Esperson Buildings, Houston
The Esperson Buildings in downtown Houston are a pair of historic skyscrapers that stand as testaments to the city's early 20th-century architectural ambition and the legacy of Mellie Keenan Esperson, a pioneering female developer.
The first, the Niels Esperson Building, was completed in 1927 as a memorial to her late husband, Niels Esperson, a prominent oil and real estate magnate. Designed by architect John Eberson, the 32-story tower is the only complete example of Italian Renaissance architecture in Houston. Its ornate fa莽ade features massive columns, urns, terraces, and a grand tempietto at the top, reminiscent of the one in the courtyard of San Pietro in Rome
In 1941, on the 14th anniversary of the Niels Esperson Building, Mellie Esperson unveiled the Mellie Esperson Building, a 19-story Art Deco skyscraper. Notably, it was the first large building in Houston to be constructed with air conditioning, a significant technological advancement at the time. The two buildings are physically connected on all but two floors, creating a cohesive architectural ensemble.
Together, the Esperson Buildings symbolize Houston's growth and the Esperson family's enduring impact on the city's development. They remain prominent features of the downtown skyline, admired for their architectural beauty and historical significance.
The first, the Niels Esperson Building, was completed in 1927 as a memorial to her late husband, Niels Esperson, a prominent oil and real estate magnate. Designed by architect John Eberson, the 32-story tower is the only complete example of Italian Renaissance architecture in Houston. Its ornate fa莽ade features massive columns, urns, terraces, and a grand tempietto at the top, reminiscent of the one in the courtyard of San Pietro in Rome
In 1941, on the 14th anniversary of the Niels Esperson Building, Mellie Esperson unveiled the Mellie Esperson Building, a 19-story Art Deco skyscraper. Notably, it was the first large building in Houston to be constructed with air conditioning, a significant technological advancement at the time. The two buildings are physically connected on all but two floors, creating a cohesive architectural ensemble.
Together, the Esperson Buildings symbolize Houston's growth and the Esperson family's enduring impact on the city's development. They remain prominent features of the downtown skyline, admired for their architectural beauty and historical significance.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Houston. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Esperson Buildings on Map
Sight Name: Esperson Buildings
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Houston, USA (See walking tours in Houston)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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