Wedge International Tower
Wedge International Tower, usually capitalized as WEDGE International Tower,[1] is a skyscraper in Houston, Texas. The building was formerly known as the Southwest Bank of Texas Building, Unitedbank Plaza, and 1415 Louisiana.[3] The building rises 551 feet (168 m) in height.[2] It contains 43 floors, and was completed in 1983.[2] Wedge International Tower currently stands as the 21st-tallest building in the city. The architectural firms who jointly designed the building were 3D/International and Nasr/Penton & Associates.[1] The building is currently named after its primary tenant, WEDGE Commercial Properties; the firm purchased the building in October 1994 at a price between US$25 million and $45 million,[3] and the structure serves as its corporate headquarters.[1][4] In 1989 Exxon had office space in the Wedge International Tower.[5]
| WEDGE International Tower | |
|---|---|
 | |
| |
| General information | |
| Type | Office |
| Location | 1415 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 29.7548°N 95.3698°W |
| Completed | 1983 |
| Opening | 1983 |
| Owner | WEDGE Commercial Properties |
| Height | |
| Roof | 551 ft (168 m) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 43 |
| Floor area | 520,000 sq ft (48,310 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Nasr/Penton & Associates, 3D/International |
| Developer | WEDGE Commercial Properties Corporation, Wortham & Van Liew |
| Structural engineer | EAM Engineers |
| Main contractor | W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation |
| References | |
| [1][2] | |
Wedge International Tower is noted for having four setbacks in its shape,[3] and for its distinctive lighting scheme, which has been in place since November 1995. The tower was once outlined by neon green-colored lights,[1] inspired by similar lighting on the Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in Dallas.[1]
The 43rd story of Wedge International Tower is home to a restaurant and bar, named The 43rd Restaurant and Lounge; the feature is one of the highest lounges in Houston.[1]
Wedge International Tower was the site of a fire in August 1993, which was caused by an electrical fault and damaged the upper floors of the building.[3] There were no fatalities in the incident.
References
- "WEDGE International Tower". Emporis.com. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- "Wedge International Building". SkyscraperPage.com. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- "Wedge International Tower". Artefaqs Corporation. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- "WEDGE International Tower". WEDGE Commercial Properties. Archived from the original on December 17, 2004. Retrieved 2008-04-06.
- Bivins, Ralph. "Exxon mulls move to Greenspoint site." Houston Chronicle. Wednesday December 13, 1989. Business 3. Retrieved on August 3, 2009.