Consider the crown. Can you see the resemblance to a Mayan pyramid? That’s Heritage Plaza.
Heritage Plaza stands tall. It is a testament to Houston’s resilience and architectural innovation.
Completed in 1987, Heritage Plaza overcame economic challenges. The Texas real estate, banking, and oil industries faced collapse. Despite this, Heritage Plaza became the last major office building completed downtown for nearly 15 years.
Designed by M. Nasr & Partners, Heritage Plaza reaches 762 feet. This makes it the 5th-tallest building in Houston. It also ranks as the 8th-tallest in Texas, and the 60th-tallest in the United States.
Heritage Plaza boasts 53 floors. It offers 1,150,000 square feet of leaseable space. Texaco became a major tenant in 1989, leasing 550,000 square feet. For 12 years, it served as Texaco’s US headquarters. In 2001, it became the US headquarters of ChevronTexaco.
Goddard Investment Group acquired Heritage Plaza in 2005. Later, EOG Resources moved here. In 2007, Deloitte & Touche USA L.L.P. also became a major tenant.
The stepped granite feature atop Heritage Plaza stands out. It reflects the architect’s visit to the Mexican Yucatán Peninsula. Some say the crown also resembles a bald eagle spreading its wings.
Inside Heritage Plaza, Mexican influences are apparent. The lobby has a multi-level marble waterfall. It cascades from the lobby to a food court on the lower levels.
Unlike many downtown skyscrapers, Heritage Plaza isn’t directly connected to the Houston tunnel network. However, a skyway connects it to the DoubleTree Hotel Houston-Allen Center.
Heritage Plaza underwent a major renovation between 2019 and 2021. Kirksey Architecture led the restoration. The renovations included a new exterior glass curtain wall at the corner of Dallas and Brazos streets. This created a more inviting entrance. New landscaping and seating areas were also added.
Heritage Plaza has received multiple architecture awards. These include Landmark Awards in 2009 and an APEX Award in 2022.
Heritage Plaza has been known by other names. It has been called Texaco Heritage Plaza and Chevron Texaco Heritage Plaza.
Heritage Plaza symbolizes Houston’s strength. It is a blend of architectural design and cultural inspiration. From its Mayan-inspired crown to its renovated lobby, Heritage Plaza stands as a trophy office destination.