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Downtown Houston can’t escape the storms of recent weeks

Gillberg
Downtown Houston can’t escape the storms of recent weeks

About two weeks after a derecho hit the Houston area, downtown is still reeling from the storm’s effects. Crews continue to work on building repairs that could take weeks or even months, and 11 road closures remain in place while these restoration efforts are underway.

Many windows in downtown buildings will remain closed for weeks or even months.

After last week’s bad weather, workers were tasked with further rebuilding Tuesday after a severe storm swept through the area. Strong winds, hail and heavy rain caused further damage to skyscrapers already damaged by bad weather.

The derecho blew out about 4,000 windows in about 20 office buildings, including the Bank of America Tower, the Pennzoil Building and the TotalEnergies Tower. According to Kris Larson, president and CEO of Central Houston, Inc., those assessing the storm’s impact expect that number to rise. The storm also damaged vegetation in the city center, leaving 300 trees downed or with broken branches.

Larson said glass weakened by the 70-plus mph winds caused by the derecho cracked in the days after the storm. Repair times vary because most windows are custom made. They also create unique challenges because they require specialized labor and streets and sidewalks with falling glass to remain closed.

Many of these buildings will remain covered in plywood-covered windows pending the completion of window replacement and other restoration work. Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis said that based on early assessments, recovery efforts could total between $5 billion and $8 billion.

Larson said no estimates were available for the total cost of repairing the windows. He added that authorities are not yet aware of the extent of the damage and that it would take some time to calculate a cumulative number as individual properties submit their insurance claims.

Larson described the 12-block stretch bordered by McKinney Street to the north, Polk Street to the south, Smith Street to the west and Main Street to the east as the area hardest hit by the derecho.

Downtown Houston officials took X to list active street closures, encouraging residents to stay off fenced streets and sidewalks. The message also informed Houston METRO riders that Park & ​​Ride services were operating again.

The Transport Company, however, recommended that users check their usual stops online, as some remain without service due to detours caused by the closures.

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