HOUSTON, TX – Skanska, a global leader in development and construction, today announced that its landmark, 28-story Norton Rose Fulbright Tower (formerly 1550 On the Green) in downtown Houston has been awarded a 2025 Urban Land Institute Development of Distinction Award in the category of Large-Scale For Profit.
According to ULI, “With a unique side-core design, expansive floor plate and LEED Platinum mechanical system, the Norton Rose Fulbright Tower has set a new standard for Houston architecture and office life.”
Celebrating its 18th year bestowing accolades upon architectural projects across Greater Houston, the ULI Development of Distinction Awards have recognized nearly 150 projects and public spaces dating back to 2008.
“The Norton Rose Fulbright Tower is a transformative addition to Downtown Houston and directly aligns with the virtues that ULI strives to uphold,” added Skanska executive vice president Matt Damborsky. “As a ULI member, I am proud to see our development recognized in such a meaningful way by an organization I have supported for some time now.”
Now over 50% leased, the Class A trophy tower fronting the acclaimed Discovery Green art park was designed by the visionary architects at Bjarke Ingels Group and unveiled in February 2024. In November 2024, the building celebrated the opening of its first ground level retail tenant, Tenfold Coffee.
"It’s always an incredible honor to have a project recognized by an organization as respected as the Urban Land Institute," said Benjamin Llana, vice president of real estate development at Skanska. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our talented team and partners, all united by a shared vision to create something truly special for Houston’s downtown. We’re passionate about developing sustainable, innovative spaces that bring communities together, and this reinforces our commitment to thoughtful, forward-looking urban design."
The annual ULI Houston Development of Distinction Awards follow the Urban Land Institute’s tradition of honoring projects and green spaces that uphold the ULI mission to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Recipients such as Norton Rose Fulbright Tower exemplify best practices in design, construction, economic viability, healthy places, marketing and management.
The 2025 awards were presented at a ceremony held at Armadillo Palace on February 11; over 200 attendees gathered to celebrate the nominees and winners. The jury that evaluated nominees and selected the winners consisted of:
- Adrienne Bain, Managing Director, Capital Markets, JPI – based in Charlotte, NC
- Heather Personne, Managing Principal, Evolve Ventures – Phoenix, AZ
- Rico Quirindongo, Director of Planning & Community Development, City of Seattle – Seattle, WA