Chevron Tower For Downtown: 58-Stories At 1600 Louisiana St.

[King Owl]

@ King Owl: You're sure now?  While extremely vital, I don't think people are completely clear on your position. Try using all caps next time and maybe someone at Cheveron will hear you.

 

 Let's just keep it in perspective, the McDonalds never got 80 postings in 1/2 a day before.

 

I must have struck a nerve with you -- relax, champ.

 

If your bar for success is good height, then you got it.  If your definition of grand architecture is a box with the same glass used on the original 1400 Smith building 30 years ago, then you got it, too.  

 

by the way it's written "Chevron", just so you know 

 

but seriously, all in all I do commend Chevron for their commitment to downtown Houston, and their commitment to building a tall skyscraper.  I just wish they had shown a bit more creativity on the design, that's all.

[wxman]

I'd also add that the building will not be nearly that "blue". If it is to mirror the other Chevron buildings (Enron 1 and 2) then this building will most certainly be metallic or silver in nature. That will also help it stand out prolly.

[xsatyr]

Maybe, but not everyone (outside HAIFville) has problems with glass boxes. Some people actually like them. I've always been a fan of streamlined, non-oramented, simple, clean design. It's done a lot in Houston for sure, and thats fine by me. We do it well. 

 

Obviously I'm not alone in this opinion because the downtown Houston skyline has been impressing the world for a very long time now. This building won't hurt Houston at all.

 

We have enough of those. King Owl's sentiments are shared by many.

[lockmat]

Is it just me, or does the western half after the recessed area look taller than the eastern part?

[Mister X]

I like how how this tower works with the others that surround it. What's so wrong with buildings complementing each other vs competing with each other? That's what they do in Dallas, and their hodgepodge of a skyline has all the grace of a table at a pot luck dinner. Every building there is in business for itself with no regard whatsoever with the buildings that surround it.  

 

Houston's skyline is so exceptionally beautiful because the buildings work together as a cohesive unit. Those boxes that everybody loves to complain about is EXACTLY what makes makes Houston's downtown skyline look good. There are enough supporting buildings around to allow the 'stars' to shine. Also, their are many ways for a building to add to a skyline other than pointy roofs or trendy spires. Color, texture, height, contours ect. can and do contribute to the overall effect of a skyline (and other things).  Sometimes these combinations help, sometimes they hurt. In this case, using similar glass makes some sense. The new building is apart of a collection, so I can at least understand why an architect would want to use a glassy style that would fit in with the other parts of the collection. 

 

Could C-H-E-V-R-O-N have gone a little less predictable? Sure. But this works. Not saying this is going to be the most beautiful building in the world. But it supports it's neighbors and will make an impact on the skyline - in an understated, yet commanding way. 

 

I get it. One man's 'understated' is another man's 'boring'.  Just as one man's 'dynamic' is another man's 'tacky'.

 

King Owl's opinions may be shared by some amateur internet architecture critic wannabees (no offense to anybody as I am one), but unfortunately for you all, not by anyone that counts (decision makers).

 

No hard feelings tho, not everyone's going to get what they want. I think I figured out that you were disappointed on your 3rd posting today, Mr. Owl. But their is no harm making certain that EVERYONE in Houston knows your stance, just in case they missed it the first 10 times that you posted it today. I do it all the time and everybody LOVES me!

 

And just so YOU know King, sentences usually begin with capitol letters. But, we all make typos and take liberties every once and a while. It will be o.k.  - or do I need to make 10 more posting saying the SAME THING just to make certain that you understand my point of view.    

Edited July 4, 2013 by Mister X

[Howard Huge]

I wonder how the design meeting went at HOK...

9am, Main conference room

VP of design of HOK: "I'll bet you're curious why I've gathered you all here today for this meeting. Well, Chevron has decided to build the largest sq footage building in downtown Houston in the past 30 years. This will be a historic building that will make its mark on the fabulous Houston skyline. After much thought, I'm here to present you with the design.

heads to unveil the rendering in the front of the room

Here it is! After much thought, I've incorporated the exact same glass from the other two Chevron buildings, and we've fashioned it in a perfectly symmetrical BOX. One of our finest designs yet!"

I'll put the bill in the mail to Chevron tomorrow. Total man hours worked from the HOK side: 1.5."

+1,000,000

You just won the internet, sir.

