Houston's tallest under-construction development celebrated topping off some time ago and the Hines-developed office tower has now reached another significant milestone. With international law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe recently signing a 12-year, 56,731-square-foot lease, 50 percent of space within 609 Main at Texas has been committed. 

609 Main's placement in the skyline, image via Pickard Chilton

The complete 1,050,000 square feet of space will be supplied within a 48-storey volume in Houston's skyscraper-packed downtown core. Other expected occupants include Kirkland & Ellis and United Airlines, who will enjoy a number of top-notch amenities in what's described by Hines as a "vertically integrated campus." Tenants will enter a hotel-style lobby equipped with a cafe, dedicated networking spaces, a water feature, and a green wall, immediately setting the tone for the contemporary office complex. A 7,000-square-foot fitness centre, 8,000-square-foot conference centre and private roof gardens exist to enhance the workplace environment. 

The base of 609 Main, image via Pickard Chilton

The Pickard Chilton-designed building institutes a fully glazed envelope to maximize natural light. Brushed stainless steel accents provide texture to the facade, while vertical blades on the north and south elevations offer solar shading. These narrower faces will be recessed slightly, permitting the creation of a diagonal crown extending from the north and south walls.

Construction at 609 Main, image courtesy of TowerSpotter at HAIF via urbannizer

609 Main will become a shining beacon in the Houston skyline day and night. The sun will bounce off the tower in the daytime, while at night, a computer-controlled LED system will illuminate the west and east recesses up to the building's dramatic sloped crown. The project's green credentials could be substantial enough to meet LEED Platinum standards. With glass almost reaching the pinnacle of the structure, completion is not too far off. Tenants are scheduled to move into their modern digs by the end of 2016. 

The current state of construction at 609 Main, image courtesy of TowerSpotter at HAIF via urbannizer

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