| WEDGE International Tower | |
| Location: | 1415 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates: | 29.7548°N -95.3698°W |
| Roof: | 551feet |
| Floor Count: | 43 |
| Building Type: | Office |
| Floor Area: | 520000square feet |
| Completion Date: | 1983 |
| Opening: | 1983 |
| Architect: | Nasr/Penton & Associates, 3D/International |
| Main Contractor: | W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation |
| Developer: | WEDGE Commercial Properties Corporation, Wortham & Van Liew |
| Structural Engineer: | EAM Engineers |
| Owner: | WEDGE Commercial Properties |
| References: | [1] [2] |
Wedge International Tower, usually capitalized as WEDGE International Tower,[1] is a skyscraper in Houston, Texas. The building was formerly known as the Southwest Bank of Texas Building, Unitedbank Plaza, and 1415 Louisiana.[3] The building rises 551feet in height.[2] It contains 43 floors, and was completed in 1983.[2] 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.[1] 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 million and $45 million,[3] and the structure serves as its corporate headquarters.[1] [4] In 1989 Exxon had office space in the Wedge International Tower.[5]
Wedge International Tower is noted for having four setbacks in its shape,[3] and for its distinctive lighting scheme, which has been in place since November 1995. The tower was once outlined by neon green-colored lights,[1] inspired by similar lighting on the Bank of America Plaza, the tallest building in Dallas.[1]
The 43rd story of Wedge International Tower is home to a restaurant and bar, named Strato 550; the feature is one of the highest lounges in Houston.[1]
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.[3] There were no fatalities in the incident.