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

In the mid-1960s, I drove by the Wortham Tower regularly. The solo tower loomed over Allen Parkway, and there was nothing to compete in size anywhere in the immediate area. The rapidly expanding Houston skyline seemed to rise out of nowhere just after passing the tower.

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

The photo below was taken on the north side of Buffalo Bayou. If you look closely, you’ll see the Sovereign at Regent Square behind the tower. Also shown are two parking garages, the AIG building and the Royalton at River Oaks.

Exxon Building

Designed by Welton Becker and Associates
Construction completed in 1963

In 1963 it was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. The top two floors housed the Petroleum Club. In 1964 I remember long lines waiting to take the elevator to the observation tower. Fortunately the iconic structure was repurposed, not demolished. Today it’s dwarfed by ubiquitous skyscrapers.