Modern Texas Urban Sites and Buildings

MODERN TEXAS URBAN SITES AND BUILDINGS

DALLAS FORT WORTH AUSTIN SAN ANTONIO HOUSTON

10 urban motorized itineraries 10 urban pedestrian itineraries Comprehensive 5 cities trip

Gianni Brizzi

Table of Content

Introduction page: 3

DALLAS City presentation 5 List of urban itineraries 6 Itinerary 1 – Downtown 7 Itinerary 2 - Arts District 14 Itinerary 3 - Fountain Place and Perrot Museum 19 Itinerary 4 - Oak Lawn 20 Dallas by night 21

FORT WORTH City presentation 23 List of urban itineraries 24 Itinerary 1 - Central Downtown 25 Itinerary 2 - Outer Downtown 28 Itinerary 3 - Cultural District 31

AUSTIN City presentation 37 List of urban itineraries 38 Itinerary 1 - Capitol Area 39 Itinerary 2 - Downtown 40 Itinerary 3 - University of Texas 44 Itinerary 4 - Colorado River 47 Austin by night 49

SAN ANTONIO City presentation 50 List of urban itineraries 51 Itinerary 1 - Historic Center 52 Itinerary 2 - Mission Trail 58 Itinerary 3 - Contemporary architecture 60 San Antonio by night 65 HOUSTON City presentation 66 List of urban itineraries 67 Itinerary 1 - Downtown 68 Itinerary 2 - Uptown 76 Itinerary 3 – Hermann Park - Museum District 81 Hermann Park - Rice University 88 Hermann Park - Texas Medical Center 90 Houston by night 91

COMPREHENSIVE FIVE CITIES ITINERARY 93

Introduction This guide is for lovers of modern architecture who travel to Texas and are interested in visiting urban sites and buildings of environmental and aesthetic significance. It focuses on, but is not limited to, undertakings from the 1950s to the present.

With its 268,820 square miles, Texas is the largest American State after Alaska. With some 26 million inhabitants and an annual product of $1,387 billion (2013 data), Texas is also the second most populous and economically sizable state after California. The demographic and economic importance of Texas stands out even more when compared with that of many important nations around the world. Indeed, its population exceeds that of Chile and the Netherlands, and its economic product exceeds that of Australia and Mexico. Three of its urban centers, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas, rank among the 10 largest US cities. Austin, the State Capital, is eleventh in ranking. In addition, with more than 6 million inhabitants each, the metropolitan areas of Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth are of international significance and compete with the world’s largest metropolitan areas in critical economic activities such as trading agricultural products, supporting the development of the energy industry, promoting innovative technology, and providing advanced medical services. These cities are also magnets and generators of financial ventures and capital investments. These essential data define modern Texas and its role in the Nation and the world. But, in the popular imagination, the Lone Star State is synonymous with vast prairies crossed by immense herds of cattle, adventurous and freedom-loving folks like its legendary cowboys, and rich and extravagant families like those represented on the Dallas TV serial. For those with greater cultural interests, Texas is also the saga of the Franciscan evangelization of the Spanish-American Empire’s northernmost frontier and of the esoteric marriage between the Yankee and the Mexican cultures. This marriage stems from the dramatic revolt of Los Alamos and continues after the secession of Texas from Mexico and its merging into the United States. Always for those with cultural interests, Texas is also a land of great enterprises and successes such as those achieved in the exploration, extraction and transformation of oil and gas, in the surgical interventions on the human heart, and in the remote control of space missions.

Less known to the general public, but equally important, are Texas’ achievements in the field of urban development and building construction. Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio boost urban sites of great visual attractiveness, buildings of remarkable architectural value, and public parks of captivating beauty with spectacular fountains and imaginative monuments. With foresight, government agencies and private concerns engaged architects and landscape designers of international extraction and fame to produce designs of an exceptionally high quality and variety. With acumen, municipal authorities conveyed the establishment of museums, theaters and other cultural institutions into specialized areas or districts to facilitate their fruition through contiguity. With equal acumen, they transformed, into attractive urban parks, marginal areas along water courses and transport infrastructure. Universities and medical centers contributed to the effort with the development of sites and buildings of considerable aesthetic and architectural value. Specialized literature and the internet provide ample information on the urban context and built heritage of modern Texas. Unfortunately, these data are dispersed among multiple sources and their collection and organization is burdensome. As a result, many travelers with architectural interests, find it difficult to identify worthy sites and buildings during their planned visit. This guide aims at overcoming this difficulty. The guide organizes sites and buildings along selected urban itineraries. The itineraries can be combined in a flexible manner based on one’s time availability and personal preferences. Travelers exclusively interested in urban sites and buildings, for example, can use the itineraries to organize a specialized visit, whereas those having multiple- tourism interests can construct a broader travel program. For each city, the guide proposes: (a) three or four major itineraries; and (b) a selection of significant sites and buildings for each itinerary. Moreover, the guide proposes a comprehensive program for the entire set of cities.

Types of ITINERARIES

 Pedestrian Itinerary (Ped.It). This type of itinerary calls for the visit of sites and buildings within a confined urban area that can be easily viewed by walking. Sites and buildings are listed in sequence from a starting point reachable either by public transportation (cab or bus) or with a private vehicle (personal or rented car). Long- term parking is available in proximity of the starting point.  Motorized Itinerary (Mot.It). This type of itinerary calls for the visit of individual or groups of sites and buildings scattered across a large area. While following the itinerary, visitors may choose to stop their vehicle briefly (use flashing lights) along the margin of the road to better observe particular structures and take pictures. For specific sites and buildings, visitors are expected to park their vehicles short term (< 2 hours) at metered parking lots or in local parking garages and to carry out a brief visit on foot. This activity is called Park and See (P&S). .

Selection of SITES AND BUILDINGS

Though this book focuses primarily on contemporary works, the proposed selection includes nearby older sites and buildings of interest. For some, observation is limited to their exterior; for others, it includes a visit of their grounds and public areas; for others still, it includes a visit to their interior and even their special content (e.g., museums).

DALLAS

Year of foundation: 1856 Urban population: 1,241,162 Population of metropolitan area (Dallas – Fort Worth): 7,095,411

Dallas is the third most populous city of Texas after Houston and San Antonio and is the ninth most populous city of the United States. Its demographic importance is enhanced by being part of a much bigger metropolitan area that includes the neighboring city of Fort Worth. Similarly as many other cities in Texas, Dallas was established along the banks of a river, the Trinity River, in a location suitable for easy crossing by large cattle herds. Its urban development stems from its role as a center for agricultural and cotton production at the crossroad of multiple railroad lines. Today, the city has a vastly diversified economy led by critical sectors such as finance, commerce, telecommunications, information technology, energy, health services, transports and logistics. The economic relevance of the city is defined by its being one of the Nation’s largest concentrations of Fortune 500 enterprises. Dallas’s continuous and rapid economic expansion rests on the richness of its civil society, the vision of its entrepreneurial class, and the engagement of its public administration. Working together during the last 20 years, they have produced an extraordinary transformation of the city’s urban fabric, its stock of buildings, and its skyline. The first has gained an enhanced transportation infrastructure and a vastly renovated downtown with an improved blend of business and residential activities and an impressive Arts District. The second counts on innumerable units of admirable architectural design with equally admirable grounds. The third boosts spectacular views of skyscrapers, many of which exceed 700 feet in height. Notwithstanding the presence of a number of valuable buildings of the late 19th century and the initial part of the 20th century, Dallas’ architectural heritage mainly consists of modern and post-modern structures. Most of these structures are located in the downtown area though there is no lack of qualified modern buildings in peripheral areas, particularly in those of Oak Lawn and Uptown. The heritage of the 19th and early 20th centuries includes buildings in neo-gothic, neo-classical, Victorian, eclectic, and art-deco style.

DALLAS - City Visit

The proposed program suggests four itineraries, two of which are pedestrian (Ped.It) and two are motorized (Mot.It).

. Itinerary 1: Downtown (Mot.It / 5 hours) . Itinerary 2: Arts District (Ped.It / 4-5 hour) . Itinerary 3: Fountain Place and Perrot Museum (Ped.It / 1.5 hours) . Itinerary 4: Oak Lawn (Mot.It / 2 hours) Completing the four itineraries requires 12 to 15 hours or 1.5-2 days depending on the pace of the visit and the time spent inside the many buildings open to the public, particularly museums. Visitors should time and sequence the itineraries by taking into consideration the opening schedule of these buildings.

Dallas General Map Itinerary 1: Downtown Itinerary 2: Arts District Itinerary 3: Fountain Place and Perrot Museum Itinerary 4: Oak Lawn

Itinerary 1: Downtown (Mot.It / 5 hours) Dallas

Dallas’s Downtown covers an area of approximately 1.4 square miles. The Downtown is surrounded by high-speed highways that ease vehicular access and protect from cross traffic. Both an historic and business center, downtown is the epicenter of Dallas’s urban renewal and holds the majority of its urban sites and buildings of environmental and architectural interest. The objective of the itinerary is to scout Dallas’s Downtown to: (i) appreciate its most significant urban sites (public squares and parks with related monuments); and (ii) view its most significant buildings (public and private). The proposed itinerary includes five Park & See (P&S) sequential locations: (1) Dealey Plaza (P&S / 60 minutes); (2) Pioneer Park (P&S / 30 minutes); (3) City Hall Plaza (P&S / 30 minutes); (4) Thanks-Giving Square (P&S / 60 minutes); and (6) Bank of America Plaza (P&S / 45 minutes). From these locations, visitors can view the local cityscape and easily walk to the most significant local sites and buildings. The amount of time required to complete the visit of each location varies from 30 to 60 minutes. The time necessary to complete the entire itinerary, including moving from one P&S location to the other, is approximately five hours.

Itinerary 1: Downtown 1. Dealey Plaza 2. Pioneer Park 3. City Hall Plaza 4. Thanks-Giving Square 5. Bank of America Plaza

1. Dealey Plaza (P&S / 60 minutes) Itinerary 1: Dallas Downtown

This P&S allows time to explore an architecturally varied and rich urban-area made famous by President John F. Kennedy’s assassination. The cityscape from the Plaza includes the view of several historic buildings, the slopes of an urban park with a columned amphitheater and, on the horizon, the silhouettes of the Reunion Tower and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

Dealey Plaza. Behind the trees, on the background, the massive Hyatt Regency Hotel designed by Welton Becket & Associates surges as a sculpted mountain. Next to it is the base of Reunion Tower.

Dealey Plaza. View of its white-columned amphitheater and, at the center, the Old County Courthouse designed in 1892 by architects Orlop and Kusener in Richardsonian style.

Dealey Plaza. View of the historic Book Depository building, where from a sixth-floor window, Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President Kennedy.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza, with the related memorial, designed in 1970 by architect Philip Johnson. Behind the memorial, on the right side, is the New Courthouse Building.

2. Pioneer Park (P&S / 30 minutes) Itinerary 1: Dallas Downtown

A precious oasis, Pioneer Park sits at the intersection of S. Griffin and Young streets and hosts one of Texas’ most imaginative and grandiose monuments. The monument represents cattle crossing a water course and is dedicated to the trail riders who drove herds from Austin to Dallas along the Shawnee Trail. Pioneer Park offers interesting views of the surrounding cityscape.

Pioneer Plaza. The sculpture (1994) by artist Robert Summers includes 70 steers and three trail-riders slightly larger-than-life. It is the world’s biggest bronze monument.

3. City Hall Plaza (P&S / 30 minutes) Itinerary 1: Dallas Downtown

A walking distance from Pioneer Park, City Hall Plaza is the stage and entry door to City Hall. The Plaza hosts an impressive collection of modern sculptures and offers interesting city views.

City Hall Plaza. View of the urban landscape north of the Plaza. Behind the central lamp-post is the Thanks- Giving Tower and, at the center of the picture, is the Comerica Bank. The Plaza is characterized by the presence of a large water basin and three gigantic, conical masts that fly the flags of the USA, the State of Texas, and the City of Dallas.

City Hall. The building designed in modernist style by architect I. M. Pei was completed in 1976.

4. Thanks-Giving Square (P&S / 60 minutes) Itinerary 1: Dallas Downtown

With its characteristic triangular shape, its web of pedestrian paths, and its creative helical chapel, Thanks-Giving Square sits in the heart of downtown and is surrounded by imposing skyscrapers. The Thanks-Giving Tower, the Lincoln Plaza Tower, the Commercial Bank Tower and the One Dallas Center Tower each compete for size and design.

Thanks-Giving Square Architect Philip Johnson designed the Square and the Chapel. They opened to the public in 1976.

Thanks-Giving Tower (on the left) and Comerica Bank (on the right). Completed in 1982, the Thanks-Giving Tower has 50 floors and is 645 feet high. HKS Arquitectos is the firm responsible for its design. The tower of Comerica Bank was completed in 1987. It has 55 floors and is 787 feet of height. Architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee are responsible for its design.

Energy Plaza (on the left) and One Dallas Center (on the right). Both towers were designed by architect I. M. Pei. The first was completed in 1983, has 49 floors and a height of 629 feet; the second in 1979, has 30 floors and a height of 448 feet.

5. Bank of America Plaza (P&S / 45 minutes) Itinerary 1: Dallas Downtown

This P&S location allows time to take a close look to the Bank of America Tower, Dallas’s tallest building. It also allows time to visit the adjacent Renaissance Tower and Crystal Court which represent two fine architectural achievements.

Bank of America. Dallas’s tallest skyscraper, the building was completed in 1985. It has 72 floors and a height of 921 feet. Its design, in late-modernist style, is due to JPJ Architects. The picture on the right shows part of a square that faces the building.

Renaissance Tower and the adjacent pyramid of Crystal Court (on the right). Designed by Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum, the tower was completed in 1974, has 56 floors and measures 886 feet of height.

Itinerary 2: Arts District (Ped.It / 5 hours) Dallas

The Arts District is an integral part of downtown where it occupies the north-eastern edge. The related area has a rectangular shape and covers a dozen street blocks in between St. Paul Street, Ross Avenue, Routh Street and the Woodall Rodgers Freeway. Along the Freeway, the Municipality developed the Klyde Warren Park. With is greenery and public facilities, this unlikely strip of land has been transformed in a pleasant urban site and a popular recreation area. The main civic and cultural institutions of the Arts Center are: (1) the Nasher Sculpture Center, (2) the Dallas Museum of Art, ( 3) the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House; (4) the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, (5) the Dallas City Performance Hall, (6) the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater, (7) the Booker T. Washington High School for Performing and Visual Arts, (8) the Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, (9) the Belo Mansion, and (10) the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Arts. The District also hosts office towers of architectural interest. Completing the itinerary, with a rapid visit to the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Museum of Arts, the Winspear Opera House and the Meyerson Synphony Center, requires five hours.

Itinerary 2: Arts District 1. Nasher Sculpture Center 2. Dallas Museum of Art 3. Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House 4. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center 5. Dallas City Performance Hall 6. Dee ad Charles Wyly Theater 7. Booker T. Washington High School 8. Cathedral of the Virgin of Guadalupe 9. Belo Mansion 10. Crow Collection of Asian Art

1. Nasher Sculpture Center (above and below) Completed in 2003, the building was designed by architect Renzo Piano

2. Museum of Art (above and below). The building (1984 & 1993) was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes

3. Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (1989) designed by I.M. Pei

4. Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House (2009) designed by Norman Foster

5. Dallas City Performance Hall (2012) designed by S. O. M.

6. Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre (2009) designed by Rem Koolhans

7. Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts with its 2008 extension designed by Booziotis & Company

8. & 9. Catholic Cathedral of Guadalupe (left). Completed in 1902, the building was designed by Nicholas J. Clayton. Belo Mansion (right). Completed in 1898, the mansion was designed in neoclassical style by Herbert M. Greene

10. Designed by S.O.M. (1985, 50 floors, 686 feet). The left picture shows the top of the tower; the right picture the court of the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art.

TALL BUILDINGS ADJACENT TO THE ARTS DISTRICT The picture on the left shows, next to the Trammel Tower, the San Jacinto Tower (1982, 33 floors, 456 feet) designed by architect John Carl Warnecke and the J. P. Morgan Chase Tower (987, 55 floors, 738 feet) designed by S. O. M. The picture on the right shows the Museum Tower (2012, 42 floors, 560 feet) designed by architect Scott Johnson.

KLYDE WARREN PARK The park was designed by James Burnett

Itinerary 3: Fountain Place & Perot Museum (Ped.It / 1.5-2 hours) Dallas

At a walking distance from the Arts District are the remarkable architectural complexes: (1) Fountain Place; and (2) the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. The two buildings sit on the opposite sides of a major elevated highway under which have been created interconnecting parking facilities. Completing the itinerary requires 1.5 hours including an extended visit of the Perrot Museum.

1. Fountain Place (above and below). The tower (1986, 62 floors, 720 feet) was designed by I.M. Pei and partners, its grounds and beautiful fountains by landscaper Dan Kiley.

