Historic Esperson Continues To Court Creativity
From any building Downtown, you can see can the beauty of the 88-year-old Italian Renaissance-style Esperson skyscraper. Cameron Management's commitment to creating a modern office within the iconic historic landmark has more and more acclaimed creative enterprises calling Esperson home. Next Thursday you can see what all the buzz is about at Bisnow's 5th Annual Networking Party. Join us at 5:30pm on April 21. Meanwhile, here's a behind-the-scenes peek.
Mellie Esperson poured herself into constructing a premier skyscraper. In 1927, with the help of John Eberson, the American Construction Co and $4M, the 32-story Niels Esperson building was completed. When the Mellie Esperson building opened in 1941, Mellie said, "These buildings do not stand for Niels and Mellie Esperson. Rather, they are a practical, operating development in a city that has been good and fair to us, and to which we owe so much.”
These days, Cameron Management, which owns the two buildings now known simply as Esperson, sees itself as steward of that legacy. The company has gone to great lengths to ensure the property remains a working office space, as Mellie wanted. That’s why in 2012 Cameron began a $20M redevelopment. The project includes new HVAC systems, updates to the lobby, new escalators, new meeting spaces for tenants and improved tunnel access. Truly dedicated to being a modern office, Esperson even developed an Uber drop-off zone.
It’s the vintage craftsmanship and modern luxury for a lower rental rate in Houston's CBD that’s drawing so many creative enterprises to Esperson. In addition to the Houston Symphony, which occupies over 14k SF, tenants at Esperson include award-winning DPW Public Relations, IA Architects and internationally acclaimed Rottet Studio.
Dancie Perugini Ware passed on many buildings while trying to find the right image for her company. When she walked into the building’s beautiful lobby with its dome and marble floors, she knew Esperson was it. With the help of design firm Mayfield and Ragni Studio, DPWPR turned its 8k SF space in Esperson into an award-winning modern open-office design, seen here.
Along with WSP + ccrd engineering firm, pictured above, the building is also home to Lauren Rottet. As one of the most celebrated interior architects in the world (and the only woman in history to be elevated to Fellow status by both the American Institute of Architects and International Interior Design Association), Lauren’s studio had to make an impression. Her 7,500 SF space now occupies a corner on the first floor. With its open windows and high ceilings, it's a striking sight in Downtown Houston.
Another award-winning creative tenant, IA Architects, is designing a new 16k SF space for new neighbor Amegy Bank. The office complex will have a first-floor retail branch at the corner of Walker and Travis and a wealth management office in the tower above it.
Cameron’s commitment to the future with respect to the past is most apparent in the new Rusk Lobby, pictured above. The beautiful light wall above a new tunnel connection highlights classic style in a new medium. With such effort towards upgrading and maintaining the building, it’s no surprise then that Esperson just won BOMA’s regional historical building of the year award. The Houston icon is maturing like a fine wine.
Come see the building for yourself and hear Cameron's Dougal Cameron and Hines' Jeff Hines speak on April 21. Sign up now!
