WestStar Tower

El Paso, Texas

WestStar Tower at Hunt Plaza, with its signature corona and prismatic architecture, rises in the skyline to express the spirit and optimism of El Paso, Texas—a city undergoing tremendous downtown growth and an excitingly diverse cultural and economic revitalization. WestStar is the first tower constructed in the city in 40 years. The mixed-use project brings new exuberance to El Paso’s skyline, while at ground level the design steps back on its site to allow a generous ground-level park and plaza to add to a growing network of public open spaces in the district.

The warm colors and natural textures of the building’s material composition reflect characteristics of the surrounding desert landscape. The horizontal patterning of its facades echoes the sedimentary striations of the Franklin Mountains, visible just beyond the city limits. Linear terra cotta elements and a two-level recessed balcony add depth and frame the human activity within. The balconies allow users varied views of the city and access to fresh air.