Karick42 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 (edited) Can anyone tell me if they have shut the beacon off? The last couple of times that I have seen the Galleria area at night, it hasn't been on. I tried to do some research to see if any of the news stations had any reports on it but I couldn't find anything. I just had this huge fear that because of high gas prices they might have shut it down for a while or something. Thanks! Edited September 2, 2008 by Karick42 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 Can anyone tell me if they have shut the beacon off? The last couple of times that I have seen the Galleria area at night, it hasn't been on. I tried to do some research to see if any of the news stations had any reports on it but I couldn't find anything. I just had this huge fear that because of high gas prices they might have shut it down for a while or something. Thanks!I asked the same question here.I got no answer, but I have seen the beacon turned on and rotating at night since that post. So it is hit or miss, but it is still on at random times. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karick42 Posted September 2, 2008 Share Posted September 2, 2008 I asked the same question here.I got no answer, but I have seen the beacon turned on and rotating at night since that post. So it is hit or miss, but it is still on at random times.That's crazy that you asked the exact same question! I had no idea. Thanks for the reply though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaskerr Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 (edited) I worked for a company in Transco/Williams for about two and a half years. Was in an office area on the 56th floor close to the northeast corner. The elevators on 1 will take you to 51, then switch to access 52-64. The ones on 2 take 3-50. Taking 1 to 51 took around 45-50 seconds. Being that high up was great, you wouldn't believe all the people who had binoculars or, in a few cases, telescopes. If there was a wreck on 610, you could walk down the east hallway and see everyone standing at the windows looking through their binoculars down onto the accident. They were also good for bikini watches at the half dozen or so hotel swimming pools that you could see from there. When I started, 51 was still open to the west side, but by the time I left the company, Hines had installed a conference room that took up 98% of the window area facing towards the west. The east side was office space...some financial consulting firm I believe. Unfortunately I never tried to go higher to the other floors. Once, when a buddy and I were bored, we tried to race all the way down the stairwell. Being out of shape, I was ready to collapse before we gave up around the 20th floor. Had to keep going down to another floor before we could exit the stairwell without using a cardkey. We never had to evacuate during a fire drill, only had to wait by a stairwell. I just couldn't imagine the chaos that would ensue if they tried to evacuate the building that way. Edited September 10, 2008 by jaskerr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karick42 Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Unfortunately I never tried to go higher to the other floors. Once, when a buddy and I were bored, we tried to race all the way down the stairwell. Being out of shape, I was ready to collapse before we gave up around the 20th floor. Had to keep going down to another floor before we could exit the stairwell without using a cardkey. We never had to evacuate during a fire drill, only had to wait by a stairwell. I just couldn't imagine the chaos that would ensue if they tried to evacuate the building that way.That was pretty funny! I busted out laughing in my office. It must have been really cool to go there every day to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metro Matt Posted September 15, 2008 Share Posted September 15, 2008 (edited) Can anyone tell me if they have shut the beacon off? The last couple of times that I have seen the Galleria area at night, it hasn't been on. I tried to do some research to see if any of the news stations had any reports on it but I couldn't find anything. I just had this huge fear that because of high gas prices they might have shut it down for a while or something. Thanks!HmmWas it after midnight when you saw it? The beacon usually comes on right at dusk & shuts off exactly at midnight. Maintenance maybe? Edited September 15, 2008 by Metro Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelguy_73 Posted September 16, 2008 Share Posted September 16, 2008 (edited) For anyone curious, I was told by a building maintenance manager that the beacon atop Williams Tower was pretty badly damaged in Ike. So it might be a while before we see her light again. Other parts of the building fared much better, with water damage mainly in the corner offices. Edited September 16, 2008 by travelguy_73 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karick42 Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 HmmWas it after midnight when you saw it? The beacon usually comes on right at dusk & shuts off exactly at midnight. Maintenance maybe?No, this was at around 9 or 10. I don't know if it's maintenance because this will be about each week or so. It could be but I'm not sure. I haven't seen it on in a while though. I tried to see if it was on the other night 9/17 and it wasn't on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelguy_73 Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I mentioned this in another Williams Tower thread, but the beacon was damaged by the hurricane and it will probably be a while before any of us see if shining. