Union Pacific Railroad Leases Downtown Office

Union Pacific's new accommodations are in a two-building complex, known as the "his and her" office towers in the CBD. Built with the garish ornamentation of a bygone era, the 32-story Niels Esperson building was constructed in 1927. The 19-story Mellie Esperson Building was erected in 1941 as an annex. The complex recently underwent a reported $15-million renovation, taking the advertised rate to $17.50 per sf.

Urban legend claims the building is haunted by the ghost of Mellie Esperson. The buildings were designed by architect John Eberson and reflect Italian Renaissance architecture, the only ones of their kind in the downtown.

Union Pacific also maintains Houston offices at 2619 Arabelle St., 2802 Moy St. and 515 TC Jester Blvd. Robert S. Parsley of the Houston office of Colliers International represented the railroad in the Esperson lease. Debbie MacDonald of Transwestern Commercial Services spoke for the building owner, SIC-Esperson Building, LP & DT Esperson I Ltd. Partnership.

Union Pacific Railroad is an operating subsidiary of Omaha-based Union Pacific Corp. It's one of the largest railroad systems in the US linking 23 states, Canada and Mexico. The railroad is the largest hauler of chemicals in the US, much of which originates in the Gulf Coast near Houston. Houston-based Hines is currently developing a 1.1 million, 19-story headquarters building in Omaha for the railroad giant.