[xsatyr]

I like how how this tower works with the others that surround it. What's so wrong with buildings complementing each other vs competing with each other? That's what they do in Dallas, and their hodgepodge of a skyline has all the grace of a table at a pot luck dinner. Every building there is in business for itself with no regard whatsoever with the buildings that surround it.  

 

Houston's skyline is so exceptionally beautiful because the buildings work together as a cohesive unit. Could C-H-E-V-R-O-N have gone a little less predictable? Sure. But this works. Not saying this is going to be the most beautiful building in the world. But it supports it's neighbors and will make an impact on the skyline - in an understated, yet commanding way.

 

I get it. One man's 'understated' is another man's 'boring'.  Just as one man's 'dynamic' is another man's 'tacky'.

 

King Owl's opinions may be shared by some amateur internet architecture critic wannabees (no offense to anybody as I am one), but unfortunately for you all, not by anyone that counts (decision makers).

 

No hard feelings tho, not everyone's going to get what they want. I think I figured out that you were disappointed on your 3rd posting today, Mr. Owl. But their is no harm making certain that EVERYONE in Houston knows your stance, just in case they missed it the first 10 times that you posted it today. I do it all the time and everybody LOVES me!

 

And just so YOU know King, sentences usually begin with capitol letters. But, we all make typos and take liberties every once and a while. It will be o.k.  - or do I need to make 10 more posting saying the SAME THING just to make certain that you understand my point of view.    

 

His opinion would probably be shared by many world-renowned architects. It's probably even shared with many Chevron associates. Also everyone here knows we are not the decision makers but this is a forum where we voice them.

[KinkaidAlum]

well, if this is "Chevron's answer" to the ExxonMobil campus, then I'd tell them they've missed the mark.  They had a chance to do something really cool with this building that would get people talking, but they squandered it.

 

I couldn't disagree with you more. Chevron did do something really cool with this building; LOCATION. 

 

A 50 story tower and a bustling urban campus is going to get a lot more people talking than a sprawling campus hidden away in a part of the metro that most people never even visit. 

[Urbannizer]

For what it's worth it looked like they had fencing on site today on my commute home

Yep, abc13 video shows that fencing went up for the site.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/html5/video?id=9160948&pid=9160778&section=news/local

Edited July 4, 2013 by Urbannizer

[shasta]

I don't know how many people have read the book "The Rise of the Creative Class" but Florida makes the assertion that in demand, talented employees prefer to work in diverse, 'quality of place' cities. On a micro level, it will see which one attracts the most sought after employees:  Exxon Mobil, with its self contained suburban campus, or Chevron, with a significant investment in downtown and all that will be available to downtown workers. Throw in a third options, the Energy Companies located in the Energy Corridor and it should be interesting.

 

My guess is that it will come down to $$$ BUT with all things equal, it will be interesting to see which one of these three locations attracts more quality employees. Downtown lifestyle of suburban lifestyle.

[capnmcbarnacle]

This snippet from the WSJ...

"Final investment decision for the project, designed by HOK, is expected in the second quarter of 2014. Groundbreaking will follow final investment decision, and occupancy is anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2016."

How many times does the first public rendering turn out to be the one we see built? What are the odds this rendering changes between now and "final investment decision?"

Edited July 4, 2013 by capnmcbarnacle

[Ross]

I don't know how many people have read the book "The Rise of the Creative Class" but Florida makes the assertion that in demand, talented employees prefer to work in diverse, 'quality of place' cities. On a micro level, it will see which one attracts the most sought after employees:  Exxon Mobil, with its self contained suburban campus, or Chevron, with a significant investment in downtown and all that will be available to downtown workers. Throw in a third options, the Energy Companies located in the Energy Corridor and it should be interesting.

 

My guess is that it will come down to $$$ BUT with all things equal, it will be interesting to see which one of these three locations attracts more quality employees. Downtown lifestyle of suburban lifestyle.

 

Once the employees have kids, the vast majority of them move to the suburbs where there's room to play, better schools, and better activities. Those of us who live in the City are the exception.

[Montrose1100]

I was hoping for a subtle "chevron" symbol in the top if the tower, like their building did in the Houston Center.

I'm glad they went with a mimic facade. The original has stood the test of time, and still looks f****** fabulous! I see they are cutting off the street? Was this approved by the city?

Also, I'm curious about the night time lighting, as it will certainly stand out in that location. This part of town could really use a new skyscraper, kind of baron. I'm just upset it's not 900', as I've dreamt up a building if that height would balance out the skyline from every angle.

