HOUSTON — Gerald D. Hines, the founder and chairman of Houston-based Hines, passed away on Aug. 23 at the age of 95. Hines was born in Gary, Ind., in 1925 and founded Hines in 1957 with a firm belief in the power of design in attracting commercial tenants.
Hines’ entrepreneurial instincts soon led him to start his own venture. His reputation grew with his first two high-profile projects: downtown Houston’s One Shell Plaza, the tallest building in Texas when completed in 1971 and still the world’s tallest lightweight concrete structure; and The Galleria, the landmark shopping center that catalyzed Houston’s Uptown district.
The international development and investment firm has since completed more than 900 projects worldwide while growing its workforce to more than 4,800 employees. Today, Hines is active in 225 cities across 25 countries. Hines is survived by his wife, four children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. His son Jeffrey C. Hines, who has been running the firm as president, will assume the role of chairman and CEO.