Baker Botts Leases Space in Downtown Skyscraper

HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) –Baker Botts, one of largest and oldest law firms in Texas, has signed a long-term to extend its occupancy in 910 Louisiana, a landmark office tower in downtown Houston.

Cushman & Wakefield and Savills arranged an extension of a 172,301-SF, 8-floor office lease for Baker Botts, which has been in the building since it was completed in 1971.

The building was first high-rise office tower built by legendary developer Mr. Gerald D. Hines. At that time, the 50-story building was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.

Hines manages 910 Louisiana on behalf of the ownership, Busycon Properties LLC.

Winfield Haggard, Jr. and Chip Colvill of Cushman & Wakefield represented the landlord, Busycon Properties LLC, in the lease negotiations. Mark O’Donnell, Jennifer Meehan, and Lizzie Prochazka of tenant advisory firm Savills represented Baker Botts.

“We are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Baker Botts. This lease extension follows the firm’s 50th anniversary of being a tenant in 910 Louisiana, which they celebrated in 2021,” said Darrell Kainer, Vice President at Busycon Properties LLC

The building, formerly known as One Shell Plaza, was designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.

Over the years the building has undergone multiple major renovations totaling over $80 million – all while occupied. The first renovation was between 1991 and 1993, followed by a renovation between 2009 and 2012, and the third, most recent renovation in 2020. The scope of the renovations included architectural changes to the lobby and plaza, new graphics, elevator modernization, major upgrades of the building’s electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems, new lighting, new windows, curtainwall restoration, asbestos abatement, ADA modifications and all new life safety systems. These comprehensive capital improvements to 910 Louisiana have ensured the permanent Class A status of the property’s operating systems, technology and aesthetics. These extensive renovations were instrumental in Baker Botts reaffirming the firm’s long-term commitment to the property.

“Ownership and Hines have done an amazing job at 910 Louisiana, certainly one of the most identifiable buildings in the Houston market with its strong position in the Central Business District,” said Chip Colvill, Executive Vice Chairman of Cushman & Wakefield. “Baker Bott’s decision to remain in the building under this long-term lease is strong recognition that these major renovation efforts have proven to be successful in our ability to attract and retain the top tenants in the Houston market.”

Located on Louisiana Street between McKinney Street and Walker Street, 910 Louisiana is a 1.2 million-square-foot, Class A office property

Located on the building’s 49th floor is the exclusive Houston Club, which offers a full complement of fine dining, entertainment, and meeting facilities. 910 Louisiana is LEED Gold certified.

The Baker Botts law firm, with significant practice energy, technology and life sciences sectors, was founded in 1840.

“Baker Botts is excited to extend our long-term relationship with Hines and Busycon Properties at 910 Louisiana,” said Russell Lewis Partner-in-Charge Houston. “910 Louisiana has consistently offered our lawyers, staff and valued clients excellent service and amenities. We will be extensively modernizing our space to meet the needs of our firm and to continue to provide first-class service to our clients.”

File: Baker Botts Leases Space in Downtown Skyscraper

Image: Courtesy:Blue Ox Group