[lockmat]

They didn't cut the street off, it's currently one piece of land.

[Montrose1100]

They didn't cut the street off, it's currently one piece of land.

Right you are... According to apple maps, the entire block is a huge chevron gas station.

You may have won this time lockmat... This time

[nativehoustonion]

I could not find it anywhere on The Dallas Morning News.  It took me 3 links to find the Chevron Tower on The Dallas Business Journal that linked To The Houston Business Journal.  I guess that don't want Dallasites that the competitor south of them is cranking up.  LOL!     

[Gary]

Sure hope this isn't the final product. While it's great to have another tall tower, this building is pretty bland. It's in such a high profile area and has the opportunity to really shine if done with a little pizazz. Surely Chevron is aware of this and in the end will wow us.

[wxman]

Is this the first 50-story tower to go up in Houston since the Heritage Plaza in '86?

[cloud713]

Is this the first 50-story tower to go up in Houston since the Heritage Plaza in '86?

 

yes it is, its the tallest/biggest building built in downtown in almost 30 years. with all this new development it would seem another boom time is here for Houston. the future is bright.. cant wait till 2017 to see the majority of the large projects complete. though who knows how many more projects will be announced between now and the superbowl that surely wont be able to be completed in time for the big show.

[Howard Huge]

Sure hope this isn't the final product. While it's great to have another tall tower, this building is pretty bland. It's in such a high profile area and has the opportunity to really shine if done with a little pizazz. Surely Chevron is aware of this and in the end will wow us.

Shhhhhhhhhhh! Keep your disappointment to yourself or Mister X will get mad and start insulting you on the board! We are all supposed to be thrilled with the simple box design and be happy with whatever they build, please dont have an opinion. What do you think this is, some kind of message board to discuss Houston Architecture or something??

['Stonian]

Shhhhhhhhhhh! Keep your disappointment to yourself or Mister X will get mad and start insulting you on the board! We are all supposed to be thrilled with the simple box design and be happy with whatever they build, please dont have an opinion. What do you think this is, some kind of message board to discuss Houston Architecture or something??

 

Hilarious - get's my vote for "Post of the Year"!   

[Mister X]

OUCH! I musta hurt Howard's feelings bad this time. But when you're right, you're right. I'm such a b****. 

 

This is a message board to discuss architecture? I thought it was the complaint desk of the damned (you know, a place for people to go who's lives suck).  Just kidding Howard don't get cranky.

 

Heaven help the person around here who has anything nice to say about anything. Don't like the (fill in the blank)? Not my problem. Now back to your regularly scheduled whining , I mean "discussion".

Edited July 5, 2013 by Mister X

[cloud713]

What are the possibilities of the executives moving corporate headquarters to Houston in the near future? someone on another message board seems to be pretty sure it will happen within the next 5 years and those executives will be moving into the old Exxonmobil building, expanding Chevrons campus even further.

[xsatyr]

OUCH! I musta hurt Howard's feelings bad this time. But when you're right, you're right. I'm such a b****. 

 

This is a message board to discuss architecture? I thought it was the complaint desk of the damned (you know, a place for people to go who's lives suck).  Just kidding Howard don't get cranky.

 

Heaven help the person around here who has anything nice to say about anything. Don't like the (fill in the blank)? Not my problem. Now back to your regularly scheduled whining , I mean "discussion".

 

I srsly hope you're a teenager. That maturity...

Edited July 5, 2013 by xsatyr

[Mister X]

I srsly hope you're a teenager. That maturity...

 

 

I "srsly" hope you aren't an HISD teacher.   We should take this outside. I thought this thread was about your right to hate on boxes or something. 

[xsatyr]

I "srsly" hope you aren't an HISD teacher.   We should take this outside. I thought this thread was about your right to hate on boxes or something. 

 

This thread is for the discussion of a proposed skyscraper in an architectural forum. ALL opinions of the building are welcomed.

Edited July 5, 2013 by xsatyr

[Hugh Stone]

I thought it was the complaint desk of the damned 

 

 

Its not just this board. The Swamplot comment board is usually nothing but a collection of complaints. More often than not, people only take the time to post things if they are unhappy about something. It's human nature. If someone gets good service in a restaurant they might tell somebody. But if they get bad service they will tell 3 people.  

[livincinco]

It seems to me that the current trend is to put a higher emphasis on features other than exterior appearance right now, but that's strictly a layman's perspective. LEEDS certification and how "liveable" a building is inside, seem to be a much higher emphasis.

