712 Main Street
Houston, Texas
- Commercial/Corporate
712 Main Street in Houston underwent a refined elevator modernization led by Eklund’s with Schindler Elevator Corporation for CBRE. Honoring its 1929 Art Deco heritage, eight passenger cabs and one freight elevator were redesigned with Botticino Fiorito stone, stainless steel detailing, and restored original grillework—blending historic grandeur with modern performance.
Eklund’s was recently involved in an elevator modernization project for CBRE, in conjunction with and Schindler Elevator Corporation, at one of Houston’s historically recognized buildings —712 Main Street.
The Art Deco skyscraper, designed by Alfred C. Finn, Kenneth Franzheim, and J.E.R. Carpenter, was constructed in 1929 by real estate mogul, banker and newspaper publisher Jesse H. Jones. The 800,000-square-foot tower stands at 36 stories and was the tallest skyscraper in Houston until 1963. Having changed ownership over the years, the property was most recently the JP Morgan Chase Bank Building and prior to that it was the Gulf Building.
With a 15,000-square-foot retail banking center on the ground floor with stunning 43-foot ceilings, marbled floors and walls, and large stained-glass windows, this elevator modernization project included updating the elevator mechanics and interiors to match the magnificence of the historical building which was renovated in 1987.
Eklund’s was charged with designing modern cab interiors for eight passenger elevators and one freight elevator. Incorporating the original metal art-deco grille at the top perimeter of the existing elevator cabs was a key aspect of our design.
After considering various materials and design options, the final design consists of modern, elegant materials which complement the grandeur of this landmark building. The upper panels are constructed of polished Botticino Fiorito stone and are framed in stainless steel edging. Decorative Cambridge-patterned metal with stainless steel edging provides a beautiful textured contrast for the lower panels.
The frieze is recessed black plastic laminate and the base is flush stainless steel. The handrail, also stainless steel, rests on a flush stainless steel handrail backer.
A lacquered painted ceiling houses LED down-lights, and fluorescent perimeter lighting highlights the original decorative grill that was incorporated flawlessly above the upper panels. We hope our craftsmanship inside the 1920’s historic landmark is admired for the next 80 plus years!
Read about this project in Elevator World Magazine.