Repositioning Two Shell Plaza

Page has a strong portfolio of revitalizing and repurposing aging spaces in downtown office buildings, including our own offices in Houston and Dallas. In Houston, Page designers have updated the public spaces in 1100 Louisiana and the Esperson Building and are now designing an extensive expansion and renovation of Two Shell Plaza in the heart of downtown. This iconic office building will be given an updated look with a new entrance and new lobby, re-cladding of the first four floors of the building’s façade – and a new address.

The renovations draw on the classic modern lines which respect the building’s architectural heritage while projecting a contemporary image. New materials such as natural stone, wood veneer, textured glass and stainless steel will contribute to the building’s updated yet timeless look. Another important component of the strategy reorients the space to create a new front door – and a more prominent address – for the building: 811 Louisiana.

On the exterior, creating a distinctive base for the building provides a new experience at the pedestrian level. The façade will be re-clad in Virginia Mist granite, an elegant, dark natural stone that contrasts with the existing travertine above. Slot windows will complement the existing architecture, and the new façade is highlighted by a continuous band of LED light. A recessed glass wall at the ground level will draw pedestrians into the newly renovated lobby. Metal louver canopies will provide shading for pedestrians and signify the new corner entry.

The entry leads into a grand lobby space with a lounge area that provides an opportunity for informal tenant meetings. A centrally located security desk with concealed technology and modern finishes is highlighted by a zone of Concordia stone on the walls and floors. Gray Aquasol quartzite will replace the travertine-clad walls throughout, with contrasting accents of black Concordia stone to tie in the new exterior cladding and provide a potential backdrop for major tenant signage. Wood veneer walls distinguish the elevator lobbies, and backlit glass doors brighten the long spaces. The once gold-leafed ceilings will be removed, reverting back to the original designer’s pure white concept and featuring LED lighting. Textured glass feature walls and a light installation above the escalators will draw traffic from the tunnels and signify the arrival to the newly-modernized 811 Louisiana.

For more information, please read the following articles:

"Downtown landmark getting new address, multimillion-dollar facelift." Houston Business Journal, January 27, 2014.

"Two Shell Plaza to get a multimillion-dollar makeover." Houston Chronicle, January 27, 2014.