2. Perot Museum of Nature and Science (above and below). The complex was designed by the architectural firm Morphosis.

Itinerary 4: Oak Lawn (Mot.It / 2 hours) Dallas

In addition to its robust and dynamic Downtown, Dallas has a number of peripheral areas with interesting urban settings and buildings. These areas host important administrative, service and business activities as well as prominent medical and educational facilities. The proposed itinerary is limited to the area of Oak Lawn which is relatively close to downtown and, therefore, easily accessible. Oak Lawn is a high-income, residential neighborhood. It is located north of downtown along the small but scenic Turtle Creek. The banks of the creek comprise three distinct parks named Robert E. Lee, Highland and Lake Side. The parks, their monuments and facilities are of excellent design and make. These facilities include the Kalita Humphreys Theater designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. To complete the itinerary of Oak Lawn with P&S at the Robert. E Lee Park and the Kalita Humphreys Theater requires approximately 2 hours.

Oak Lawn. Views of Robert E. Lee Park and Monument (above) and of Highland Park and Lake Side Park (below) with luxurious condominium buildings.

Oak Lawn. The Kalita Humphreys Theater designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Dallas at night

Dallas Downtown deserves a night visit. Many public sites and buildings are creatively and suggestively lighted. The time required for a comprehensive night tour with a self-driven car is about 90 minutes. This includes brief stops to view and photograph the most significant city views, lighted monuments and lighted buildings.

Night view of the OMNI Hotel from City Hall Plaza

Reunion Tower (left) and the Bank of America and Renaissance towers (center)

Silhouette and colors of the Bank of America and the J. P. Morgan Chase Towers

Arts District: the Meyerson Symphony Center and the Dallas Performance Hall

Fountain of the Hunt Oil Tower along the Woodall Rodgers Freeway

Pioneer Monument at Pioneer Park

FORT WORTH

Year of foundation: 1849 Urban population: 777,792 Population of metropolitan area (Dallas – Fort Worth): 7,095,411

Little sister of Dallas as for population and economic importance in the common metropolitan area, Fort Worth has a marked personality due to her endowment of heritage buildings. Established in 1849 as a military outpost on a bluff dominating the Trinity River, the city represents a gateway to the West. At the end of the 19th century with the development of the Texas and Pacific Railways, Fort Worth took advantage of her cattle market to become one of the world’s leading centers in the sector. Though in a reduced form and role, her cattle “stockyard” is still operational and, with its rails and corrals, represents a legacy of symbolic value and visual appeal. Building on the exploitation of oil and gas resources, in the 20th century the economy of Fort Worth diversified and leapt forward. Today, the city hosts the headquarters of important corporations such as American Airlines, Radio Shack, Lockheed Martin, Bell Helicopter, and Pier 1. A renewed boost for wealth and growth is coming from the recent development of horizontal drilling and fracking that allow the exploitation of vast gas reserves resting under the city in the Barnett Shale. Unlike Dallas, which has limited remains of its past, Fort Worth’s urban renewal marries the exploitation of the city’s heritage of 19th and early 20th century buildings with the development of modern structures. The blending is generally attentive to the need of mitigating volumetric unbalances and contrasting architectural styles. On the first account, the result is achieved through the establishment and careful management of buffer areas around large buildings; on the second, it is achieved through the extensive use of contextual design. In addition to her historic center that largely coincides with downtown, Fort Worth has another section with sites and buildings of significant environmental and architectural value. Called the “Cultural District” this area lies between the Trinity Park and the neighborhoods of University Park and North Hi-Mount. Consonant with its name, the area hosts several museums and cultural institutions. It also hosts the grounds of a trade fair with an impressive Coliseum.

FORT WORTH - City Visit

The visit includes the combination of 3 itineraries two of which are pedestrian.

. Itinerary 1: Central Downtown (Ped.It / 2-3 hours) . Itinerary 2: Outer Downtown (Mot.It / 1.5 hours) . Itinerary 3: Cultural District (Ped.It / 4 hours) The amount of time required to complete the three itineraries is one full-day including a brief pause for lunch. This includes the time spent inside buildings open to the public, particularly museums. Visitors should time and sequence the itineraries by taking into consideration the opening schedule of these buildings.

Fort Worth General Map Itinerary 1: Central Downtown Itinerary 2: Outer Downtown Itinerary 3: Cultural District

Itinerary 1: Central Downtown (Ped.It / 2-3 hours) Fort Worth

Fort Worth Downtown is a relatively small and compact area, the northern side of which rests along a bend of the Trinity River. The area is blessed by the presence of a substantial number of heritage buildings representing the city’s past and her varied architectural patrimony. These buildings comprise structures in classical, beaux arts and art deco style. Modern buildings include daring skyscrapers with expansive curtain walls of tinted glass. Sundance Square is the symbolic and physical center of downtown and represents a suitable starting point for its visit. The proposed walking tour includes: (1) the restructured square and its surrounding historic buildings; (2) the Wells Fargo and Horton Towers; (3) the Tarrant County Courthouse; (4) the Tarrant County College West Campus; (5) the Tarrant County College East Campus; and (6) the Bass Performance Hall. The time required to complete the itinerary, including a visit of the interior hall of the Tarrant Court House and the grounds of the Tarrant County College, is approximately three hours.

Itinerary 1: Central Downtown 1. Sundance Square 2. Wells Fargo and Horton Towers 3. Tarrant County Courthouse 4. Tarrant County College West Campus 5. Tarrant County College East Campus 6. Bass Performance Hall

1. Sundance Square. The Square is the heart of Fort Worth. It is part of a vast area that still preserves a considerable number of heritage buildings graciously mixed with contemporary structures and modern urban facilities. The gigantic Teflon umbrellas of Sundance Square are among the first of its type in the USA.

2. Wells Fargo & Horton Towers. These two imposing towers surge in the very center of downtown next to Sundance Square. They play an important role not only in the economic revitalization of the city center but also in its spatial and visual definition. Architect Paul Rudolph designed both towers. The Wells Fargo tower was completed in 1982, has 33 floors and measures 447 feet of heights; the Horton tower has 38 floors and is 547 feet high.

3. Tarrant County Courthouse. Designed by architects Frederick C. Gunn & Louis Curtiss, the building was completed in 1984 in revival renaissance style.

4. Tarrant County College, Trinity River West Campus. This large educational complex was completed in 2005. It includes buildings that have been leased to private tenants.

5. Tarrant County College, Trinity River East Campus. Opposite the West Campus on Belknap Street, this complex was completed in 2012. The complex was designed by Bing Thom Architects.

6. Bass Performance Hall. Inaugurated in 1998, the building was designed by architect David M. Shwarz in an architectural style reminiscent of 1900s European theaters. Nearby, thoughtful renewal operations saved several art deco buildings while flanking them with new structures designed in a similar lexicon.

Itinerary 2: Outer Downtown (Mot.It / 1.5 hours) Fort Worth

Intimately connected and part of downtown, this area includes a number of peripheral buildings that can be best reached with a sequence of short motorized trips. The proposed P&S locations are: (1) the Water Gardens; (2) the OMNI Hotel; (3) the Old Railways Station; (4) the Old Post Office; (5) the Burnett Plaza; and (6) Pier 1 Place. Under normal traffic conditions, the time required to complete the entire itinerary is approximately 90 minutes including a 30 minutes visit of the Water Gardens.

Itinerary 2: Outer Downtown 1. Water Gardens 2. OMNI Hotel 3. Old Railways Station 4. Old Post Office 5. Burnett Plaza 6. Pier 1 Place

1. Water Gardens (above and below). Designed by Phylip Johnson and John Burgee, the gardens cover a surface of over 17,000 m sq. They comprise several ponds and fountains as well as terraced artificial hills.

2. OMNI Hotel. HOK architects; building completed 2009; 33 floors; 447 feet. The hotel complex includes a shopping area and, on the upper levels, 97 apartments.

3. Old Railroad Station (left). Designed in Art Deco style, the building was inaugurated in 1931.

4. Old Post Office (right). Adjacent to the Old Railroad Station, the building was completed in 1933. Architect Wyatt C. Hedrick designed it in traditional classical style.

5. & 6. Burnett Plaza (left). P. M. Green Associates architects; building completed 1983; 40 floors; 567 feet. Pier 1 Place (right). Duda/Paine architects; building completed 2004; 20 floors; 324 feet.

