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
Elevate Dining in and out this Summer with Steam Cooking

MAKE THE MOST of every delicious bite this summer with the benefits of steam cooking. Whether you’re reviving leftovers from Houston’s hottest foodie hangout or hosting memorable gatherings at home, integrating steam into your cooking repertoire can take your food to the next level.

Keep Reading Show less

Brasserie 19

THE RODEO OFFICIALLY opens on March 4, but Houston restaurants have already started saddling up with specials! So boot-scoot on over to one of these restaurants to savor the Texas tradition.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Kendall and Susan Plank, Noel Wise, Anna Osborn, Michelle Koskie

MORE THAN 140 lovely ladies showed up at Tootsies to shop, sip and celebrate Dec My Room, the local nonprofit responsible for personalizing and decorating hospital rooms for pediatric and young-adult patients.

Keep Reading Show less
Food