HOUSTON — The Buzbee Law Firm plans to spend $420,000 to expand its office inside downtown Houston’s JPMorgan Chase Tower as the firm seeks additional space for its growing staff.
A Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing lists the project as a 4,335-square-foot renovation of an existing suite at 600 Travis St. Work is scheduled to start Oct. 30 and finish Dec. 31, although project details can change.
Houston-based Ziegler Cooper Architects will design the expansion. The firm will privately fund the project.
Buzbee told Chron that his firm has occupied space in the 75-story tower since 2008 and that the project marks its fourth expansion.
“We need the space,” Buzbee said. “We are bursting at the seams with people on top of one another. Or at least it feels that way.”
The expansion will add space to Suite 6910 but will not replicate the firm’s main office, which occupies the entire 75th floor.
Buzbee described the main office as a showcase featuring art, high-end finishes and views of Houston.
The JPMorgan Chase Tower recently lost its status as the tallest building in Texas to Austin’s Waterline, which rises 1,025 feet. The Austin tower stands 23 feet taller than the Houston skyscraper.
Asked whether he would help Houston reclaim the state’s tallest-building title, Buzbee said, “Austin can go suck an egg. Houston reigns supreme.”
The office expansion comes shortly after Buzbee purchased a $15.5 million mansion in River Oaks next to his home. He said he and his wife planned to donate the property to Habitat for Humanity so workers could reuse materials after its demolition.
Asked about the amount of space he wants, Buzbee said, “I need as much space as I want. I appreciate nice spaces. Life is short.”