Itinerary 3: Cultural District (Ped.It / 4 hours) Fort Worth

The Cultural District is some three miles from downtown in a verdant, low-density area adjacent to a large public park and a major university center. It hosts five major museums that make it a cultural destination not only for national but also international visitors. The Kimbell Museum is considered by many one of the world’s most inspired museum structures ever built. A comprehensive visit of the Cultural District calls for a pedestrian circuit touching on the following destinations: (1) the Modern Art Museum; (2) the Kimbell Museum with its (3) New Pavilion; (4) the Children’s Science & History Museum; (5) the Amon Carter Museum of American Art; and (6) the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. The time required for the entire tour including a rapid visit of the various museums is approximately four hours.

Itinerary 3: Cultural District 1. Modern Art Museum 2. Kimbell Museum 3. Kimbell Museum New Pavilion 4. Children’s Science & History Museum 5. Amon Carter Museum of American Art 6. Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum

1. Modern Art Museum (visit / 45 m.) Itinerary 3: Fort-Worth Cultural District

Oldest in Texas, the origins of the museum date back to 1892 when it was established with the name of “Fort Worth Public Library and Art Gallery”. The present quarters (pictures below) are the work of Japanese architect Tadeo Ando. They were opened to the public in 2002.

2. Kimbell Museum (visit / 45 m.) Itinerary 3: Fort-Worth Cultural District

The museum was inaugurated in 1972. Designed by famed architect Louis Khan, the building unfolds in a sequence of softly lighted vaulted rooms of unparalleled beauty.

3. Kimbell Museum – New Pavillon (visit / 45 m.) Itinerary 3: Cultural District

Architect Renzo Piano is the author of this remarkable addition to the Kimbell Museum (2013). Conceived as an independent structure opposite to the original museum by architect Louis Khan, the building avoids competing with its predecessor by maintaining a similar imprint, in volume and height.

4. Children’s Science & History Museum (visit / 45 m.) Cultural District

The Museum was created in 1940 with the name of Fort Worth Children’s Museum. The original building was replaced by a new complex designed by architect Ricardo Logorreta. The new complex was inaugurated in 2009.

5. Amon Carter Museum of American Art (visit / 45 m.) Cultural District

The Museum was established in 1961 by the daughter of Amon G. Carter to host, according to her father’s wishes, the vast collection of paintings and sculptures by American artists painstakingly collected by him. The building is the work of architect Philip Johnson.

6. Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum Itinerary 3: Fort-Worth Cultural District

Completed in 1936 in art-deco style, the complex includes numerous structures dedicated to recreational, trade exhibition, convention and sport activities. Architect Wyatt C. Hedrick designed the main structures.

View of the Kimbell Museum from the green area facing the Will Rogers Coliseum. On the left, is the New Pavillon designed by Renzo Piano; on the right, is the original structure designed by Louis Khan.

AUSTIN

Year of foundation: 1839 Urban population: 842,592 Population of metropolitan area: 1,834,303

Capital of Texas, Austin is a lovely city of considerable charm. The Colorado River, not to be mistaken with the homonymous river that defines the Grand Canyon, gently touches the southern edge of her historic center and, with three lakes created by as many artificial dikes, provides scenic recreational areas as well as the backdrop for rich residential neighborhoods. Austin’s origins date back to 1839 when the Congress of the newly independent State of Texas decided to establish its home in a new capital city to be created in a central, salubrious and pleasant location. Initially, the city’s demographic and economic development rested on her administrative functions and the educational activities linked to the creation of the University of Texas in Austin. With time, building on her role of capital, her favorable geographic location and the presence of a large university, Austin expanded its economic role to become a vital trade and technology center. Texas Instruments, 3M, Dell, and Advanced Micro Devices are internationally renowned corporations headquartered here. Further and more recent economic diversification includes the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. In addition, sensitive to the importance of promoting her image at national and international level, in the last decade Austin bet on the branding power of music and cinema to propose herself as one of the world’s capitals for “live music” and a major festival center. As for its built heritage, the State Capitol with its surrounding buildings, downtown with its blend of modern and historic structures and the sprawling campus of the University of Texas, constitute the major assets.

AUSTIN - City Visit

The visit includes the combination of four itineraries, three of which are pedestrian and one motorized.

. Itinerary 1: Capitol Area (Ped.It / 1.5 hours) . Itinerary 2: Downtown (Ped.It / 2.5 hours) . Itinerary 3: University of Texas (Ped.It / 2.5 hours) . Itinerary 4: Colorado River (Mot.It / 3 hours) All itineraries combined can be carried out in a single day. This includes a pause of one hour for lunch and rest. Visitors should time and sequence the itineraries taking into account the opening schedule of the Capitol, public buildings and museums.

Austin General Map Itinerary 1: Capitol Area Itinerary 2: Downtown Itinerary 3: University of Texas Itinerary 4: Colorado River 4.1 Covert Park at Mount Bonnell 4.2 Butler Park

Itinerary 1: Capitol Area (Ped.It / 1.5 hours) Austin

With its massive presence on top of a gentle hill, the Capitol of the State of Texas dominates its surrounding and the entire city. The building itself is a feat of engineering prowess and architectural glitter. The grounds of the Capitol include several other impressive structures, in particular the white columned Governor’s Mansion. The time required for the visit of the area and its buildings is 1.5 hours.

The Capitol (above and below). The building was designed by Elijah Myers in 1882.

The Governor’s Mansion was designed by Abner Cook also in 1882.

Itinerary 2: Downtown (Ped.It / 2.5 hours) Austin

Austin’s historic center basically coincides with its downtown. Relatively compact, it spreads out of Congress Avenue from the Capitol to the northern bank of the Colorado River. During the last decade, the entire area has undergone important renewal which have resulted in the improvement of several urban sites and the materialization of several buildings of good architectural design. The most significant sites and buildings include: (1) the New City Hall and its grounds; (2) the Hobby Building; (3) the US Court House; (4) the One American Center; (5) the historic Driskill Hotel and its street context; (6) the Frost Tower; (7) the Convention Center and its service structures; (8) the One Congress Plaza Tower; and (9) the Austonian Tower. Completing the pedestrian itinerary for the visit of the above mentioned sites and buildings requires about 2.5 hours. The New City Hall has vast parking facilities and constitutes an ideal point to start and finish the visit.

Itinerary 2: Downtown 1. City Hall 2. Hobby Building 3. US Court House 4. One American Center 5. Driskill Hotel 6. Frost Tower 7. Convention Center 8. One Congress Plaza Tower 9. Austonian Tower

1. City Hall. Inaugurated in 2007, the building was designed by architect Antoine Predock. The pictures above show its main entrance, those below its striking atrium.

2. William J. Hobby Building. The building was completed in 1985.

3. US Courthouse. Scogin/Elam Architects, the building was completed in 2012.

4. & 5. One American Center (left). The building was completed in 1984. Driskill Hotel (right). The historic building was inaugurated in 1886.

6. & 7. Frost Tower (left). Duda/Paine architects; building completed 2004; 33 floor; 515 feet. Convention Center (right). The main building was designed by Lawrence W. Speck, the parking garage by BJK Architects.

8. & 9. One Congress Plaza (left). Susman Tidale Gayle architects; building completed 1987; 30 floors; 398 feet. The Austonian (right). Ziegler Cooper architects; building completed 2010; 56 floors; 683 feet.

Itinerary 3: University of Texas (Ped.It / 2.5 hours) Austin

Founded in 1883, the campus of the University of Texas sits only one mile from the Capitol and, therefore, Austin’s urban center. With some 50,000 students and 24,000 staff, the University is not only a major educational and scientific research center but also a major economic development agent. In recent years, the campus has witnessed the addition of several modern structures to its many classical buildings. Included among the latter are (1) the Main Building and (2) the Gregory Gymnasium. The most significant modern structures include: (3) the Bass Concert Hall; (4) the Liberal Arts Building; (5) the Blanton Museum of Arts; (6) the Student Activity Center; and (7) the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum. Walking through the University while looking at the major buildings and paying a rapid visit to the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum requires approximately 2.5 hours.

Itinerary 3: University of Texas 1. Main Building 2. Gregory Gymnasium 3. Blanton Museum of Arts 4. Student Activity Center 5. Liberal Arts Building 6. Bass Concert Hall 7. Lyndon Johnson Library and Museum

1. & 2. Main Building (left). Designed in beaux-arts style by architect Paul Philippe Cret, the building was completed in 1934. Gregory Gymnasium (right). Designed in Romanesque style by architect Herbert Greene, the building was completed in 1930.

3. & 4. Blanton Art Museum (left). Designed by Kallmann McKinnell & Wood Architects, the museum’s new and expanded facilities were inaugurated in 2006. Student Activity Center (right). Completed in 2011, the building was designed by Overland Partners.

5. & 6. Liberal Arts Building (left). Inaugurated in 2013, the complex was designed by Overland Partners. Bass Concert Hall (right). Completed in 2009, the building was designed by Boora Architects.

7. Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum (above and below). The building was completed in 1971. The architectural firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (S.O.M.) was responsible for its conception and design.

Itinerary 4: Colorado River (Mot.It / 3 hours) Austin

On the outskirts of Austin’s original built area, the Colorado River and its lakes constitute a structural element of the city’s metropolitan area for their environmental value and recreational functions. In addition to hosting numerous parks with pedestrian trails and sport facilities, the river banks are the privileged location of important recreational and cultural centers. The metropolitan area that gravitates on the river and its lake is ample and includes exclusive residential neighborhoods spread over scenic hills. The proposed itinerary is limited to the visit of Covert Park at Mount Bonnell which, from the top of a cliff, offers broad views of the West Lake and the West Lake Hills neighborhood, and the visit of Butler Park which, from across Lady Bird Lake, offers fine views of downtown. Butler Park is also the location of the Center of Performing Arts and the Parmer Event Center, both of which present architectural interest. (location of parks indicated on map at page 38) Under normal traffic conditions, completing the entire vehicular itinerary with P&S pauses of 45 minutes in both Covert Park and Butler Park requires approximately three hours.

Colorado River - West Lake The facilities of Covert Park at Monte Bonnell (above) Views of the residential neighborhood of West Lake Hills (below)

Butler Park (above and below) Views of downtown Austin from the Colorado River

Butler Park: Center for Performing Arts designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill

Butler Park: Parmer Event Center designed by BGK Architects

Austin at night

The night lighting of Austin’s monuments and buildings is consistent with the city’s capital role and her determination to become a cultural and recreational center both nationally and internationally.

SAN ANTONIO

Year of foundation: 1681 Urban population: 1,382,951 Population of metropolitan area: 2,234,023

San Antonio is undoubtedly one of the most attractive tourism cities in Texas and the United States. Its attractiveness rests on a precious combinations of historic, cultural, recreational and physical attributes. The Franciscan Missions, the Los Alamos complex and the Governor’s House represent the most significant historic heritage sites; several museums, theaters, didactic centers and thematic parks provide opportunities for cultural enrichment and for leisure, including for children; and, finally, the city’s historic core with its “River Walk” offers attractive urban spaces and views. San Antonio’s tourism vocation blends with administrative, commercial and productive functions attuned to her role of the second most populous city of Texas and seventh most populous city of the Nation. Activities in the oil and gas, automotive, financial and health sectors have greatly supported her economic growth in recent years. History and geographic location also contributed to make San Antonio a major military center and a dynamic player in the production of military ware. San Antonio’s metropolitan area has a low density and, therefore, is expansive. A vast highway system, supported by two major ring roads, links the various parts of the city with its historic center. Defined by the San Antonio River and the outgrowth of its “river walk” canal, San Antonio’s historic center is certainly the most interesting part of the city in terms of both urban fabric and built context. Its historic reach and architectural variety is unparalleled in Texas and rarely matched elsewhere in the United States. The suburbs also contain sites and buildings of significant environmental and architectural value. Standing out among them are the Franciscan Missions and their grounds, the botanical gardens and their conservatory halls, the McNey Museum and its sculpture gardens, and the South Texas Medical Center with its many modern facilities.

SAN ANTONIO - City Visit

The visit includes the combination of three itineraries, two of which are motorized.

. Itinerary 1: Historic Center (Ped.It / 4 hours) . Itinerary 2: Mission Trail (Mot.It / 2.5 hours) . Itinerary 3: Contemporary Architecture (Mot.It / 5 hours) All itineraries combined can be carried out in 1.5 days. Given the eminent cultural and touristic vocation of San Antonio, the itineraries often include a visit to historic sites and buildings. Many of them have been the object of valorization programs that present interest in terms of planning, conservation and development. Visitors should time and sequence the itineraries taking into account the opening schedule of sites and museums.

San Antonio General Map Itinerary 1: Historic Center Itinerary 2: Mission Trail Itinerary 3: Contemporary Architecture

Itinerary 1: Historic Center (Ped.It / 4 hours) San Antonio

San Antonio’s historic center spans the symbolic quadrangle defined by the homonymous river and a spur canal called “River Walk”. Its peculiarity and interest stems from the transformation of the canal’s banks into pedestrian pathways well connected to the city’s street network yet isolated from vehicular traffic. These pathways are dotted with shops, restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. Moreover, they are intimately connected to numerous hotels, the result being a uniquely lively, day-and-night environment. In addition to its Spanish Colonial heritage, the architectural landscape of the historic center is marked by the presence of numerous buildings dating from the end of 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. Their neo-gothic, revival, eclectic and art deco styles thrive along the contemporary design of more recent structures, some of which are of appreciable quality. The itinerary proposed for the visit of the historic center starts at the “Main Plaza” and vicinity and rests on the “River Walk” and its surroundings. The itinerary can be completed in four hours, including a leisurely visit of the Cathedral of San Fernando, the Spanish Governor House and the complex of Los Alamos.

Itinerary 1: Historic Center Main Plaza: 1. Cathedral of San Fernando 2. Spanish Governor House 3. City Hall 4. Judicial Complex with Bexar Court House 5. Alameda Theater 6. Travis Park Methodist Youth Building River Walk: 7. Hyatt Regency 8. River Center Marriott 9. Briscoe Western Art Museum 10. San Antonio Museum of Art Alamo Plaza: 11. Los Alamos 12. US Post Office 13. Emily Morgan Hotel

1. Main Plaza (Ped.it / 60 minutes) San Antonio: Historic Center

The most significant buildings of the Main Plaza and its surroundings are: (1) the Cathedral of San Fernando; (2) the Spanish Governor House; (3) City Hall; and (4) the judicial complex with its historic Bexar County Court House and the new Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. Nearby are the equally interesting art deco buildings of (5) the Alameda Theater and (6) the Travis Park Methodist Youth Building.

1. Cathedral of San Fernando. The Church was established in 1738 and subsequently expanded in 1868 in gothic style.

2. Spanish Governor House. This historic building dates back to 1722. It served as residence and office of the Spanish Governor when the southernmost part of Texas was still part of the Spanish Empire

3. City Hall. Designed in Italian Renaissance style, the building was completed in 1882. The project is due to architect Otto Kramer.

4. Judicil Complex. The Bexar County Courthouse (left) is in Romanesque revival style. Designed by architect J. Riely Gordon, the building was completed in 1892. The new Cadena-Reeves Justice Center (right) was completed in 2010 next to the Courthouse. Its design is from the architectural firm Ford, Powell & Carson.

5 & 6. The Alameda Theater (left) and the Travis Park Methodist Youth Building (right) were both completed in 1949 in art deco reminiscent architectural style.

2. River Walk (Ped.it/ 2 hours) San Antonio: Historic Center

Though completely different because of its lush vegetation and built context, River Walk evocates a mini Venice. The Hyatt Regency (7) and River Center Marriott (8) hotels and the Briscoe Western Art Museum (9) and San Antonio Museum of Art (10) represent significant architectural presences.

River Walk. Views of the main canal with its pedestrian paths and bridges. The steps (right picture) lead to the historic neighborhood of “La Villita” which is now transformed into a commercial and recreational area.

7. Hyatt Regency Hotel. An elaborate fountain crosses the hotel’s entire ground floor and garden to flow into the River Walk’s Canal. Designed by Douglas Architects, the hotel was inaugurated in 1981.

8. River Center Marriott Hotel. The hotel tower (left), and its impressive shopping facilities (right) were inaugurated in 1988.

9. & 10. Briscoe Western Art Museum (left). View of the River Walk museum access. San Antonio Museum of Art (right). View of the River Walk museum landing.

3. Alamo Plaza (Ped.it / 60 minutes) San Antonio: Historic Center

Alamo Plaza represents an effective and pleasant connection between the city and the remains of the fortified complex of Los Alamos. It serves as a noble background not only to one of the nation’s most loved Churches but also to the historic buildings of the US Post Office and Emily Morgan Hotel.

11. Los Alamos (above and below). The historic Church with its ornate entrance gate, sober interior and grounds.

12. & 13. U.S. Post Office, main hall (left) and Emily Morgan Hotel, main entrance (right).

Itinerary 2: Mission Trail (Mot.it / 2.5 hours) San Antonio

Though occasionally crossed by disturbing highways and encroached on by modern housing developments, the park largely preserves the original environment of the four mission complexes of: (1) Conceptiòn, (2) San Josè, (3) San Juan, and (4) Espada. Located at a several-hours walk from one another, today the Missions can be reached easily with short vehicular trips along a well-designed parkway. Their suggestive and romantic remains are isolated in protected green areas that evoke their original environment. The visual impact of visitor centers and other facilities is minimized through appropriate location and careful choice of design and construction materials. The visit of the four Missions requires approximately 2.5 hours including travel time.

