Astrodome

Designed by Hermon Lloyd & W. B. Morgan,
and Wilson, Morris, Crain and Anderson
Construction completed in 1965

The Astrodome, dubbed ‘The Eighth Wonder of the World,’ was home to the Houston Astros from 1965 to 1999. The masterpiece is currently the home of the world-renowned Houston Rodeo. The long-term fate of the iconic dome remains a mystery.

Wortham Tower

Designed by Lloyd, Morgan, and Jones
Construction completed in 1965

During the 1960s, the Wortham Tower was a solitary giant, dominating the Allen Parkway skyline. Its unique design and towering presence were unmatched in the immediate area. As I drove by, the rapidly expanding Houston skyline seemed to materialize out of thin air, a testament to the city’s relentless growth.

I am relieved and happy that the Wortham Tower was repurposed and not demolished to make way for a skyscraper. Today, my apartment is only a few blocks behind this beautiful structure, which is visible from my bedroom and living room balcony.

The photo below was taken on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. Behind the tower is the Sovereign at Regent Square. Two parking garages, the AIG building and the Royalton at River Oaks, are also shown.

Exxon Building

Designed by Welton Becker and Associates
Construction completed in 1963

In 1963, the Exxon Building proudly stood as the tallest structure west of the Mississippi River. Its top two floors housed the prestigious Petroleum Club, a symbol of Houston’s thriving oil industry. Despite the rise of towering skyscrapers, the Exxon Building still stands tall, a testament to its resilience and adaptability.