Williams Waterwall

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Williams Waterwall is a multi-story sculptural fountain which sits at the south end of Williams Tower in the Uptown District of Houston. It and its surrounding park were built as an architectural amenity to the adjacent tower. Both the fountain and tower were designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Philip Johnson. Construction of the complex was completed in 1983.

The semi-circular fountain is 64-foot tall and sits among 118 Texas Live Oak trees. The concave portion of the circle — which faces north toward the 64-story tower — is fronted by a proscenium arch which is shorter than the actual fountain. The convex portion of the fountain, its backside, faces south onto Hidalgo Street. Approximately 11,000 gallons of water flow over both sides of the wall every minute.

Water cascades in vast channeled sheets from the narrower top rim of the circle to the wider base below, both on the convex side and on the rear side. This creates a visually striking urban waterfall that can be viewed not only from various buildings around the district, but adjacent freeways as well. When standing inside the curve of the wall and not being able to view the area behind or around the wall, it gives the impression of an upwards moving platform, relative to the downwards moving water.

Known simply as "The Water Wall" to locals, the fountain is a popular backdrop for tourists and locals alike. Although it is a popular urban park in Houston it sits on private property. The park is open to the public daily from 10AM to 10PM.