Pennzoil Place, Postmodern skyscraper in Downtown Houston, United States.
Pennzoil Place consists of two 36-story towers clad in dark bronze glass and aluminum, connected by a glass-enclosed atrium at ground level. The buildings form a trapezoidal outline with open spaces at the base that allow pedestrian movement through the complex.
The building opened in 1975 as the vision of developer Gerald D. Hines, departing from the rectangular designs that dominated American office towers at that time. Its completion influenced how architects approached commercial skyscraper design in the following years.
The towers frame the skyline with their distinctive shape, and people walking through the ground-level atrium notice how the design creates natural light and flow between the two buildings.
The complex connects directly to Houston's underground tunnel system, providing easy pedestrian access to nearby restaurants and shops without going outside. This makes visiting comfortable in any season, especially during hot or rainy weather.
The trapezoidal shape of the towers creates optical illusions as you walk around the building from different angles. Each viewpoint reveals a different profile, making the structure appear to transform throughout your visit.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Philip Johnson designed buildings that brought together modernism and classical references, shaping how architecture developed through the 20th century. His work includes glass pavilions, office towers, public spaces, and cultural institutions. His designs show an interest in clean lines, reflective...
JPMorgan Chase Tower
177 m
Wells Fargo Plaza
323 m
One Shell Plaza
235 m
Alley Theatre
175 m
TC Energy Center
90 m
JPMorgan Chase Building
256 m
Rice Lofts
281 m
Jones Hall
95 m
Wortham Theater Center
334 m
JW Marriott Downtown Houston
262 m
Tranquillity Park
255 m
El Paso Energy Building
314 m
Calpine Center
198 m
Bob Lanier Public Works Building
146 m
Great Southwest Building
323 m
Hogg Building
311 m919 Milam
237 mCapitol Lofts
290 m
S. H. Kress and Co. Building
298 mHouston Bar Center Building
306 m
Niels Esperson Building
150 mJ.P. Morgan Chase Center
183 mPersonage and Birds
87 m
Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts
103 mAuditorium Hotel
159 mGuitar Solo
163 mKGA Art Bench
148 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes