Following the demolition of the Houston Chronicle's landmark headquarters back in 2017, local developer Hines in partnership with Canada's Ivanhoé Cambridge, has begun construction upon a new 47-storey office tower set to rise on the site. Known for now as Block 58, the state of the art office tower by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects will host anchor tenants Vinson & Elkins alongside developer Hines. 

Block 58, as it will appear upon completion, image via Hines

While 212,200 square feet will go to lawyers Vinson and Elkins, 155,000 will be reserved for Hines, leaving roughly 630,000 square feet out of a total 1 million available to future tenants. Workers and building staff will be greeted via a well-appointed lobby space complete with a full range of dining and retail options. 

Block 58, "City Room," corner of Texas St and Milam St, image via Hines

Viewed above, the corner of Texas St and Milam St will be transformed by the inclusion of a sizeable public realm element, which will feature a plaza and enclosed seating area known as the "City Room." The podium will include 1,500 parking spaces spread across 11 storeys, above which a 12th floor amenity space will be built, including a fitness centre and public rooftop garden. 

Houston Chronicle, February 2014, image via Google Street View

Viewed above back in 2014, the century-old Houston Chronicle headquarters came down last year, the complex having been expanded and built upon in successive waves between the early 1900s and 1960s. 

Demolition in progress, January 2017, image via Google Street View

Demolished in 2017, the Houston Chronicle once commanded a large presence in the middle of downtown Houston, the massive build site the perfect plot upon which to develop a project on the scale of Block 58. 

Block 58, build site today, image by Forum contributor urbannizer

Located close to two LRT lines at the heart of the city centre, Block 58 will be a popular destination for tenants looking to move into the core. Houston having in recent years become known as a tech city, it will be interesting to see what additional clients decide to make Block 58 home, the tower set for completion by 2021. 

SkyriseCities will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.