A major milestone for Houston's next office skyscraper took place over the weekend as a procession of concrete trucks poured a 12-foot-thick mat foundation for the 47-storey Texas Tower. The Pelli Clarke Pelli-designed building is being developed by Houston-based Hines, which will locate its global headquarters here, and partner Ivanhoé Cambridge.

Texas Tower, image via Hines

The 224-metre-tall skyscraper will rise at 845 Texas Avenue, the former site of the Houston Chronicle newspaper. The 20-hour pour took place three weeks ahead of schedule and involved 120 concrete trucks. Nearly 14,000 cubic yards of concrete were unloaded to form the foundation, which also incorporates 1,500 tonnes of reinforcing steel.

Texas Tower, image via Hines

The first floor of Texas Tower will include a pavilion, double-height lobby and multiple food and beverage offerings. Several workplace amenities will also be scattered throughout the building, including a fitness centre, library, and tenant gardens on the 12th floor. 

Outdoor gardens top the project podium, image via Hines

The project was 33 percent leased as of early February, with Hines taking 155,000 square feet of space and five floors for 15 years. Law firm Vinson & Elkins will occupy seven floors and 212,000 square feet after signing a 16-year lease.

Amenities including co-working spaces, image via Hines

The one-million-square-foot office tower, which is targeting LEED Platinum certification, is expected to wrap up construction in 2021.

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