Baytown, Texas is saying goodbye to a historic landmark this Saturday. The tallest building in the city, the old ExxonMobil Main Office Building on Decker Drive, will be demolished through a planned implosion.
For many locals, this isn’t just the end of a building—it’s the end of a chapter filled with memories and stories that span generations.
About the Building
The 10-story office building was built in 1971 and served as the heart of ExxonMobil’s administrative operations in the Baytown area for five decades.
Often referred to by locals as the “White House” because of its white exterior, it became a well-known fixture in the community. The building officially closed in 2024, and now, one year later, it will be taken down.
The Final Goodbye
The implosion is scheduled for early Saturday morning at 6:30 a.m. The use of dynamite will safely bring down the structure, and while it marks the end of an era, it also signals the beginning of something new for Baytown and ExxonMobil.
Locals are expected to gather to witness the event, many with cameras in hand, capturing the final moments of the city’s tallest building.
Memories and Legacy
Many residents, like Sallie Daniel Sherman, have strong emotional ties to the building. Her father worked there when it first opened, and she even spent summers working alongside him during her college years.
“It was fun to visit because he built all the models before Exxon would build anything,” she recalled. These personal memories are shared by many Baytonians, as the building has long been a symbol of growth and opportunity.
Kim Haas, the site manager at ExxonMobil’s Baytown Olefin Site, also shared her connection. She said her first memory in Baytown was walking into that very building. “A lot of us have memories here,” she said, acknowledging the emotional weight of this event.
The Future Ahead
While no official plans for the site have been announced yet, ExxonMobil hinted that the land will be part of future growth.
The company is already moving forward with new developments in Baytown, and the space may soon become the foundation for the city’s next major landmark—just like the “White House” was in the 1970s.
The demolition of Baytown’s tallest building is more than just the fall of concrete and steel. It’s a goodbye to decades of work, growth, and community memories. As the city watches the building come down, they also look forward to what comes next.
Whatever replaces the “White House” will have big shoes to fill—but it also has the chance to start a new chapter of memories and milestones for future generations in Baytown.
