When built in 1963, 800 Bell was the tallest building west of the Mississippi, and today it continues to provide distinct character to the Houston skyline. The original building design included cantilever sun shades, representing one of the earliest examples of sustainable façade design. In addition to the shading elements, the façade assembly also includes marble-clad columns and pre-cast aggregate wall panels. Repairing and preserving an existing building façade, particularly an iconic innovator like 800 Bell, is at the core of sustainable design.

From 1998 through 2004, Walter P Moore conducted periodic condition assessments of this 44-story, 1963 vintage building façade. In 2004 we designed a recladding of the perimeter marble clad columns which was implemented over a 30 month period between 2004 and 2007. We provided structural, waterproofing and restoration consulting services on the project. The exterior marble clad columns were reclad with lightweight coated metal panels that was easier to maintain. Walter P Moore also provided construction administration services for the project.