Esperson Buildings Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Niels and Mellie Esperson Buildings
The Niels Esperson Building
General information
Status	Complete
Type	Commercial offices
Architectural style	Neoclassical Art Deco/Art Moderne
Location	Travis and Walker Streets Houston, Texas
Coordinates	29°45′32″N 95°21′55″W / 29.7590°N 95.3653°W / 29.7590; -95.3653
Completed	Niels tower: 1927 Mellie tower: 1939–1941
Height
Roof	Niels tower: 125 m (410 ft) Mellie tower: 82.9 m (272 ft)
Technical details
Floor count	Niels tower: 32 Mellie tower: 19
Floor area	570,044 sq ft (52,958.8 m²)
Design and construction
Architect	John Eberson

The Niels and Mellie Esperson Buildings are two famous buildings in downtown Houston, Texas. They are known for their unique look and interesting history. Many people in Houston recognize these buildings right away.

A Look at the Esperson Buildings
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A Look at the Esperson Buildings

The Niels Esperson Building is special because it shows off Italian Renaissance architecture. This style is like the beautiful buildings from old Italy. The building has many detailed decorations. You can see huge columns, big urns, and terraces. At the very top, there is a small temple-like structure called a tempietto. It looks like a famous one in Rome.

The Mellie Esperson Building is the second part of the complex. It is an annex, which means it's an addition to the first building. This building is not as tall as the Niels Esperson Building. It has a different style called Art Deco. This style uses geometric shapes and sleek designs.

Who Designed These Buildings?

Both buildings were designed by an architect named John Eberson. He was known for designing theaters. The Niels Esperson Building was finished in 1927. The Mellie Esperson Building was built later, between 1939 and 1941.

The Story Behind the Names

The first building was built for Niels Esperson. His wife, Mellie Esperson, had it constructed for him. Niels was a very successful businessman. He worked in real estate and oil. You can see his name carved in large letters above the entrance of the Niels Esperson Building.

The second building is named after Mellie Esperson herself. Her name is also carved on its side. Even though the Mellie Esperson Building is newer and shorter, it completes the complex.

Interesting Stories About the Buildings

Some people say that the Esperson Buildings might be haunted. There are stories that Mellie Esperson's ghost still visits the building. These are just fun rumors that add to the buildings' history. In 2007, the buildings were sold to a new owner, Seligman Western Enterprises Ltd.