Hines’ New 47-Story Downtown Tower Certified as LEED Platinum

HOUSTON — (Realty News Report) – Texas Tower, the 47-story office tower under construction on the former Houston Chronicle block has been pre-certified LEED Platinum for its sustainability achievements, according to the building’s developers, Hines and its partner Ivanhoé Cambridge.

The one-million-SF office tower in the 800 block of Texas Avenue kicked off construction earlier this year. Already 33% leased, the building is scheduled to open in late 2021.

Texas Tower will aim to reduce energy consumption without compromising tenant comfort, to achieve the highest sustainability, connectivity and wellness standards – LEED Platinum, WiredScore and WELL v2 Building Standards, respectively.

The building, with flexible and customizable work spaces, the project is designed to put people first, Hines said. Texas Tower will include market-distinguishing green features, such as:

• A centrally-located site with community connectivity and easy access to public transit.

• Bike parking and electric-vehicle charging stations will be readily available.

• Well-thought out building energy efficiency measures that are predicted to outperform ASHRAE 90.1 by 19%.

• High efficiency chillers, improved curtainwall U-values, and a unique underfloor air delivery system will provide maximum energy savings.

• Lighting will integrate LED fixtures with sophisticated daylight control systems and BMCS monitoring.

• Low-flow water fixtures will reduce potable water use by over 47% compared to code requirements.

• Heat island effect was reduced from parking positioned under the tower and reflective roofing materials.

• Several rooftop terraces will connect the building occupants to nature with all its benefits – fresh air, natural light, etc.

• A rainwater harvesting and condensate recovery system will produce 100% of the irrigation required.

• Will incorporate indoor air quality strategies and quality daylighting and views to building occupants.

• Additionally, Hines offers its proprietary GREEN OFFICE for Tenants program, which assists in giving tenants options to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Energy efficiency and environmental sensitivity have been distinguishing features of our projects since the firm’s inception. The comprehensive sustainability and performance programs at Texas Tower are designed to contribute best practices to the built environment. Guided by the highest standards in workplace design and sustainable construction, Texas Tower is a high-performance building focused on office space that maximizes human potential,” said Hines Senior Managing Director John Mooz.

The building was designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli.

Michael Anderson of Colvill Office Properties is leasing the new building for the ownership. Vinson & Elkins, represented by Cushman & Wakefield, leased 212,000 SF.Hines, a real estate development firm founded in Houston in 1957, will move its own headquarters into the new building, leaving the Williams Tower next to the Galleria to occupy 155,000 SF in the Texas Tower.

The site, known as Block 58, is bounded by Texas Avenue, Travis, Milam and Prairie.

A Hines group bought the Block 58 site – with an additional half-block used as the Chronicle garage – in October 2015 for $54 million from Hearst Newspapers. The newspaper left downtown and moved to Southwest Freeway at Loop 610, a building that formerly housed the Houston Post.

The old Chronicle garage on the half-block at Preston and Milam is being demolished for make way for a residential tower. Hines is developing 46-story residential tower, which will be the tallest apartment tower in Houston.

The apartment development, called The Preston, is being developed by Hines with investment partners, Cresset Wealth Advisors and Levy Family Partners. The 373-unit project – completion is slated for the third quarter of 2022 – is designed by Munoz + Albin. Importantly, the residential project is located in a federal Opportunity Zone, which allows the owners to defer capital gains tax.

April 22, 2019 Realty News Report Copyright 2019