Itinerary 2: Mission Trail 1. Mission Conceptiòn 2. Mission San Josè 3. Mission San Juan 4. Mission Espada

1. The Mission of Conceptiòn

2. The Mission of San Josè

3. The Mission of San Juan

4. The Mission of Espada

Itinerary 3: Contemporary Architecture (Mot.It / 5 hours)

With the exception of the San Antonio Public Library, which is located at the outskirts of the historic center, most modern buildings of architectural interest are located in suburban areas. The proposed itinerary covers two groups of buildings which are easy to reach because one is along a defined route and the other is clustered in the same area. The first group is located north-east of the city along Broadway Street. It includes (1) the San Antonio Public Library, (2) the conservatory halls of the Botanical Gardens, and (3) the complex of the McNay Museum. The second group is located north-west of the city on Fredericksburg Road. It collects the sprawling facilities of (4) the South Texas Medical Center. The visit of the first group of buildings requires three hours including the time to travel from one location to the other. The time required to view the second group is one hour. The combination of the two itineraries including their interconnection in normal traffic conditions requires approximately five hours.

Itinerary 3: Contemporary Architecture

1. San Antonio Public Library 2. Botanical Gardens 3. McNay Museum 4. South Texas Medical Center

1. San Antonio Public Library designed by architect Ricardo Logorreta (visit / 20 minutes)

2. San Antonio Botanical Gardens (visit / 60 minutes) Lucile Halsell Conservatory Hall designed by Emilio Ambasz

3. McNay Museum (visit / 60 minutes) The original McNay residence and a new extension designed by J.P. Viguier host the museum’s collections

4. South Texas Medical Center (Mot.it / 1 hour) The overall complex of the South Texas Medical Center covers 1.4 square miles and consists of 45 different institutions. Many are recently completed and many others are under construction.

Health Science Center (left). This vast “central complex” constitutes the core of the entire Medical Center. Administrative building (right). The building is part of the “central complex”. It was designed by HKS Inc.

Dolph Briscoe Jr. Library (left). The building was designed by Kell Muñoz Architects. South Texas Research Facility (right). The building was designed by Rafael Vinoly.

Medical Arts & Research Center (left). The building was designed by FKP Architects. Barshop Institute (right). The building was designed by Overland Partners.

San Antonio at night

Visiting “River Walk” at night is a magical experience. It explains San Antonio’s great success as a touristic center and a major venue for corporate meetings and conventions.

HOUSTON

Year of foundation: 1837 Urban population: 2,160,821 Population of metropolitan area: 6,371,677

On all accounts, Houston is not only Texas’ primary city but one of America’s most imposing urban centers. Its demographic and economic importance matches the density of its skyscrapers, ranking immediately after New York and Chicago, and the number of its Fortune 500 corporations, ranking only after New York. Established in 1836 and named after the hero of San Jacinto and the first President of Independent Texas, Houston flourished thank to its favorable geographic location at the mouth of a protected natural harbor. With its maritime traffic linked to the State’s energy resources, today the Port of Houston ranks number one in the United States in volume of international exchanges, contributing to making the city the Nation’s largest export center. Beyond its seafaring base, Houston’s economy is highly diversified and particularly strong in the petrochemical sector, the production of plants and machinery for the energy industry including its renewable sources, the aeronautic and aerospace industry, activities related to biomedical research and the provision of health care and higher educational services. When combined with the presence of innumerable industrial, commercial, financial and investment enterprises, Houston truly is a global city. Besides its dominant role in the energy sector, Houston leads internationally in the health and higher education sectors. The Texas Medical Center represents the world’s largest concentration of hospitals and medical research institutions. The Houston University System has prestigious institutions hosting students from all over the word. Notwithstanding some buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century, Houston built heritage stands out for the audacity and opulence of its modern realizations. Downtown has a large collection with sites and buildings of different typologies and varied architectural design. In recent years, however, the dominance of downtown is being challenged by “Uptown” some six miles away. With its shining buildings, modern infrastructure and abundant green areas, “Uptown” redefines the concept of city center through a balanced combination of business, commercial, recreational, hospitality and residential activities.

HOUSTON - City Visit

The visit includes three itineraries each of which is characterized by a combination of motorized and pedestrian travel.

. Itinerary 1: Downtown (Mot.It - Ped.It / 5 hours) . Itinerary 2: Uptown (Mot.It – Ped.It / 2.5 hours) . Itinerary 3: Hermann Park / Museum District (Mot.It – Ped.It / 6 hours). The time required to complete the three itineraries together amounts to 14-16 hours, or a minimum of 1.5 days if you are fast moving. Visitors should time and sequence the itineraries taking into account the opening schedule of museums and the time various buildings open to the public for general use or organized visits.

Houston general map Itinerary 1: Downtown Itinerary 2: Uptown Itinerary 3: Hermann Park 3.1 Museum District - Mecom Fountain 3.2 Museum District - St Thomas University 3.3 Rice University 3.4 Houston Medical Center

Itinerary 1: Downtown (Mot.it - Ped.It / 5 hours) Houston

Houston’s downtown appearance began to take shape in the 1970s and during the energy boom that fueled construction of many of the skyscrapers that mark its skyline. During the last two decades, its development was brightened up by the addition of residential activities and services. In its north-western section next to the Buffalo Bayou, the “Theater District” provides a specialized urban-area hosting facilities for the performing arts, the music and public events. The best way to visit downtown and to appreciate its most significant urban sites and buildings is by traveling slowly by car along the most important avenues. The proposed itinerary includes five Park & See (P&S) sequential locations: (1) One Allen Center (P&S / 45 minutes), (2) Wells Fargo Plaza (P&S / 30 minutes; (3) Central Library (P&S / 30 minutes); (4) Jones Plaza/Theater District (P&S / 60 minutes); (5) One Houston Center (P&S / 45 minutes) The visit of downtown can be made by car (personal or rented) or by public transportation (cabs and busses, or a combination of the two). Personal vehicles can easily find space in one of the many parking facilities close to the P&S locations. The visit to the sites and buildings near each location requires from 40 to 60 minutes. Therefore, the time required for visiting the entire downtown including travel from one P&S location to another other is approximately six hours or ½ day.

1. Allen Center (P&S / 45 minutes) Itinerary 1: Houston Downtown

With its dramatic skyscrapers and a distinctive elevated pedestrian ring, Allen Plaza defines both the urban and architectural context of downtown’s northwest. Visiting this P&S location requires 45 minutes.

The Center consists of five buildings in the Allen Plaza. The Chevron Tower (pictures) has 50 floors and is 685 feet high. Completed in 1983, it was designed by Lloyd Jones Brewer.

2. Wells Fargo Plaza (P&S / 45 minutes) Itinerary 1: Houston Downtown

The four blocks around Wells Fargo Plaza accommodate some of downtown’s tallest skyscrapers such as: (1) the Wells Fargo Tower; (2) the Enterprise Tower; (3) the Center Point Energy Tower; and (4) the El Paso Corporation Tower.

1. & 2. Wells Fargo Tower (left). Designed by the architectural firm S.O.M., the tower was completed in 1979. It has 71 floors and is 992 feet high. Enterprise Tower (right). Also designed by S.O.M., the building was completed in 1980. It has 55 floors and is 756 feet tall.

3. & 4. Center Point Energy Tower (left). Designed by DMJM Keating and completed in 1996, the Center has 53 floors and is 741 feet tall. El Paso Corporation Tower (ight.) Designed by S.O.M., the tower was completed in 1963, has 33 floors and reaches a height of 502 feet.

3. Central Library (P&S / 60 minutes) Itinerary 1: Houston Downtown

With its historical quarters and related additions, the complex of the Central Library constitutes an architectural landmark. The P&S location allows one to explore: (1) the Central Library; (2) the spectacular Texaco Heritage Plaza and Tower; (3) Tranquillity Park; (4) City Hall; and (5) the Hobby Center for Performing Arts.

1. Houston Public Library. The Julia Ideon Building (left), completed in 1926, was designed by architects Cram and Ferguson in Tudor style. The Jesse Jones Building (right), completed in 1976, was designed by architect Seth Irvin Morris.

2. Texaco Heritage Plaza. The imposing skyscraper, with its upper part inspired to Mayan buildings and an elaborated plaza, was completed in 1987. Designed by M. Nasr & Partners P.C., it has 53 floors and is 762 feet tall.

