Heritage Plaza

One of Houston's landmark buildings, the Heritage Plaza's broad shoulders and perfect location put it at the center of the best views of the city skyline. In many photographs and videotapes, the shape of an eagle is outlined in white neon at the top of the building. But it hasn't been fully lit up since 1998. There have been one or two segments illuminated, but never the whole thing.

The odd stepped formation at the top of the building was actually inspired by the architect's trip to the jungles of Mexico. A similar, less elaborate, form exists at the bottom of the building. But this is not so much to complement the top, as to provide structural reinforcement since there is a 16-stories parking garage resting above the lobby.