As a witness to change since the George R. Brown Convention Center opened 25 years ago, Luther Villagomez is uniquely qualified to offer reflection on the passage of time.

An event manager on September 26, 1987, when the GRB opened with a two-day civic celebration, Villagomez has risen to where he is now – general manager of the convention center and chief operating officer of Houston First Corporation, the entity that manages the GRB and other city-owned facilities.

What's the biggest difference between the ...

The George R. Brown Convention Center opened its doors 25 years ago today and these five employees – from left, Luther Villagomez, Anita Mendieta, Charmaine Pilgrim, Frank Randolph and Joey Granado – were all on the scene in 1987 making things run smoothly. Nothing has changed as they were all on the job Wednesday during a busy convention, only this time they took a few minutes to raise a glass to toast their longevity. Here’s to 25 more great years. (Photo by Peter Radowick)

In the early 1980s, oil was selling for about $33 a barrel, and most forecasts said it would reach $60. A few even predicted $100. The energy industry was booming, catapulting the economy of Houston to dizzying new levels of prosperity.

Even amid this booming period, ...

Visitors who haven't been to Houston in five years are often surprised by all the development that has taken place around the George R. Brown Convention Center.

And if you haven't been to the Bayou City in 40 years, photos such as those seen here are difficult to fathom. Two entire generations – and almost anybody below the age of 50 – are strangers to the landscape shown here.

Houston native Frank Staats was a veteran property manager from his perch at Houston Center for 25 years ...