Uptown’s Most Iconic Skyscraper Has a Glam New Look!

Uptown’s Most Iconic Skyscraper Has a Glam New Look!

Photo @zieglercooper on Instagram, photo by Mabry Campbell

THE LOBBY OF one of Houston's most iconic buildings has a sexy new look, and the architects responsible are bragging about it on social media!


The soaring lobby and café space of the Uptown area's Williams Tower, which is linked to the Galleria by a skybridge, has an urbane new vibe thanks to a design created in partnership with Ziegler Cooper Architects and O'Donnell Snider Construction. Ziegler Cooper took to Instagram to share striking photos by Mabry Campbell, and explain how they were able to "activate the lobby, lounge and skybridge."

According to the architecture firm's post, "This repositioning was able to preserve the existing pink Texas granite and other architectural features … while bringing in new contemporary features that complement the original design." Among the design elements highlighted in the splashy new photos is a large-scale chandelier of dripping blue crystals that seems more like an art installation as it crisscrosses the escalator.

Originally known as Transco Tower, Williams Tower was dubbed the "Skyscraper of the Century" by Texas Monthly in 1999. It stands 64 stories tall, as the tallest building in Houston outside Downtown — and the fourth-tallest building in all of Texas. It was built in the early 1980s by developer Gerald Hines, who officed there himself. Hines passed away last summer.

The famous architect Philip Johnson — who drew plans for many of the world's most notable buildings, including several in Houston — was among Williams Towers' team of architects. Johnson designed the Lipstick Building in New York and is perhaps best known for his own modernist Glass House in Connecticut.

Ziegler Cooper's other projects in Houston include the design of Downtown's Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Episcopal High's athletic center, the Caydon Drewery Place mixed-use development and apartment tower, and the office buildings at 1 and 3 Riverway.

People + Places
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS FALL, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed

NEARLY 1,700 GUESTS headed to Cotton Ranch in Katy for Cotton Holdings’ 13th annual CrawFest — a Texas-sized evening of food and music. The event raised a record-breaking $768,000 for the Cotton Foundation, which supports families facing disaster, illness and hardship.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Maddy and Patrick Moffitt and Christina and David McAllen

A DERBY WATCH party was so much more than the fastest two minutes in sports! The Post Oak Hotel hosted the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo's Place, and the most fashionable and philanthropic Houstonians turned out.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties