Architecture of the Bank of America Center - Houston, Texas, United States of America

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An example of what happens when you crossbreed skyscrapers with old homes. The gables were inspired by the canal houses of The Netherlands, and give the building an instantly-recognizable appearance. The first section is 21-stories tall, while the whole building reaches a height of 56-stories. The building also sets itself apart from the other buildings in the skyline which are blue, black, and white. Bank of America Center is dark pink in appearance, being clad in red Swedish granite. Attached to the tower is a similarly-gabled square building referred to as the "banking hall." The Bank of America Center actually envelopes the old two-story Western Union building inside this hall. The old building was not razed because of the electrical connections it houses. That's why the second floor of the building is so far from street level. From the air you can get a better sense of how the setbacks are laid out, and really appreciate its unique shape. With the exception of the Chase Bank building (not to be confused with Chase Tower, or Chase Plaza, not pictured, or any of the two or three dozen other Chase buildings in the city) this is Houston's only attempt at a classic 1920's-style skyscraper. It is not easily recognizable as such because it has thrown off the shackles that bind such buildings in New York and Chicago in order to be very very modern, and match the rest of the city. Houston has a very new skyline compared to others in the United States. It only began experimenting with true skyscrapers in the 1970's and 1980's -- fifty years later than the great architectural capitals of the world. This building succeeds in taking something from the outside world and bending it to meet local sensibilities, which is a recurring theme not only in Houston, but in the whole of Texas. The skyscraper has changed names three times since completion. Originally RepublicBank Center, then NationsBank Center and now Bank of America Center. Computer gaming enthusiasts will recognize this building as one of the rewards available in the game SimCity 3000.

June, 2001 - During a flood caused by tropical storm Allison, the Bank of America Center's parking garage fills with 80,000,000 gallons of water. A woman trying to move her car to a safer location drowns when the elevator heading to the garage fills with water.