3. Tranquillity Park. Accurately designed with large water basins and rest and recreational areas, the park was completed in 1979. The project is due to architect- landscaper Charles Tapley.

4. & 5. City Hall (left). Designed in art-deco style by architect Joseph Finger, the building was completed in 1936. Hobby Center for Performing Arts (right). Designed by architect R. Stern, the Center was completed in 2002.

4. Jones Plaza (P&S / 60 minutes) Itinerary 1: Houston Downtown

Jones Plaza represents the heart of the Theater District. This P&S location is ideal for the visit of: (1) the Plaza; (2) the Alley Theatre; (3) the Wortham Theater Center; and (4) the Jesse H. Jones Hall. Nearby are (5) the J.P. Morgan Chase Tower, (6) the Bank of America Tower and (7) the Pennzoil Place Tower which enliven the area with their daring and innovative architecture.

1. & 2. Jones Plaza (left). Enriched by a nice fountain, the Plaza is in the heart of the “Theater District”. Alley Theatre (right). Designed by architect Ulrich Franzen, the theater was inaugurated in 1986

3. Wortham Theater Center (above). The theater complex and its gardens were opened

in 1987. The project is the work of architect Eugene Aubrey. 4. & 5. Jesse Jones Hall for Performing Arts (left). Designed by architect Caudill Rowlett Scott, the building was opened in 1966. J.P. Morgan Chase Tower (right). Designed in 1981 by I. M. Pei & Partners, the tower has 75 floors and a height of 1002 feet.

6. Bank of America Tower (left). The building by architects Johnson & Burgee was completed in 1983. It has 56 floors and is 780 feet tall.

7. Pennzoil Place Tower. Also designed by architects Johnson & Burgee, the tower was completed in 1976, has 36 floors and is 523 feet tall.

5. Houston Center (P&S / 30 minutes) Itinerary 1: Houston Downtown

This part of downtown has several buildings of interesting architectural design. To mention a few: (1) the First City Tower, (2) the One Houston Center, (3) the Chevron Texaco Tower, and (4) the Five Houston Center.

1. & 2. First City Tower (left). Designed by Morris-Aubry Architects, the building has 49 floors and measures 662 feet in height. One Houston Center (right). The building was completed in 1978. Designed by S. I. Morris Associates, the building has 46 floors and is 678 feet in height.

3. & 4. Chevron Texaco Tower (left). Designed by architect Caudill Rowlett Scott, the tower was completed in 1982. It has 52 floors and is725 feet in height. Five Houston Center (right). Completed in 2002, the building was designed by the firm HKS. It has 27 floors and measures 376 feet in height.

Itinerary 2: Uptown (Mot.It - Ped.It / 2.5 hours) Houston

In spite of its recent creation, Uptown is already home to some 2,000 corporations, many of which operate internationally. The number of hotel beds and the commercial space available in Uptown exceed those of Downtown and are likely to increase further. Size, space, efficiency and aesthetic appeal are the development drivers of Uptown and qualify it as a remarkable real-estate venture. The visit of Uptown is made easiest by parking at the Galleria to explore the related shopping center and surrounding areas and, then continuing by car to view the sites and buildings along Post Oak Boulevard and San Felipe Street. The total time required for the visit is about 2.5 hours, including a stay of 50 minutes in the shopping center.

The Galleria (1) Transco Tower (2) Hines Waterwall (3) Hidalgo St. / Post Oak Blvd (office and residential buildings) (4) the Galleria (grounds and interior vaulted hall)

Post Oak Boulevard (5) Post Oak Central, (6) Cosmopolitan Condominium (7) Four Oak Place

San Felipe Street (8) Four Leaf Towers (9) Marathon Oil Tower

1. The Galleria (P&S / 90 minutes) Itinerary 2: Houston Uptown

The Galleria shopping-mall area is characterized by the dominant presence of (1) the Transco Tower. The western side of the Tower is graced by (2) a park with an imposing fountain by the name of Hines Waterwall. Nearby, beyond Hidalgo Street, additional parkland with rich vegetation and attractive ponds constitutes the stage for (3) office and residential buildings. The shopping mall of the Galleria (4) has nice grounds and a vast vaulted halls. (area map on preceding page)

1. Transco Tower designed by architects Philip Johnson and John Burgee. The tower was completed in 1982, has 64 floors and is 901 feet high.

2. Hines Waterwall designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee

3. Hidalgo Street /Post Oak Boulevard. Park land with office and residential buildings.

4. The Galleria. Grounds and vaulted hall.

2. Post Oak Boulevard (Mot.it / 45 minutes) Itinerary 2: Houston Uptown

Parallel to the West Loop Freeway, Post Oak Boulevard is one of Uptown’s principal thoroughfares and is also one of the best places to appreciate the sophisticated design of its urban infrastructure and the architectural quality of its buildings. The most interesting building complexes of Post Oak Boulevard are: (5) Post Oak Central, (6) the Cosmopolitan Condominium, and (7) the Four Oak Place. (area map on page 75)

Urban fittings and fixtures along Post Oak Boulevard

5. Post Oak Central. This office complex consists of three buildings. Designed by architect Philip Johnson, it was developed between 1975 (first tower) and 1982 (third and last tower)

6. Cosmopolitan Condominium. Completed in 2008, this luxury condominium building was designed by Brand & Allen Architects.

7. Four Oak Place. This complex consists of four buildings. It was designed by architect Cesar Pelli in the 1990s.

3. San Felipe Street (Mot.it / 45 minutes) Itinerary2: Houston Uptown

San Felipe Street intercepts perpendicularly Post Oak Boulevard at its midway. Office and residential complexes of notable architectural design line both sides of the street. The most interesting complexes are: (8) the Four Leaf Towers and (9) the Marathon Oil Tower. (area map on page 75)

8. Four Leaf Towers. Designed by Cesar Pelli and completed in 1982. The two towers have 200 residential units, 40-some floors, and are 550 feet tall.

9. Marathon Oil Tower. Designed by the architectural firm Pierce Goodwin & Linville, the tower was completed in 1981, has 41 floors and is 561 feet tall.

Itinerary 3: Hermann Park (Mot.It - Ped.It / 6 hours) Houston

Slightly over two miles to the southwest of downtown, Hermann Park is central to and constitutes the background of three distinct urban areas: the Museum District; Rice University, and the Texas Medical Center. In turn, given its geographic extension and the large amount of cultural institutions, the Museum District includes two distinct sites. The first one of which is around the Mecom Fountain and the second nearby St. Thomas University. The most effective way to visit the Museum District is to park near Mecom Fountain and St. Thomas University and walk through their respective sites and buildings. The visit to Rice University and the Texas Medical Center is most easily accomplished by car and using off-road stops to view and photograph the most significant buildings. Further to this general overview, those interested can park in designated areas and undertake a more detailed visit of specific sites and buildings on foot. The overall visit of the area of Hermann Park requires at least six hours or ½ day.

1. Museum District – Mecom Fountain (Ped.it / 90-120 minutes) Itinerary3: Houston Hermann Park

Dominated by the presence of the Museum of Fine Arts and its two massive complexes (1) Caroline Wises Law Building and (2) Audrey Jones Beck Building, the Mecom Fountain area of the Museum District also includes: (3) the Museum of Natural Sciences; (4) the Cullen Sculpture Garden; (5) the Glassell School of Art; and (6) the Contemporary Arts Museum. The (7) St. Paul’s United Methodist Church constitutes an additional presence of great historic importance and visual impact. (area map on next page, site A) Visiting the area requires from 90 to 120 minutes depending on the time spent for perusing the material displayed in the major museums.

Mecom Fountain

A. Museum District - Mecom Fountain (1) Caroline Wises Law Building (2) Audrey Jones Beck Building (3) Museum of Natural Sciences (4) Cullen Sculpture Garden (5) Glassell School of Art (6) Contemporary Arts Museum (7) St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

B. Museum District - Saint Thomas University (1) Academic Mall and the St. Basil Chapel of the University (2) Rothko Chapel (3) Menil Museum

1. Museum of Fine Art (above and below). Caroline Wises Law Building designed by William Watkin in 1924 with extension designed by Mies van der Rohe in 1958.

2. Museum of Fine Arts (above and below). Audrey Jones Beck Building designed by Rafael Moneo and completed in 2000

3. Museum of Natural Science

4. Cullen Sculpture Garden designed by Isamu Noguchi

5. Glassell School of Art designed by architect S.I. Morris

6. Contemporary Arts Museum designed by architect Gunnar Birkerts. The museum was inaugurated in 1972

7. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church designed by R.D. Steele and consecrated in 1909

2. Museum District – St. Thomas University (Ped.it / 75 minutes) Itinerary3: Houston Hermann Park

The St. Thomas University area of the Museum District is on Montrose Boulevard some 800 yards up from the Museum of Fine Arts. The area hosts several sites and buildings of significant environmental and architectural interest. Prominent among these are: (1) the Academic Mall and the St. Basil Chapel of the University; (2) the Rothko Chapel; and (3) the Menil Museum. (area map on page 82, site B) Visiting the area and its buildings requires from 60 to 90 minutes depending on the time dedicated to the Menil Museum.

