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Bob Lanier Public Works Building facts for kids

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Bob Lanier Public Works Building
LanierPublicWorksHoustonTX.JPG
General information
Type Office
Location 611 Walker Avenue, Houston, Texas
Coordinates 29°45′35″N 95°22′02″W / 29.75983°N 95.36715°W / 29.75983; -95.36715
Completed 1968
Height
Roof 410 ft (125 m)
Technical details
Floor count 27
Design and construction
Architect Robert O Biering

The Bob Lanier Public Works Building is a really tall building, called a skyscraper, in Houston, Texas. It stands about 410 feet (125 meters) high! It was finished in 1968 and has 27 floors, which is a lot of levels. It's one of the tallest buildings in Houston, ranking as the 41st highest. Its design was inspired by the famous CBS Building in New York City, which was designed by Eero Saarinen.

The building is named after Bob Lanier, who was the mayor of Houston from 1992 to 1998. It is located very close to Houston City Hall and Hermann Square. The building is surrounded by Louisiana, Rusk, Smith, and Walker Streets.

Building History

Before the Bob Lanier Public Works Building was built, an old business called the Rice Hotel Family Laundry used to be in that exact spot.

This building was once the main office for a company called Houston Lighting & Power. In 1999, the City of Houston bought the building. They spent $43 million to update and fix it up. The goal was to use it for city government offices. Before it was named after Mayor Lanier, it was known as the Electric Building.

The big renovation project happened while Bob Lanier was the mayor. He helped make sure the building was updated for the city.

What Happens Inside?

The main office for Houston Public Works is located in the Lanier Building. This department helps keep the city running smoothly, like managing roads and water.

Some parts of the Mayor's Office are also in the Lanier Building. For example:

  • The 3-1-1 service, which helps people get information and report problems to the city, is on the 5th Floor.
  • The Office of Business Opportunity, which helps small businesses and local companies, is on the 7th Floor.
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