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arisegundo Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 I saw one helicopter shot on 26 that showed some gaping holes in the pyramid structure at the very top of the tower, but I haven't seen or heard anything else about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmancuso Posted September 19, 2008 Share Posted September 19, 2008 i saw the entire building flicker on and off when the storm hit. i can see it from my bedroom window. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karick42 Posted September 22, 2008 Share Posted September 22, 2008 Thanks for all of the updates everyone. That really is a shame! I can't wait until they get it back up and running. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roadrunner Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 Is the observation deck still closed? And are they shutting off the water wall at night? I always thought that is when it looked best. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted September 28, 2008 Share Posted September 28, 2008 Is the observation deck still closed? And are they shutting off the water wall at night? I always thought that is when it looked best.Water Wall closes at 10.... i think. or 9. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UrbaNerd Posted October 4, 2008 Share Posted October 4, 2008 Was driving home late the other day, and the light seems to be working again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karick42 Posted October 6, 2008 Share Posted October 6, 2008 Was driving home late the other day, and the light seems to be working again.YES, I was going to post the same thing this morning! I saw it on last night a little after 7:30. Good to see it up and working again. It made my weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 This image of the Williams Tower by photo_doug makes it seem like some colossal robot scanning the skies.. or our minds! Run from the tower! Run!You can add your photos to the HAIF Flickr pool, too. All are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 Reminds me of this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 That robot looks friendly; the one to the west terrifies me. I've not even been out the new Katy Freeway for fear of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheeats Posted January 7, 2009 Share Posted January 7, 2009 That robot looks friendly; the one to the west terrifies me. I've not even been out the new Katy Freeway for fear of it. You aren't missing anything. Every morning as I drive towards it I think, "Maybe this is the day that I'll come to peace with the Decepticon." I can't ever truly like the Decepticon, of course, but I'm hoping that I'll eventually make peace with its evil presence. But so far that day has yet to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 16, 2009 Share Posted January 16, 2009 At first glance it looks like something that would be painted on the walls of a day care center, but this undulating landscape is made of actual photographs by telwink. Both the Williams Tower and the water wall are squished into fantasy shapes.You can add your photos to the HAIF Flickr pool, too. All are welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 Williams HDR, originally uploaded by Highway6. The Williams Tower basks in the glow of sunset.Highway6 posted this picture in the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr. You can add you photos to the group. Just click here: HAIF Houston Photo Pool on Flickr . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pumapayam Posted May 19, 2009 Share Posted May 19, 2009 That's almost a whole spectrum of colors in the sky.Nice work Highway6.What a great photo day on HAIF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I'm sure this has a thread elsewhere on HAIF, but I can't find it right now (please post a link do I can merge if you know where it is). The official press release finally came in from Hines (always a day after they tip the Chronicle) that the Williams Tower is for sale. Here's the text: ----- HINES REIT TO SELL ICONIC WILLIAMS TOWER (HOUSTON) - Hines, the international real estate firm, announced today that Hines Real Estate Investment Trust, Inc. (Hines REIT) has engaged the Houston office of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) to bring the iconic Williams Tower to the market for sale. Originally developed by Hines in 1983 as the tallest skyscraper in the world outside of a CBD at the time of its construction, the tower was acquired by Hines REIT in 2008. The 64-story, 1.4 million-square-foot tower is more than 95 percent leased to tenants including: Williams, Hines, Rowan Companies, Quanta Services and Cadence Bancorp. "Williams Tower is a special asset to Hines REIT and Hines," said Charles Hazen, CEO of Hines REIT. "Not only is it one of the REIT's most significant investments, it is also the global headquarters for Hines, and we wanted to choose the right firm to help us market the asset. We believe that the time is right to sell this asset and generate returns for our investors, and we selected Jones Lang LaSalle because of its outstanding reputation and access to major investors around the world, who we believe will be attracted to this world-class property. JLL's global capital markets team will include leaders from Houston, the U.S. and international markets." Designed