent Photos. I really enjoy that last one. Balance, lighting, beautiful! Did you take these yourself? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texas911 Posted October 4, 2006 Share Posted October 4, 2006 I'll let you guys in on a little secret. P. Johnson played a joke on Houston, when viewed from the air, the Williams Tower with the plaza and waterwall form a very distinct phallic symbol. Burdette Keeland said this was done on purpose. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark F. Barnes Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 Ach, turn off those light stripes! Turn some lights on inside the building, and turn the beacon on at 6 instead of 7! (and don't turn it off til sunrise!) Ask and ye shall receive...... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 Although mine aren't as good as some posted, I thought I would put in a couple of photo's I've taken recently. Edit: Sorry, I had another cool pic of Williams but don't have it loaded to my Photobucket acount. I'll post it later. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted October 7, 2006 Share Posted October 7, 2006 it's one of the few buildings in houston that really resembles a big p*nis. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dalparadise Posted October 8, 2006 Share Posted October 8, 2006 Although mine aren't as good as some posted, I thought I would put in a couple of photo's I've taken recently. Edit: Sorry, I had another cool pic of Williams but don't have it loaded to my Photobucket acount. I'll post it later. Don't sell yourself short. That is an amazing photo. I've never seen that angle before. It almost doesn't look like Houston. Amazing photo skills. Can't wait for the other one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonfella Posted October 8, 2006 Share Posted October 8, 2006 (edited) Actually, this tower is pretty awesome. It reflects power, greatness and America's Energy Capital so well. There isn't anything more intended; stop with the negative junk. We have the tallest building in the world outside a CBD. Houston, you are one big Mother..... I am so fortunte I get to be a part of it. H-town Edited October 8, 2006 by houstonfella 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texas911 Posted October 9, 2006 Share Posted October 9, 2006 What negative junk? Its true, if someone can post an aeral view of the building you'll see it clear as day. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireFlyter Posted January 24, 2007 Share Posted January 24, 2007 My Ex-Wife called it the "RAID" building, reminding her of the old, (1970's) "Raid Pest Spray" commercial showing an animated, tall can sweeping out a "dose of poison gas" from his "cap", no disrespect intended, it has always been one of my favorites as well, and is one of the few things I can smile about when I think of our marriage gone wrong...[quote name='DaTrain' date='Saturday, January 15th, 2005 @ 6:54pm' post='12158']Williams Tower - formerly known as Transco Tower Height: 901 feet 64 stories Circa: 1983 Architects: Johnson Burgee and Morris Aubry Facts - Then Transco Tower became Williams Tower when Transco Energy was bought out by Williams Energy Corp. in 1999 - Tallest building outside of any CBD - Rotating beacon at night on roof every 15 seconds - Williams Tower functions as two 32-floor towers stacked on top of each other, complete with separate lobbies, elevators, and garages. - South of the building is a 3-acre park with a large fountain called the "Waterwall" (aka Transco Fountain), designed by the building's architects with Richard Fitzgerald & Partners. The fountain is a stunning work of hydraulic engineering. - The top of the building features a beacon that sweeps the night sky over the Galleria area. - Construction took only 16 months, a remarkably short time for a tower of such height. 2 Pics by Patrick Benders Next four Pics by Mancuso Former "TRANSCO" inscription Waterwall From Soul of America 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feufoma Posted January 25, 2007 Share Posted January 25, 2007 I really love this building, but I'd like to point out that it's no longer the tallest building outside of a primary CBD. That, I believe, is the Manara Telekom Tower in Kuala Lumpur. And, I'm pretty certain that numerous buildings in Dubai will soon take the honors. However, Transco is the tallest building in the U.S. outside of a CBD. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Houston19514 Posted January 25, 2007 Share Posted January 25, 2007 I really love this building, but I'd like to point out that it's no longer the tallest building outside of a primary CBD. That, I believe, is the Manara Telekom Tower in Kuala Lumpur. And, I'm pretty certain that numerous buildings in Dubai will soon take the honors. However, Transco is the tallest building in the U.S. outside of a CBD.Interesting, but from what I've been able to find, it appears that the Manara Telekom Tower is in the central business district. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted January 28, 2007 Share Posted January 28, 2007 Great tower, but to me it always seems that the top is a little too flat. If there were just a more of a "point" to the top it would be perfect imo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 I havn't taken alot of pictures lately, and sometimes I even leave my camera at home... but I brought mine today when I was helping my friend sell her books back to U of H, and we went to the Galleria after. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tamtagon Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 That's one of my favorite building, looks great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boris Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Nice 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rio Grande Valley Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 When ever I visit Houston, I'm always stunned at the beauty of Williams Tower. Indeed, an impressive landmark that makes residents and visitors feel welcomed. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc Posted May 14, 2007 Share Posted May 14, 2007 Thanks for the pix. Montrose. Most certainly one of my favorite Houston skyscrapers and landmarks. Like the Chrystler Building, although this design represents an era, i think it timeless. 200 years from now, unless there is a RADICAL change in architectural styles, it will still fit nicely into UT's look. I wonder how long it will remain the tallest in UT until surpassed? Any thoughts? m. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Talbot Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Great pics. I also love that building so very much. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted May 17, 2007 Share Posted May 17, 2007 Do you like that building or something? Great pictures as always man. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Great shots!Just wondering if you ended up getting bitched at by any of the rentacops on-site at any point during your photo series... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Nice That building reminds me of Givinchy Xeryrus 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted May 18, 2007 Share Posted May 18, 2007 Great shots!Just wondering if you ended up getting bitched at by any of the rentacops on-site at any point during your photo series...Only happened a couple of times, only Downtown though. Of corse, I was in the wrong at the JP Morgan Chase Tower, since it was the observation deck. However, at 1400 Smith, I was walking on the street taking a picture, and this woman tells me I can't. I'm like "Chyaah... u know what? Uh-Uh!". And she kept saying "You can't take pictures of the building" and so finally I was like This is a public road, no? I pay taxes, so you can't tell me what to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxDave Posted May 19, 2007 Share Posted May 19, 2007 I still love this tower. I believe its classic style combined with its modern character will stand the test of time and remain a great building far into the future. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 (edited) . Edited May 25, 2007 by Highway6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted May 25, 2007 Share Posted May 25, 2007 I always think it looks best from the angles where the black vertical bands are highlighted ... usually from an off angle. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StripesAce Posted June 17, 2007 Share Posted June 17, 2007 I contacted Hines management office asking for persmisson to access the observation deck. They allowed me access to watch a sunset. After that adventure, I'd say that you could probably just walk in the building and take the express elevator to floor 56? and then take the next eleverator to level 64 unless hines has that floor keygaurded as that is there office. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cameron Posted June 20, 2007 Share Posted June 20, 2007 I'm doing a powerpoint presentation on the tower. Does anyone have any pics from when the building was being constructed? I have looked and can't find anything. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terrbo Posted July 5, 2007 Share Posted July 5, 2007 Anyone remember, kinda bleary memory, when the Transco Tower was "almost" completed, or maybe when they started building it, they had this big party at the Tower. I remember going to 2 parties that nite.. first a party of work peeps.. then this. I remember Herschel Berry playing.. the offices were not ready yet, but lots of people, some fancily dressed, but not me in my jeans.It was a pretty good party..anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wxman Posted December 10, 2007 Share Posted December 10, 2007 I caught the tail end of a story by ABC 13 saying something about the Williams Tower and all the land around it being sold. Can anybody pull the story or has anybody heard about this? Is it for development? Pardon the lack of info. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwilson Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Dangit! I was hoping to get rich enough to buy it before they decided to sell. SHUX! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 It was in the business section of yesterday's paperhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/busine...ff/5362493.html 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 (edited) I caught the tail end of a story by ABC 13 saying something about the Williams Tower and all the land around it being sold. Can anybody pull the story or has anybody heard about this? Is it for development? Pardon the lack of info.For a long time, Williams Tower had more than its fair share of vacancy. Now that it is more fully occupied and that a lot of leases have turned over while new ones have been signed, all locking in higher rates, it would seem that the owner is just looking to cash in. As for the land around it, now isn't a bad time to be selling that, either. Edited December 11, 2007 by TheNiche 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbigtex56 Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Unfortunately, this probably means that Transco Williams Tower will get another moniker.Why can't Houston buidings take a lesson from, say, the Chrysler Building, and just stick with the name under which it was built? These name changes get so confusing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Unfortunately, this probably means that Transco Williams Tower will get another moniker.Why can't Houston buidings take a lesson from, say, the Chrysler Building, and just stick with the name under which it was built? These name changes get so confusing.Naming rights are negotiated as part of a tenant's lease--it isn't just the owner being nice to a corporation for no apparent reason. The sale of a building does not void the terms of any tenant's lease. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
houstonmacbro Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Maybe they'll turn the rest of the unused space into luxury condos. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mls1202 Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 For a long time, Williams Tower had more than its fair share of vacancy. Now that it is more fully occupied and that a lot of leases have turned over while new ones have been signed, all locking in higher rates, it would seem that the owner is just looking to cash in. As for the land around it, now isn't a bad time to be selling that, either.I would hate to see some of that park land surrounding the tower to go to other developers. However, I can't help but imagine a cool, dare I say "mixed use", development around it with the Water Wall the central point. Kind of like around the Trevi Fountain in Rome. With all the high dollar condominiums up and going up in that area, it seems to be a likely area. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saddleman Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 (edited) If I had half a billion dollars to through around, I'd buy it. Then I'd turn the top couple of floors into my home. But that's just pie in sky. Edited December 11, 2007 by kingkirbythegreatoftexas 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted December 11, 2007 Share Posted December 11, 2007 Why can't Houston buidings take a lesson from, say, the Chrysler Building, and just stick with the name under which it was built? These name changes get so confusing.I agree! Bring back Enron! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNiche Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/5646728.htmlA subsidiary of Hines Real Estate Investment Trust is buying the 65-story Williams Tower in the Galleria area for $271.5 million, according to a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.The sale includes an adjacent parking garage, a 47.8 percent undivided interest in a 2.8-acre park and waterwall and a 2.3-acre land parcel across the street from the tower on Post Oak Boulevard.The balance of the undivided interest in the park and waterwall is owned by an affiliate of Hines Interests Limited Partnership.Houston-based Hines built the 1.5-million-square-foot Transco Tower in 1982. It was eventually renamed and is approximately 91 percent leased.http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/sto...tml?t=printableHines REIT Properties LP has a contract to acquire the 64-story landmark -- the tallest building in the Galleria area -- in a deal expected to close on May 1. Houston-based Hines originally developed the 1.5 million-square-foot building in 1982, but no longer holds an ownership stake in the structure. Hines' headquarters is located in the building at 2800 Post Oak Blvd. Hines and its affiliates lease about 135,000 square feet in the building, and Hines is responsible for leasing and managing the skyscraper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lockmat Posted March 25, 2008 Share Posted March 25, 2008 So does this have any ramifications we'd be interested in? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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