Asking that question to the pros in the room, is that an accurate assessment or am I way off base?

[tangledwoods]

It seems to me that the current trend is to put a higher emphasis on features other than exterior appearance right now, but that's strictly a layman's perspective. LEEDS certification and how "liveable" a building is inside, seem to be a much higher emphasis.

Asking that question to the pros in the room, is that an accurate assessment or am I way off base?

 

The problem with exterior features is all related to the cost of curtain wall.  About 5 years ago the bottom fell out of the glass market and something called unitized curtain wall started to become the norm.  Unitized curtain wall has a ton of benefits beyond traditional stick built glazing including: (energy performance, structural performance, keeping water out performance).

 

Once unitized systems became the standard, it became cost prohibitive to do anything else in the spandrel portion of the facade.  We can use metal panels, stone, etc but in order to keep cost down they are typically glazed into the curtain wall.  Combine that with the fact that there are less than 10 proven unitized designs on the market right now leads us to the era of "the boring glass box"

 

Architects are fighting this like mad but they are up against significant challenges from developers (cost).  We are seeing products start to compete but this glass box trend is going to be around for a while.

[Mister X]

The problem with exterior features is all related to the cost of curtain wall.  About 5 years ago the bottom fell out of the glass market and something called unitized curtain wall started to become the norm.  Unitized curtain wall has a ton of benefits beyond traditional stick built glazing including: (energy performance, structural performance, keeping water out performance).

 

Once unitized systems became the standard, it became cost prohibitive to do anything else in the spandrel portion of the facade.  We can use metal panels, stone, etc but in order to keep cost down they are typically glazed into the curtain wall.  Combine that with the fact that there are less than 10 proven unitized designs on the market right now leads us to the era of "the boring glass box"

 

Architects are fighting this like mad but they are up against significant challenges from developers (cost).  We are seeing products start to compete but this glass box trend is going to be around for a while.

 

Boo-hoo. I guess this news is like death for the anti-box crowd.   I couldn't be happier tho. I love Houston. Now bring on the hate!

[ig2ba]

Once the employees have kids, the vast majority of them move to the suburbs where there's room to play, better schools, and better activities. Those of us who live in the City are the exception.

 

This will all be a wonderful experiment: which company will attract more employees - the one based in the suburbs or the one in downtown?

 

Exxon is certainly very convenient for people on the north side but nearly impossible (long-term) for people living in Katy, Sugar Land, Pearland, or Clear Lake. Chevron is very convenient for only some workers, but is doable for almost any employee on any side of town, especially when all of the HOV lanes and express buses head towards downtown (and not towards some secluded forest location).

 

I can tell you this for sure - there will be employees switching from Exxon to Chevron and Chevron to Exxon (and similar companies). In fact, it's happening already.

[ricco67]

It just occurred to me... I wonder how many Exxon Employees are going to try to jump ship and work for Chevron?   I've been talking to a huge number of Exxon employees and plenty of them are not happy about going to the campus.

[ig2ba]

Is it just me, or does the western half after the recessed area look taller than the eastern part?

 

Good catch. I really wonder what that could be. I'd like to see a rendering of the north side of the building.

[ig2ba]

It just occurred to me... I wonder how many Exxon Employees are going to try to jump ship and work for Chevron?   I've been talking to a huge number of Exxon employees and plenty of them are not happy about going to the campus.

 

I've heard the same. One guy wants to stay inside the Loop because of his wife's work (living in the northern burbs wouldn't be practical), but is none too pleased about the move. And they have kids. We shouldn't assume that having a family means you automatically want to move to the burbs and that of course The Woodlands is the most desirable suburb.

[ricco67]

I've heard the same. One guy wants to stay inside the Loop because of his wife's work (living in the northern burbs wouldn't be practical), but is none too pleased about the move. And they have kids. We shouldn't assume that having a family means you automatically want to move to the burbs and that of course The Woodlands is the most desirable suburb.

 

What is the final straw to a number of them, are those that are located south of the city would be denied a moving stipend because it isn't far enough.

[lockmat]

On the bright side, the commute going north on 45 is excellent. I take it and never have to slow down.

[Gary]

The problem with exterior features is all related to the cost of curtain wall.  About 5 years ago the bottom fell out of the glass market and something called unitized curtain wall started to become the norm.  Unitized curtain wall has a ton of benefits beyond traditional stick built glazing including: (energy performance, structural performance, keeping water out performance).

