Wedge International Tower

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Wedge International Tower, usually capitalized as WEDGE International Tower, is a skyscraper in Houston, Texas. The building was formerly known as the Southwest Bank of Texas Building, Unitedbank Plaza, and 1415 Louisiana.cite web|url=http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/2240.php|title=Wedge International Tower|accessdate=2008-04-06|publisher=Artefaqs Corporation] The building rises convert|551|ft|m|0 in height. It contains 43 floors, and was completed in 1983. Wedge International Tower currently stands as the 21st-tallest building in the city. The architectural firms who jointly designed the building were 3D/International and Nasr/Penton & Associates. The building is currently named after its primary tenant, WEDGE Commercial Properties; the firm purchased the building in October 1994 at a price between US$25,000,000 and $45,000,000, and the structure serves as its corporate headquarters. [cite web|url=http://www.wedgerealestateholdings.com/Comm_Prop/wedge_int_tower.htm|title=WEDGE International Tower|accessdate=2008-04-06|publisher=WEDGE Commercial Properties]

Wedge International Tower is noted for its series of four setbacks, but also for its distinctive lighting scheme, which has been in place since November 1995; at night, the building is outlined by neon green-colored lights. This lighting served as the inspiration for that of Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in Dallas.

The 43rd story of Wedge International Tower is home to a restaurant and bar, named "The 43rd Restaurant and Lounge"; the feature is one of the highest lounges in Houston.

Wedge International Tower was the site of a fire in August 1993, which was caused by an electrical fault and damaged the upper floors of the building. There were no fatalities in the incident.

ee also

* List of tallest buildings in Texas
* Architecture of Houston

References

External links

* [http://www.wedgeinternationaltower.com/Retail.aspx Official site]