In Houston’s Uptown neighborhood, across from Williams Tower’s south face, is a multi-story sculptured fountain called the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, formerly known as the Williams Waterwall and the Transco Waterwall. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is a masterpiece of architecture in Uptown Houston. It is located in the Galleria neighborhood close to Texas Medical Center.
The tall fountain’s water fountain features a beautiful waterfall that flows down both its interior and exterior sides.
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is made up of a fountain and 3 acres of the surrounding area.
The WaterWall and the majestic fountain are equally well-liked in Houston.
Internationally renowned Philip Johnson and John Burgee architects created both the Waterwall and Williams Tower.
The tower and the Waterwall were both built starting in 1982, and both were finished in 1985.
The water feature was given the name Transco Waterwall upon completion.
The waterwall was given the name Williams Waterwall when Transco Tower was renamed Williams Tower.
Then, in December 2009, the City of Houston bought the exclusive park with the waterfall for public use and changed its name to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall in honor of the architect.
The Waterwall is one of Houston’s most recognizable public parks today, drawing lots of visitors each year. From a 78,500-gallon internal recycling supply, 11,000 gallons of water fall every minute.
Here is a list of the ten ways you can enjoy your time at Gerald D. Hines.
- Location: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
- Hours: 8 am to 9 pm daily
- Parking: Paid and free lot parking is available in the surrounding area.
- Website: https://uptown-houston.com/experience/parks/waterwall-park/
- Phone: +1 713-850-8841
1. Enjoy the spectacular Waterwall’s beauty.
The tall fountain in the form of a horseshoe is very lovely.
It is hypnotic and relaxing to watch the water pour down its sides.
When standing inside the U-shaped wall and gazing up at the rushing water, the fountain can sometimes resemble an optical illusion.
A hot summer day is ideal for the water’s spray.
2. Take a walk around the Waterwall
Take the opportunity to go around the Waterwall’s outside after viewing the fountain up close on the inside.
Both sides of the fountain’s water feature cascade, however, the convex side has a very distinct feel from the concave side.
It is a wonderful experience to view the fountain from the convex/exterior face of the semi-circular fountain, which faces Hidalgo Street
Williams Tower soars magnificently over the Waterwall to reach the clouds in the distance, while live oak trees create a lovely frame for the fountain.
3. Unwind in Waterwall Park
The area between the Waterwall and Williams Tower is a lovely urban green.
All around the green, there are walkways and benches.
In the avenues next to the lawn, more than 100 live oak trees have been planted.
These avenues are popular places to go for walks.
Additionally, guests are welcome to have a picnic on the lawn.
Children of all ages enjoy playing tag and running around on the grass.
Waterwall Park is a wonderful location to observe people and take in Houston’s diversity.
4. Admire the engineering behind the Waterwall.
Each foot of the 64-story Williams Tower’s tall wall, which stands at 64 feet, represents a floor.
The wall is intended to be a wall of cascading water that is visible from the various buildings in the bustling area and is fashioned like a horseshoe.
11,000 gallons of water are circulated around the fountain every minute, and the water falls down its sides from the top rim.
The Waterwall entrance is framed by three Romanesque-style arches that evoke an early Roman amphitheater.
The majority of these fascinating details are also written on plaques that have been placed on the fountain itself.
5. Take some pictures at Waterwall Park.
Houston’s Waterwall, which is unquestionably a favorite location for photo shoots of many kinds, is the city’s most photographed location.
The fountain is a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photos and offers a terrific backdrop.
If you’re organizing a picture shoot, try a weekday morning for better prospects because weekends can be packed.
Any commercial or tripod photography requires a prior permit.
Both American and foreign films have frequently used the wall as a backdrop.
6. Take in the Williams Tower’s soaring height
The tall Williams Tower, formerly known as the Transco Tower, is situated next to the water wall.
Williams Tower, the third-tallest structure in Houston, is a stunning Modernist skyscraper.
The 64-story business skyscraper has several offices and leasing space within. You may observe the tower as it meets the sky by lying down on the green in Waterwall Park and looking up.
7. Have a date night or propose to that special someone!
A wonderful location for a romantic evening is Waterwall Park.
The fountain is incredible and eccentric and it looks lovely when lit up at night.
There are numerous options for a pleasant, romantic date night thanks to the large lawn, live oak trees, and benches.
In Houston, people frequently ask their loved ones to marry them near the Waterwall.
8. Go Shopping At Galleria Mall
The Galleria Mall and The Waterwall are both located in Uptown Houston’s Galleria District.
For those who enjoy shopping, Galleria Mall offers more than 400 big-chain, anchor, and specialized retailers.
The Mall, which ranks seventh in terms of size nationwide, is home to top-notch casual and fine-dining establishments.
A sizable children’s play area and an indoor skating rink are also available at the Galleria Mall.
9. Nearby Accommodation
There are many places you can spend the night near the waterfalls like Hilton Garden Inn Houston Galleria Area, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Suites Houston by the Galleria, and, The Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria.
10. Nearby Eateries
Some of the nearby eateries are Piatto Ristorante 0.1m away, White Oak Kitchen + Drinks 0.2m away, and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse 0.3m away.
Even though this park and its fountain are wonderful locations to congregate and enjoy a day, There are some park restrictions you should abide by for your safety and the protection of other park visitors. The following things are not permitted:
- Playing or taking a bath in the Waterwall basin or climbing
- Littering
- Outdoor fires or cooking
- Weapon or firearm use
- Activities that might hinder others from enjoying the park
- Camping
Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed, cleaned up after, and their waste is properly disposed of. You can check their website for a complete list of regulations.
