THE LASTING LEGACY OF
GERALD D. HINES

UH Mourns the Loss of Friend and Benefactor

Aug. 24, 2020, HOUSTON— The University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design has lost its legendary namesake. Gerald D. Hines, founder and chairman of the international real estate firm Hines, passed away at home on Sunday, Aug. 23, surrounded by loved ones. His decades long relationship with the University has left a lasting impact on the Hines College, its students and alumni.

ICONIC VISIONARY

Gerald D. Hines was a visionary in the commercial real estate world. Coming from small beginnings, he started his namesake firm in 1957. Hines was set apart by his belief in the power of exceptional architecture and the ability to develop iconic projects that remained viable investments. While not originally from Houston, Hines made his mark in the country’s fourth largest city with well-known downtown Houston skyscrapers, including Pennzoil Place and One Shell Plaza, as well as the development of the landmark Galleria Houston. 

“I am truly saddened by the passing of Mr. Hines,” said Patricia Belton Oliver, dean of the Hines College. “His commitment and generosity have been transformative for the College and our students."

“He demonstrated throughout his amazing career that architecture has the power to change cities. He has cast a very long shadow and will not soon be forgotten.”
Patricia Belton Oliver, dean of the Hines College of Architecture and Design

Hines was a fervent supporter of the University of Houston. In 1997, he made a $7 million gift establishing a permanently endowed fund at the College of Architecture. The gift connected his world-renown name to the College and quickly elevated the institution’s stature in the architecture community. 

It was important for Hines and his wife, Barbara, to advance with the College and engage with its students. Over the last ten years, they continued to support the College with additional gifts funding international programming, student scholarships, internships abroad, and most recently, the new Advanced Media Technology Lab

Suresh Khator, UH President Renu Khator and Gerald Hines sitting, staring towards front at presentation.

Gerald D. Hines (center) joins (L-R) Suresh Khator and UH President Renu Khator at Hines College Symposium in Berlin, Germany.

Gerald D. Hines (center) joins (L-R) Suresh Khator and UH President Renu Khator at Hines College Symposium in Berlin, Germany.

Hines looking at project/model on pedestal in exhibition.

Hines College students share work with Gerald D. Hines at “Houston: Genetic City” exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

Hines College students share work with Gerald D. Hines at “Houston: Genetic City” exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Hines developed more than 907 projects during his career, including more than 100 buildings over 25 stories, and the tallest office towers in Texas, San Francisco and Italy, among others.

Hines developed more than 907 projects during his career, including more than 100 buildings over 25 stories, and the tallest office towers in Texas, San Francisco and Italy, among others.

Pennzoil Tower placard in front of architectural model.

Hines made his mark in the country’s fourth largest city with well-known downtown Houston skyscrapers Pennzoil Place and One Shell Plaza.

Hines made his mark in the country’s fourth largest city with well-known downtown Houston skyscrapers Pennzoil Place and One Shell Plaza.

Model of Pennzoil Place

Some of Hines’ most notable developments include Pennzoil Place in Houston, which consists of two 495 ft trapezoidal towers placed ten feet apart and sheathed in dark bronze glass and aluminum.

Some of Hines’ most notable developments include Pennzoil Place in Houston, which consists of two 495 ft trapezoidal towers placed ten feet apart and sheathed in dark bronze glass and aluminum.

Suresh Khator, UH President Renu Khator and Gerald Hines sitting, staring towards front at presentation.

Gerald D. Hines (center) joins (L-R) Suresh Khator and UH President Renu Khator at Hines College Symposium in Berlin, Germany.

Gerald D. Hines (center) joins (L-R) Suresh Khator and UH President Renu Khator at Hines College Symposium in Berlin, Germany.

Hines looking at project/model on pedestal in exhibition.

Hines College students share work with Gerald D. Hines at “Houston: Genetic City” exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

Hines College students share work with Gerald D. Hines at “Houston: Genetic City” exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Professor Peter Zweig visits with Gerald D. Hines on campus.

Hines developed more than 907 projects during his career, including more than 100 buildings over 25 stories, and the tallest office towers in Texas, San Francisco and Italy, among others.

Hines developed more than 907 projects during his career, including more than 100 buildings over 25 stories, and the tallest office towers in Texas, San Francisco and Italy, among others.

Pennzoil Tower placard in front of architectural model.

Hines made his mark in the country’s fourth largest city with well-known downtown Houston skyscrapers Pennzoil Place and One Shell Plaza.

Hines made his mark in the country’s fourth largest city with well-known downtown Houston skyscrapers Pennzoil Place and One Shell Plaza.

Model of Pennzoil Place

Some of Hines’ most notable developments include Pennzoil Place in Houston, which consists of two 495 ft trapezoidal towers placed ten feet apart and sheathed in dark bronze glass and aluminum.

Some of Hines’ most notable developments include Pennzoil Place in Houston, which consists of two 495 ft trapezoidal towers placed ten feet apart and sheathed in dark bronze glass and aluminum.

Going From Good to Great

In 2014, Hines traveled to the Venice Biennale with students and faculty where the College won the Global Arts Foundation Prize for its exhibition. Three years later, Hines and his wife, traveled to Berlin, Germany, to participate in the College’s “Houston: Genetic City” exhibition opening and symposium.

“The University of Houston has lost a true friend, a generous benefactor and an enlightened supporter,” said UH President Renu Khator. “We were privileged to have him take such a dedicated interest in our students and our campus."

He leaves behind an indelible legacy of altruism, a keen appreciation of higher education and an unflagging commitment to cultural and community improvement at the highest level.”
UH President Renu Khator

Hines was dedicated to giving the College’s students opportunities that would form their future careers and establish an industry of innovative and critical thinkers. He adopted James Collins’ concept of going from Good to great?.” It resonated with him. He impressed upon students the value of striving for quality in architecture and design. He demonstrated throughout his impressive career the power of architecture to improve the quality of life.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Hines’s passing and our thoughts are with his family," said Eloise Dunn Brice, UH vice president for advancement. "He was a visionary who saw the immense potential of the College of Architecture and invested in that promise. His generous gifts to the University have created a legacy of excellence through the Hines College and the graduates whose degrees bear his name.”

Today the College offers degrees in Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Industrial Design, as well as a variety of concentrations in Media Design Technology and Fabrication, 20th Century Historic Preservation, and Sustainable Urban Systems. The College ranks No. 31 of the “Most Admired Undergraduate Architecture Schools” (DesignIntelligence) and in the top 7% of architecture schools (Architecture Colleges Rankings) in the United States. The Industrial Design program ranks No. 6 in the country and No.14 in the world.

Hines was as committed to his career as he was dedicated to his family.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara, four children, 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson. He will be laid to rest in a private family ceremony and a celebration of his life will be held at a future date, according to his family.


Group photo in front of sculpture in Berlin.

Gerald and Barbara Hines joined UH students, faculty and leadership at the world-renowned Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin in 2017.

Gerald and Barbara Hines joined UH students, faculty and leadership at the world-renowned Aedes Architecture Forum in Berlin in 2017.

portrait of Hines

Gerald D. Hines, 1925-2020

Gerald D. Hines, 1925-2020