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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Houston's Halo


There is a building in downtown Houston that has a halo. I believe it is the JP Chase Morgan Tower. There is copy online saying it is the tallest building in Houston and the tallest in Texas. Designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, this 5-sided building is delightfully topped with a halo.

I currently live just west of downtown and my bedroom window overlooks the city. I've been here for over two years and have just begun noticing this halo about November of 2010. It might have been there before and I just didn't "see" it, but I'm seeing it now. The first time I saw it, the halo was all white. A strong steady white ring around the top of the building that shone all night long. The halo only comes on as the sun sets and goes off as the sun rises.

One morning I woke up and looked out the window to see the halo in red and blue. Hmmm, I thought. Wonder what this means? Maybe it was for the New Year celebration. Another time I woke up and opened my eyes in the middle of the night to see the halo flashing all kinds of colors, one after another. Wow - what a light show. Does anyone else know this is going on up there at night?

I don't know who created this art in light, but whoever you are - thanks! This is way cool. On so many levels, this halo and changing color effect is pulsing power into our city. I even took a little video so you can see the halo changing colors. If you know who did this, who made this, whose idea this was, or anything about those responsible for it, please let me know. I'd love to hear their story about Houston's Halo.