invisibletrees

It is highly unlikely. The most I expect they would do after the building is redeveloped is refresh the interior, if needed 20 to 40 years from now - and reducing square footage to go back to the original form decades from now may be more unreasonable because there may be a time again in the future where office space will not be greatly available downtown. The building will not only go under a major redo because of new towers proposed, but because of how the building is somewhat isolated today. 20 to 40 years from now, the surrounding area may see more development and become attractive enough to where the owner may not see a need to do anything to the building, or be a factor why a tenant or tenants decides to stay in the building. Some people may like the current state of 800 Bell, but there are many others that find the building outdated. Some unique buildings here in Houston that will always look how they stand today are Pennzoil Place, Bank of America Plaza, JP Morgan Chase Tower, Williams Tower - icons. Those are buildings people who don't know downtown Houston well can name when thinking of buildings in this city, 800 Bell and One Allen Center are not. A tower going under similar redevelopment right now is 100 Van Ness in San Francisco. The biggest difference though is that the tower is being converted from office to residential use, but it's also getting the new all-glass look. You won't see Transmerica Pyrmaid in San Fran receiving a new look. Why? Because it's a icon to that city. My point is that many towers receive a new look, and they all don't go back to their "original look".

hmmmmm... was looking forward to seeing these

Yes. It will just be an empty parking lot with a fence around it.

Chevron is indeed moving forward with this tower. I think you guys will like the design even more once new renderings are released. As to Arche, I would say that you should gather more information from your friend before spreading a rumor that's incorrect. I understand why others here are getting worked up, this is something pretty big for downtown.

Are you allowed to tell us if it's a local architecture firm?

Hi, As you all know, the residential high-rise for Waterway Square is still an active project. The Woodlands is currently studying the best location and amenities for this development. When that research is complete, a start date as well as other details will be officially announced.