 

Once unitized systems became the standard, it became cost prohibitive to do anything else in the spandrel portion of the facade.  We can use metal panels, stone, etc but in order to keep cost down they are typically glazed into the curtain wall.  Combine that with the fact that there are less than 10 proven unitized designs on the market right now leads us to the era of "the boring glass box"

 

Architects are fighting this like mad but they are up against significant challenges from developers (cost).  We are seeing products start to compete but this glass box trend is going to be around for a while.

 

Great post. Wasn't aware of the "unitized curtain wall".

[Gator80]

I'm just happy to see Chevron making such a strong commitment to downtown. Of course I wish the architecture was more striking and that the building was taller. I have serious doubts that any of us over the age of 30 will live to see anything resembling the trophy towers put up 30 years ago happen again in our lifetimes. With few exceptions like Transco those were put up for regional banks and that world doesn't exist anymore.

[King Owl]

I'm just happy to see Chevron making such a strong commitment to downtown. Of course I wish the architecture was more striking and that the building was taller. I have serious doubts that any of us over the age of 30 will live to see anything resembling the trophy towers put up 30 years ago happen again in our lifetimes. With few exceptions like Transco those were put up for regional banks and that world doesn't exist anymore.

 

not sure how you can make that claim when Devon built that beauty in OKC

[Montrose1100]

not sure how you can make that claim when Devon built that beauty in OKC

It's only a beauty because everything else in that city is ugly. Had it been built in our downtown it would only have been a "filler". Imagine BG Group Place was built in San Antonio, it would be their signature.

Edit: Maybe San Antonio is a bad example, because they actually have some beautiful high rises. Let's use El Paso or Fort Worth instead.

Edited July 6, 2013 by Montrose1100

[LarryDierker]

850 feet would surely be a bit more than filler.

[Fortune]

I agree if the Devon tower was built here people would be complaining that it is boring and shaped like a box.

[lockmat]

I agree if the Devon tower was built here people would be complaining that it is boring and shaped like a box.

Really?

It has a great crown and very nice angles. Very elegant IMO. I think it would fit in beautifully with our skyline.

[xsatyr]

I agree if the Devon tower was built here people would be complaining that it is boring and shaped like a box.

 

Except it's not a box...

 

Devon has some nice features and is a perfect example on how to differentiate from a glass box. Very classy and not gaudy at all.

Edited July 6, 2013 by xsatyr

[Gary]

I can't understand why some here have a problem with many of us wanting something other than glass and stucco boxes. Almost as if were being accused of being spoiled children.

 

Houston is my city of choice, and I love it. having said that I want the best for my city, and when a building comes down the pike that will forever change it's skyline, I for one am hoping for something that shines.

[Montrose1100]

850 feet would surely be a bit more than filler.

If it was outside of Downown, yeah. I consider anything that isn't greater then 250ft taller than a building a block or two away a filler. Unless it is so visually striking that it doesn't need height.

I wonder how the architects following the original tower built in 1983 took being told "same glass facade, but you can play with the shape." Cesar Pelli with the one in 2002, and now this one.

I thinks it's cool they have chosen different ones each time. I like that it will be the same color, but I wonder what other designs they have considered.

Edited July 6, 2013 by Montrose1100

[lockmat]

1.7 mil sqf in 50 floors is 34k sqf/floor, right?

The floor plates don't look nearly that big. 34k are huge floor plates, right?

[Deut28Thirteen]

The tower is not as tall or bold as many wanted but it adds to our skyline and complements the other towers downtown. Chevron wanted a cost efficient, centrally located, and comfortable office space for its employees and this new tower does that nicely. I was really hoping that they would build the city’s tallest tower but a tower that 75+ stories and 1000+ feet was probably never consider when researching what their new tower would be.

[cloud713]

1.7 mil sqf in 50 floors is 34k sqf/floor, right?

The floor plates don't look nearly that big. 34k are huge floor plates, right?

 

im sure they are including the podium in that figure too, which looks to be quite large. if you count the floors on the tower, there are 50 floors ON TOP of the podium.

[lockmat]

im sure they are including the podium in that figure too, which looks to be quite large. if you count the floors on the tower, there are 50 floors ON TOP of the podium.

That's what I figured, too. But the chron report says 1.7 sqf of "office space." The state of Texas press release just says 1.7 sqf tower, which is probably more accurate and makes more sense.

The floor plates look smallish, giving the tower a taller feel, which I like.