Ownership has begun multi-million-dollar enhancements on major office building in Houston’s Central Business District
Houston, Texas, October 30, 2025 – Hines and Partners Real Estate announced today that 910 Louisiana is undergoing multi-million-dollar, transformative property enhancements at this major 50-story office tower located in the Central Business District of Houston. Hines professionally manages the asset on behalf of its owner, Busycon Properties LLC, and Winfield Haggard, Jr. and Chip Colvill of Partners Real Estate represent ownership in leasing the property.
Many words are overused in today’s architectural rhetoric, but when you first encounter the striking, innovative waveform of 910 Louisiana—formerly One Shell Plaza—only one word truly fits: ICONIC. Reimagining such a historic landmark requires balancing reverence for its timeless presence with the evolving demands of the contemporary workplace in 2026 and beyond.
The geometry of the original tower remains breathtaking. Its sweeping ribs of travertine, flowing gracefully to the ground, create a rhythm of elegance amidst the bustling energy of downtown Houston. The design team has embraced this form wholeheartedly, ensuring that every new intervention honors its presence while modernizing the building’s relationship with the city.
To achieve this, expanses of glass will now replace once-solid stretches of stone at the ground level, activating the pedestrian experience while echoing the tower’s signature wave form. The result will be both an homage and a transformation—recasting the tower’s geometry for a new era.
Where once there were austere travertine plazas, lush gardens will now take root. Flowing planters and curving paths will provide a contemporary counterpoint to the tower’s classic lines, softening the urban edge while creating new spaces for gathering, reflection, and movement.
910 Louisiana is, and remains, an architectural icon of Houston. Its flowing form is timeless, its stature enduring, and now, its ground level reimagined for the future. This repositioning breathes new vitality into the tower, ensuring that its presence continues to inspire and serve the city well into the decades ahead.
Amenities for the next generation include:
- A new 9,000 SF conference center
- A bespoke, spa-like fitness and wellness center
- A 5,000 SF tenant lounge with a grand outdoor terrace overlooking Smith Street, offering extraordinary views of downtown Houston and Hermann Square
“We are very committed to 910 Louisiana as one of the most iconic buildings in Houston and are excited for the market to embrace the significant enhancements we are making to this property,” said Darrell Kainer, Vice President of the building owner, Busycon Properties LLC.
910 Louisiana has historically been fully leased to major tenants, including Shell USA, Inc. (formerly Shell Oil Company) and Baker Botts. In 2015, Shell vacated the building and subleased its space to numerous subtenants. The building was then renamed 910 Louisiana. In 2022, Baker Botts extended its lease for 175,000 sq. ft., demonstrating its long-term commitment to 910 Louisiana.
“Subtenants totalling over 107,000-sq.-ft. have executed new direct leases to remain in the building,” said Win Haggard, Partner and Office Agency Leasing broker at Partners Real Estate. “910 Louisiana is one of only a few buildings throughout the entire Houston area that can accommodate a 498,000-sq.-ft. contiguous block of space.” “These renovations are well timed as the market for large block alternatives like the space available at 910 Louisiana remains tight throughout the city. This building now represents an excellent leasing opportunity for a large anchor tenant that may be seeking naming rights,” adds Chip Colvill, Partner and Office Agency Leasing broker at Partners Real Estate.
Gallant Commercial has been hired as the General Contractor for the project and the design work has been entrusted to the renowned architectural firm of HOK.
Located on Louisiana Street between McKinney Street and Walker Street, 910 Louisiana is a 1.2 million-sq.-ft., Class A office property that has been continuously managed by Hines. Located on the building’s 49th floor is the exclusive Houston Club, which offers a full complement of fine dining, entertainment, and meeting facilities. 910 Louisiana is LEED Gold certified. Well Building Certification
