How about a building that’s worn many hats? I am talking about the Total Plaza. This 35-story skyscraper in Downtown Houston has been known by several names. Before becoming the Total Plaza, it was the Entex Building, Louisiana Place, and the United Gas Building.
Total Plaza stands at 1201 Louisiana Street. It is just a block from the Allen Center complex. The building first opened its doors in 1971.
Designed by Lloyd, Morgan & Jones, Total Plaza has undergone renovations. These renovations took place in 1981 and 1996. The exterior boasts mirror-finished reflective glass. This gives it a sleek, modern look.
Each floor of Total Plaza offers approximately 24000 square feet. The entire building encompasses 847200 square feet. There are 18 elevators to whisk people between floors.
The building’s current name comes from its major tenant. Total Petrochemicals USA is a subsidiary of TotalEnergies SE.
Did you know that Total Plaza connects to the Downtown Houston tunnel system? This underground network allows pedestrians to navigate downtown, shielded from the elements.
Back in 1975, a Dutch company called Mercure Co. N.Y. bought the Entex Building for $40 million. In 1994, the University of Houston System had its main offices here.
Before Total Petrochemicals USA moved in, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County METRO had its headquarters here. METRO occupied 10 floors. Their board room was on the 16th floor.
In early 2005, Total Petrochemicals USA signed a lease. They moved hundreds of employees into the building later that year. That’s when the name officially changed to Total Plaza. The company initially leased 150000 square feet.
Hilcorp Energy Company also calls Total Plaza home. They increased their space in 2006. In 2007, Coast Range Investments sold Total Plaza to Brookfield Properties.
One of the building’s unique features is the Petroleum Club of Houston. This exclusive club occupies the entire 35th floor. The club relocated here from the ExxonMobil Building. The Total Plaza space has an energy industry theme. It incorporates gold, bronze, and metallic colors. Younger members even requested a bar. It offers stunning views of the Houston skyline.
Total Plaza has been a significant part of Houston’s downtown landscape for over 50 years.