by renowned architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the tower's familiar silhouette on the Houston sky recalls the art deco style. Clad in silver gray reflective glass and anodized aluminum, the sleek tower is accented by columns of bay windows of non-reflective glass and podium setbacks on two lower floors and four higher levels. Among the tower's distinctions At 909 feet, it is one of the tallest buildings in the world outside of a CBD A 7,000-watt, revolving beacon atop the building can be seen for miles around, creating a virtual urban lighthouse The tower itself has been photographed and featured in publications all over the world The tower is connected by skywalk to the world-famous Galleria, Houston's popular shopping and tourist destination Hines REIT is a Houston-based public real estate investment trust sponsored by Hines. Hines REIT currently owns interests in 57 commercial properties, which contain 26.8 million square feet of leasable space. For additional information about Hines REIT, please see www.hinessecurities.com/hines-reit. Hines is a privately owned real estate firm involved in real estate investment, development and property management worldwide. The firm's historical and current portfolio of projects that are underway, completed, acquired and managed for third parties includes 1,192 properties representing more than 482 million square feet of office, residential, mixed-use, industrial, hotel, medical and sports facilities, as well as large, master-planned communities and land developments. With offices in 110 cities in 18 countries, and controlled assets valued at approximately $22.9 billion, Hines is one of the largest real estate organizations in the world. Hines is also a world leader in sustainable real estate strategies, with extensive experience in LEED, ENERGY STAR®, BREEAM, Haute Qualité Environnementale and DGNB green building rating systems. Visit www.hines.com for more information Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Whoever the new owner will be I hope they keep the rotating light going.I thought it was just under 1 million sqft in area. Anyone know the price yet? Thanks for posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Whoever the new owner will be I hope they keep the rotating light going.I thought it was just under 1 million sqft in area. Anyone know the price yet? Thanks for posting.Something like $450mil. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pleak Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 And I seem to remember reading that they bought it for somewhere around $225-250 million back in 2008.Nice little return. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Is this adjusted for inflation? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Why is Hines selling their Houston skyscrapers? Will they remain HQ'd there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pleak Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Why is Hines selling their Houston skyscrapers? Will they remain HQ'd there?Oppourtunistic cashing out I'm sure. They bought back a trophy property in 2008 when they had money and nobody else could raise money so prices were low. Now prices (especially in Houston) for trophy properties are sky-high - see the recent purchase of the Shell headquarters by the Duncans. So I think it's a case of monetizing a very nice return. I think Hines has been headquartered in the Williams tower ever since they built it. And they haven't owned it for most of the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsb320 Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 Why is Hines selling their Houston skyscrapers? Will they remain HQ'd there?Hopefully, it's to gain capital to invest in new structures now that Main Place is complete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blade Runner Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 It needs to be re-named the Transco Tower, the way it belongs...lol 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Chance Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 My 3rd floor office, facing west, used to be in the Raymond International building which is right across Post Oak from where the Transco ... errrr, Williams Tower is located. That building went up so fast ... must have been some kind of skyscraper construction record. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Otto Mation) Posted October 21, 2012 Share Posted October 21, 2012 MarilynDavenportPhoto has added a photo to the pool: ©2012 Marilyn Davenport Click here to view this photo at the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff8201 Posted December 7, 2012 Share Posted December 7, 2012 SOLD. Well, almost... Saw this a few days ago in the Chronicle City & State section. Found these two links on a Chron.com search.http://blog.chron.com/primeproperty/2012/12/report-dallas-firm-to-buy-houstons-iconic-williams-tower/http://www.chron.com/default/article/Williams-Tower-deal-pegged-at-about-420-million-4091505.php Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijonmang Posted December 7, 2012 Share Posted December 7, 2012 SOLD. Well, almost... Saw this a few days ago in the Chronicle City & State section. Found these two links on a Chron.com search. http://blog.chron.co...williams-tower/ http://www.chron.com...ion-4091505.php Thank goodness! It would be a shame for them to have to tear down this building due to vacancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swtsig Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 