InforCenter Digital Building Directory at Williams Tower

Completed in 1983, Williams Tower located at 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX 77056, stands adjacent to the renowned Galleria mixed-use center, both developed by Hines. This striking 64-story, 1.4 million-square-foot office building was designed by the acclaimed architectural team of Philip Johnson and John Burgee. The tower was conceived to offer a primary tenant the advantages of a private facility, while also maximizing land use by incorporating additional multi-tenant space. To meet these goals, the building functions as two distinct towers stacked atop one another, each with separate elevators, lobbies, and parking garages. Both lobbies feature an InforCenter Touch Screen Digital Building Directory Kiosk, providing visitors with an interactive tenant and people directory, real-time traffic and weather updates, building information, local amenities, and property management contacts. Visitors can easily access InforCenter's digital lobby directory on their smartphones via a QR code. Unique architectural elements include an 88-foot-high granite arched entry, a three-acre park with a 64-foot water wall, a helipad, and a beacon of light atop its peaked roof. Ownership of the building transferred to Hines REIT in 2008 and later to Invesco in 2013. With its sleek gray glass, aluminum facade, and prominent nighttime beacon, Williams Tower has become a defining feature of the Houston skyline. A collaboration between Philip Johnson and John Burgee, the tower merges modern elegance with Art Deco charm. Originally called the Transco Tower, this 64-story postmodern skyscraper boasts 1.4 million square feet of Class A office space and is situated in Houston's Uptown District. Designed by John Burgee Architects, in association with Houston’s Morris-Aubry Architects, the building broke ground in 1981 and opened in 1983. As the 4th tallest building in Texas and 44th tallest in the U.S., it is also the tallest structure in Houston outside of the downtown area and the tallest skyscraper in the U.S. located outside a city's central business district, earning it the nickname "Empire State Building of the South." Williams Tower Services and Amenities (as listed on the Digital Building Directory Kiosks): - Concierge - Wi-Fi in the lobby - 2 InforCenter Touch Screen Digital Building Directory Kiosks - Hines property management - On-site dry cleaning - 24-hour security - Full-service conference center - Two dining options - Coffee shop - Sundries shop - Shoe shine stand - Auto detailing services - Mailroom - Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park History: Williams Tower was originally named after its first tenant, Transco Energy Co. The building was renamed in 1999 following Transco’s merger with the Williams Companies. In 2008, Hines REIT acquired the property for $271.5 million, and it was later sold to Invesco in 2013 for $412 million. Notable Events: In 2008, Hurricane Ike caused significant damage to the building, resulting in $3.5 million in repairs. Twelve elevators were damaged, some due to water leakage and others from the building's sway during the storm. Major Tenants: Williams Companies remains the building’s namesake tenant. Other notable tenants include Quanta Services and the Consulate General of Denmark. The building also served as the headquarters for Hines until 2022. Significance: At 909 feet tall, Williams Tower is a Houston icon, especially noted for its distinct design. The two-tower concept allows the building to function as two independent units, with separate elevators and lobbies for each section. The lower 40 floors are largely occupied by Williams, while the upper floors house various other tenants. The tower was named "Skyscraper of the Century" by Texas Monthly in 1999. Its beacon, visible up to 40 miles away at night, has become a recognizable part of the Houston landscape. The building also connects via sky bridge to a parking garage and nearby retail spaces, including the Galleria. Williams Tower has been lauded for its energy efficiency, earning the EPA’s Energy Star label every year since 2000. Its managers are also pursuing LEED certification to further highlight its environmental credentials.