1. University of St. Thomas. Academic Mall (above) and St. Basil Chapel (below) designed by architect Philip Johnson in 1997

2. Rothko Chapel. Completed in 1971, the building was designed by Mark Rothko and Philip Johnson.

3. Menil Museum with its surrounding grounds (above and below). Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the museum was inaugurated in 1986.

3. Rice University (Mot.it / 60 minutes) Itinerary 3: Houston Hermann Park

The campus of Rice University holds an historic core of considerable environmental and architectural interest. The beauty of its old buildings is matched by that of many recent structures that provide educational, recreational and lodging facilities to its expanding student population. The most significant buildings and facilities include: (1) the Lovett Hall; (2) the Duncan Hall; (3) the Brochstein Pavilion; (4) the Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center; (5) the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace; (6) the Brown and the Martel Residential Colleges. (location of University indicated on map at page 67) The visit of the campus requires at least 60 minutes.

1. Lovett Hall designed by Ralph Adams Cram in 1912.

2. Duncan Hall (above and below). Designed by John Outram, it was completed in 1997.

3. Brochstein Pavilion (2008) designed by Thomas Phifer & Partners

4. Gibbs Recreation and Wellness Center (2009) designed by F&S Partners

5. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace (2012) designed by James Turrell

6. The Brown Residential College (left) and the Martel Residential College (right) are two of the campus’ 11 residential complexes. They operate as autonomous entities.

4. Texas Medical Center (Mot.it / 60 minutes) Itinerary 3: Houston Hermann Park

Opposite Rice University on S. Main Street, the Texas Medical Center is a collection of hospitals, medical institutions and research centers forming a vast array of buildings, many of which are of recent construction and considerable architectural beauty. (location of medical center indicated on map at page 67) Touring the Center requires at least 60 minutes.

Pictures above starting from left: St Luke’s Medical Tower (1990) designed by Cesar Pelli; Methodist Hospital Outpatients Care Center, Smith Tower (1989) designed by Lloyd Jones Fillpot & Associates; and Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza (2007) designed by Kirksey.

Pictures above starting from left: Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute (2010) designed by Perkins & Will; McGovern Texas Medical Center Commons (2002) designed by Jackson & Ryan Architects; and Texas Children Hospital (2010) designed by FKP Architects.

Houston at night

Though less spectacular than in Dallas, the sight of Houston’s downtown at night deserves attention. Many skyscrapers are illuminated. Some are crowned with softly colored light- bands. The overall effect is one of urban density and power.

DALLAS FORT WORTH AUSTIN SAN ANTONIO HOUSTON

comprehensive five cities itinerary with in-between towns’ visits

The proposed itinerary includes the entire set of cities. It is for travelers who initiate and complete their visit in Dallas. Here, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) represents an effective air access for domestic and international flights. However, the itinerary can be modified easily to start and finish in any of the cities concerned. The time required to carry out the proposed itinerary is 9-10 days depending on the arrival and departure schedule of the travelers’ flights. The trips between cities envisage direct routes with a single stop of no more than 2.5 hours in an in-betweene town of touristic interest. Stops include a brief visit of the towns’ urban context, buildings and monuments as well as a pause for lunch and rest. The selected towns are: Waco Gonzales Corsicana

MAP of TRAVEL ITINERARY

TRAVEL PROGRAM

Day 1, 2 & 3 DALLAS⌂ and FORT WORTH (Three nights in Dallas with two days dedicated to the visit of Dallas and one day to Fort Worth. The travel time between Dallas and Fort Worth is about 50 minutes each way)

Day 4 DALLAS ► Waco ► AUSTIN⌂ (early morning departure from Dallas; travel time from Dallas to Austin five hours including a stop of 1.5 hours in Waco; afternoon and night in Austin)

Day 5 AUSTIN ► SAN ANTONIO⌂ (morning and afternoon in Austin; late afternoon departure from Austin to San Antonio; travel time from Austin to San Antonio 1.5 hours)

Day 6 SAN ANTONIO⌂ (full day and night)

Day 7 SAN ANTONIO ► Gonzales ► HOUSTON⌂ (morning in San Antonio; departure at noon for Houston; travel time from San Antonio to Houston five hours including deviation and stop of 1.5 hours in Gonzales)

Day 8 HOUSTON⌂ (full day and night)

Day 9 HOUSTON ► Corsicana ► DALLAS⌂ (morning in Houston; departure at noon for Dallas; travel time from Houston to Dallas 5.5 hours including a stop of 1.5 ore in Corsicana)

⌂ overnight locality

Distances and travel time as indicated by the American Automobile Association:

. Dallas > Fort Worth: miles 32 / km 52 / travel time 0:30 min. . Dallas > Austin: miles 195 / km 312 / travel time 2:51 hrs. . Austin > San Antonio: miles 79 / km 126 / travel time 1:14 hr. . San Antonio > Houston: miles 198 / km 317 / travel time 2:55 hrs. . Houston > Dallas: miles 238 / km 380 / travel time 3:57 hrs.

Waco intermediate stop between Dallas and Austin

Situated on I-35 halfway between Dallas and Austin, Waco owes its development to the creation in 1870 of a suspension bridge across the Brazos River, thus establishing the site as a strategic crossing for the cattle herds moving along the Chisholm Trail. The city now counts over 125,000 inhabitants and is a major administrative, service and educational center for the McLennan County. The McLennan County Courthouse with its imposing dome and renaissance revival architecture and the suspension bridge with its daring chain structure and romantic setting deserve a detailed visit.

Completed in 1902, the Courthouse was designed by famed architect James Riley Gordon. The building is an emblem of pride and justice and testifies, with similar courthouses also designed by Gordon, the critical importance of law and order in the history of the State of Texas.

Opened in 1869, the suspension bridge consists of a single span of 475 feet. Now transformed into a pedestrian bridge, the iconic structure is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. A suggestive bronze monument, reminiscent of the Pioneer Monument in Dallas, simulates the crossing of a cattle-herd.

Gonzales intermediate stop between San Antonio and Houston

Very small and far away from any major roadway, Gonzales is one of the earliest Anglo – American settlements in Texas. It has a remarkable past and a distinguished history during the Texas Revolution when it earned the city the appellative Lexington of Texas. Thanks to its relative isolation, the town has been spared by tempestuous modern development and preserves the charm of old times through its precious collection of historic buildings and old houses.

(Left): row of historic commercial buildings in St. Laurence Street dating back to the 1850s. (Right): Gonzales County Courthouse designed by famed architect J. Riley Gordon in Romanesque revival style. The building was completed in 1896 and thoroughly restored in 1998.

Gonzales’ large stock of old houses includes structures in Queen Anne, Tudor Revival, Italianate, and Greek Revival styles. The houses in the pictures represent two significant examples of this stock. Gonzales Chamber of Commerce with the help of Gonzales Historic Home Association organizes viewing tours and selected visits.

Corsicana intermediate stop between Houston and Dallas

Located on I-45 some fifty-five miles south of Dallas, Corsicana is a small town and the seat of Navarro County. Compact and with many well preserved historic buildings, its urban core has a pleasant aspect and typifies the center of an old agro-industrial city. Building on its old-time charm and the vicinity to Dallas, the municipal authorities are promoting the town as a local tourism destination with traditional restaurants, specialized shops, museums and recreational facilities.

Navarro County Courthouse. Designed by architect J. E. Flanders in beaux arts classical revival style, the Courthouse was completed in 1905 on the site of three previously lost or demolished courthouses. Isolated and in a dominant position, the building constitutes a city landmark.

The First United Methodist Church (left) constitutes another city landmark. The commercial buildings in the right picture is representative of many similar old buildings in the town center.

About the author Gianni Brizzi lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Born in Milano, Italy, Gianni graduated in architecture and pursued further education and professional training in the fields of investment financing and project management. After several years of activity in an Italian consulting firm specialized in economic studies, Gianni moved to Washington D.C. and worked at the World Bank in various professional and managerial capacities. At present, he operates as a free-lance consultant. Gianni’s recent activities focus on tourism development and the management of cultural heritage within the physical and economic regeneration of urban areas.

Gianni Brizzi July 2014