went for less than they were hoping for by a solid $30/rsf.... likely a large part of why they decided to hand over all their leasing to Colvill. that said they still made a mint on Williams in only 4 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Otto Mation) Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 ✈ concord⁹⁷⁷ has added a photo to the pool: © Curt Littlejohn / ✈ concord⁹⁷⁷ / aviationcolors© Curt Littlejohn / ✈ concord⁹⁷⁷ / aviationcolorsMore Photos at Houston Click here to view this photo at the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Allen Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 Although I drive by the Williams Tower at least once a week, I never truly appreciate it until I see aerial views of the Post Oak Galleria area. What a behemoth, especially when compared to the other towers around it. Can you all give me a not so textbook (I have read it's history) reason as to the awesome tower's purpose? What I mean is; was it supposed to be iconic and unrivaled (tallest building outside of a CBD)?, was it built to attract other businesses to create supertalls in the area?, what if any is its vacancy rate?, was it one of several similar, smaller towers to be built in the immediate area?, will any developer break the Post Oak glass ceiling in height so to speak with a future tower? Hope my questions make some sense. I have just always wondered about this iconic (one of my favorites after the BoA tower) building which seems to embody Htown's notoriety to erect monoliths amid cow pastures; which I think is one thing that makes this city unique and cool BTW. Any and all thoughts welcome. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strickn Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 "The 64-foot high water wall corresponds to the 64-story height of the tower and ... to the all-time high on the stock market for Transco stock." - Jack Bowen, then-Transco CEO "Due to the cost of the land, which was substantially more expensive than most suburban sites because it was assembled by Hines from small pieces over five years, Hines knew he had to 'intensify the use' of the proposed mall, which led to three key new ideas... When the original Galleria opened [in 1970], Hines revealed his larger aspirations by declaring, 'A shopping center it is not. It will be a new downtown.'" (de Jong, The New SubUrbanisms, 152-3) Not quite in a pasture, Philip Johnson had already been building slick glass towers in the neighborhood at Post Oak Central (1975-), but you are right that it skipped several stages of successional growth and went straight to climax condition. Hines had learned - in Houston - that an advertising image was more important to a building's leasing rates than builders of International-Style oblongs had realized. So accounts that chalk it up to ego (1 or 2) are not quite all-perceptive. It is more about being imageable than about personal image per se. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted January 31, 2014 Share Posted January 31, 2014 I never knew that the Transco Tower (Williams? Psha, it's Transco) was not just an office in the Galleria area, it's connected to one of the Galleria's parking garages. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Allen Posted February 1, 2014 Share Posted February 1, 2014 Thanks Strikn. Answers my questions. One more; is it unrealistic to think the Post Oak height glass ceiling will be breached any time soon? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted July 1, 2014 Share Posted July 1, 2014 This press release came in the mail today. The Houston office of Hines, the international real estate firm, announced today that the recent remodel of the firm's own lease space in the iconic Williams Tower, has received Platinum certification under the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Commercial Interiors Rating System. Hines has occupied levels 49 and 50 (among other floors) in Williams Tower for more than 30 years. These two floors, originally designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, had never undergone any major modifications. Hines selected Houston-based Kirksey Architecture to design the renovation, chiefly because their vision included adaptive reuse of existing materials. Another major design component was the creation of a sweeping, new two-story lobby with a privileged view of downtown Houston in which 12 of Hines' 17 downtown projects are visible. During the remodel, 42 percent of materials and 62 percent of the furniture used for the project were salvaged. Many materials were repurposed, including the marble that serves as countertops in each of the four new public restrooms. In excess of 750 cubic yards of construction waste material, or 96 percent, was diverted from landfill and recycled. The majority of the existing English Oak panels throughout the space were reused, refreshed and slightly modified to allow additional natural light into the floors. Green features implemented during the project include the installation of efficient water fixtures, which reduce potable water usage by 40 percent, or more than 75,000 gallons per year. Also, lighting-power density was reduced by 39 percent over current code requirements and ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances were used to produce a reduction in rated power that will lowerCO2 emissions as much as taking five cars off the road. "We are tremendously proud of this achievement, and we recognize the importance of leading by example and demonstrating our commitment to