Two Shell Plaza to be Strategically Repositioned
(HOUSTON) – Hines, the international real estate firm, announced today that it will oversee a multi-million-dollar modernization and repositioning of Two Shell Plaza in the epicenter of downtown Houston.
The property, which is located on the block bounded by Louisiana, Milam,
Rusk, and Walker streets, will move its main entrance to Louisiana from Walker, and will be renamed 811 Louisiana. This classic tower is poised to be re-launched with a new look, a new entrance, lobby and an updated, modern aesthetic that will differentiate it from its taller sister, One Shell Plaza.
Originally designed by the legendary Bruce Graham of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 26-story, 565,538-square-foot office building contains 17 office levels (two subterranean) and 12 parking levels.
It sits at a prime crossroads of Houston’s extensive tunnel system that links the property to other major downtown office buildings as well as a variety of restaurants, shops and amenities. 811 Louisiana offers highly efficient floor plates, a superior parking ratio for downtown buildings, several blocks of contiguous space, as well as naming rights potential.
811 Louisiana has undergone several major modernizations in its four-decade history.
The property underwent a complete upgrade of its mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems in the early 90s and, just last year, Hines completed a $20 million capital upgrade to the building’s infrastructure that restored it to current Class A standards for downtown office buildings.
Key elements of the work included: a new energy management system; elevator updates; new boilers and chillers; electrical riser replacement; exterior stone replacement; and new energy-efficient floor-to-ceiling dual-pane window and frame replacement on all office levels.
811 Louisiana is extremely energy efficient as is evidenced by consecutive years of ENERGY STAR® labels and its LEED® Gold certification.
As part of the building’s LEED certification, 70 percent of the materials from the renovation will be recycled.
Large 30,000-square-foot floor plates allow for flexible space planning.
The building contains ample visitor and tenant parking for 1,000 cars, with a ratio of 2.0 spaces per 1,000 square feet leased.
On site security is provided 24-7.
Starting in early April, Hines will oversee the expansion and renovation of the building’s lobby as well as the first four floors of the building’s façade, starting at the street level.
The new design envisioned by Page architects, will draw on the structure’s classic, modern lines, respecting the building’s architectural heritage while projecting a contemporary image.
Balfour Beatty is the general contractor and construction is expected to be complete by April of 2015.
Page’s design calls for the building’s lower façade to be re-clad in Virginia Mist granite, an elegant dark natural stone that contrasts with the existing travertine above.
Slot windows will complement the existing architecture, and the new exterior will be highlighted by a continuous band of LED light.
A recessed glass wall at ground level will draw pedestrians into the newly renovated lobby.
Metal louver canopies will provide shading for passersby and signify the new corner entry to 811 Louisiana.
The expanded lobby space will include a lounge area for informal tenant meetings.
Gray Aquasol quartzite will take the place of the white Travertine-clad walls, with accents of black Concordia to tie in the new exterior cladding and provide a backdrop for tenant identity signage.
Wood veneer walls will distinguish the elevator lobbies, and backlit glass doors will brighten the space.
The building’s 12 elevator cabs will get a fresh new look with fully updated interiors.
The lobby’s trademark gold-leaf ceilings will revert to Skidmore’s original pure white concept and will feature LED lighting.
Textured glass feature walls and a light installation above the escalators will draw traffic from the tunnels and mark the arrival to the ultra-modern 811 Louisiana.
Hines Senior Property Manager Jon Cogdill said, “We have been committed to downtown Houston since the founding of the firm more than five decades ago.
Having managed 811 Louisiana since its inception, we are pleased to be on the team that ownership has assembled to re-launch the property into the upper tier of Class A buildings in the CBD.”
Leasing for 811 Louisiana is being handled by Chip Colvill and Paula Bruns of Colvill Office Properties (713/877-1550).
811 Louisiana Exterior
811 Louisiana Interior