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Wedge International Tower facts for kids

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WEDGE International Tower
Wedge International Tower from Sabine Park.jpg
General information
Type Office
Location 1415 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas, United States
Coordinates 29°45′17″N 95°22′11″W / 29.7548°N 95.3698°W / 29.7548; -95.3698
Completed 1983
Opening 1983
Owner WEDGE Commercial Properties
Height
Roof 551 ft (168 m)
Technical details
Floor count 43
Floor area 520,000 sq ft (48,310 m2)
Design and construction
Architect Nasr/Penton & Associates, 3D/International
Developer WEDGE Commercial Properties Corporation, Wortham & Van Liew
Structural engineer EAM Engineers
Main contractor W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation

The WEDGE International Tower is a very tall building, called a skyscraper, located in Houston, Texas. It's a well-known landmark in the city! This building has had a few different names over the years, including the Southwest Bank of Texas Building and Unitedbank Plaza.

About the WEDGE International Tower

This amazing tower stands 551 feet (about 168 meters) tall. It has 43 floors, which is a lot of levels! The building was finished in 1983. Today, the WEDGE International Tower is the 21st tallest building in Houston.

Who Designed and Owns It?

Two architecture firms, 3D/International and Nasr/Penton & Associates, worked together to design this impressive building.

The tower is currently named after its main tenant, WEDGE Commercial Properties. This company bought the building in October 1994. The WEDGE International Tower is now where WEDGE Commercial Properties has its main office.

Unique Design and Lighting

The WEDGE International Tower has a special shape with four "setbacks." A setback is when a building's wall steps back from the one below it. This gives the tower a unique look.

BofAPD at night
The neon green outline of Dallas' Bank of America Plaza, pictured here, inspired the lighting scheme of Wedge International Tower

Since November 1995, the building has also been known for its cool lighting. It used to be outlined with bright neon green lights. This idea came from another famous building, the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas, which also has special lighting.

A Restaurant with a View

On the very top floor, the 43rd story, you can find a restaurant and bar called The 43rd Restaurant and Lounge. This spot offers one of the highest views from a lounge in all of Houston!

A Past Incident

In August 1993, there was a fire in the WEDGE International Tower. It was caused by an electrical problem and affected the upper floors. Luckily, no one was hurt in the incident.

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