the environment," said Hines Senior Vice President, Corporate Operations Services, Ilene Allen. "Achieving LEED-CI Platinum is the result of more than 18 months of preparing, planning, and execution by our architects, contractors and employees. "Reflecting our firm's guiding principles-which state that we will strive to be the industry leader in sustainability-this new certification of our corporate headquarters is symbolic of the commitment we have to deliver the highest quality to tenants, owners and investors," added Hines Global Sustainability Officer, Gary Holtzer. Williams Tower is a 1.5 million-square-foot, 64-story office building that was developed by Hines in 1982 and has been managed by Hines since. Designed by Philip Johnson/John Burgee, the tower's familiar silhouette on the Houston sky recalls the art deco style. Clad in silver gray reflective glass and anodized aluminum, the sleek tower is accented by columns of bay windows of non-reflective glass and podium setbacks on two lower floors and four higher levels. Williams Tower is leased to a number of world-class companies, including: Citi, Hines, HOK, Rowan Companies, Van Kampen Investments, Wachovia, and Williams, among others. Hines is one of the most sustainable real estate companies in the world. In 2013 Hines was recognized by the EPA, for the sixth time, with the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence Award. In addition, Hines has received the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award three times. Hines manages 151 labeled buildings, representing more than 71 million square feet, in the ENERGY STAR program. Also, twelve Hines development or redevelopment projects, representing more than six million square feet, have been designated as Designed to Earn the ENERGY STAR. Hines is also a leader in the U.S. Green Building Council's programs, with 201 projects, representing more than 101 million square feet that have been certified, pre-certified or registered under the various LEED rating systems. Hines was a founding member of the German Sustainable Building Council and the Russian Green Building Council, and is active in the Green Building Council Brasil, the Green Building Council España, the Green Building Council Italia, the Indian Green Building Council, the BRE Environmental Assessment Method program in the United Kingdom and the Haute Qualité Environnementale program in France. Hines is a privately owned real estate firm involved in real estate investment, development and property management worldwide. The firm's historical and current portfolio of projects that are underway, completed, acquired and managed for third parties includes 1,317 properties representing more than 541 million square feet of office, residential, mixed-use, industrial, hotel, medical and sports facilities, as well as large, master-planned communities and land developments. Currently, Hines manages 391 properties totaling 161 million square feet, which includes 89.1 million square feet for third parties. With offices in 115 cities in 18 countries, and controlled assets valued at approximately $28.2 billion, Hines is one of the largest real estate organizations in the world. Visit www.hines.com for more information. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasnoDTX Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 In the opinion of this Dallasite... The Williams Tower is the most beautiful tower in Houston. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 "The 64-foot high water wall corresponds to the 64-story height of the tower and ... to the all-time high on the stock market for Transco stock." - Jack Bowen, then-Transco CEOSigh, if only Transco stock had peaked @ $104 instead of $64. Hell, even $84 wouldve been awesome :eek: 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Otto Mation) Posted December 26, 2014 Share Posted December 26, 2014 houstonmacbro has added a photo to the pool: Click here to view this photo at the HAIF Photo Pool on Flickr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfewell22 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I wish they would do something with the nigh time lighting of the tower. Its such an amazing building and it would be really cool if it were lit up at night. The rotating beacon on top has not been on for several months either. Anybody know why that has not been working for a while now? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted January 12, 2015 Share Posted January 12, 2015 I wish they would do something with the nigh time lighting of the tower. Its such an amazing building and it would be really cool if it were lit up at night. The rotating beacon on top has not been on for several months either. Anybody know why that has not been working for a while now? It hasn't been on for a couple weeks. Maybe a week before Christmas? There was also NO Christmas lighting on it this year. Maybe maintenance? You can tell the brown paint on the top has begun to fade and weather quite badly. It's extremely noticeable from the west side looking east. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JasnoDTX Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 My favorite building in Houston and one of my favorite skyscrapers period!Havent seen it in years. Always a jewel. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montrose1100 Posted January 26, 2015 Share Posted January 26, 2015 The beacon is back on but seems dimmer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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