JW Marriott Hotel Downtown At 806 Main St.

[Houston19514]

HBJ has a story about the building at 806 Main being emptied in preparation for a gutting and conversion to a hotel.

HBJ Story

[Subdude]

Wow, that's good news! The developer should tear off the grim 1960s cladding to expose the original facade. That would make it a downtown landmark.

[KinkaidAlum]

This is excellent news. I just checked out their website (Pearl Real Estate) and their only "urban" conversion right now is the Embassy Suites in Ft Worth. Since Embassy Suites is building new, I wonder who the brand might be? They are opening a new build Westin in Austin in 2012 so maybe it will be a Westin????

I used to work in the 806 Main Bldg from 1993 to 1996. It was a strange old place but it did have tunnel access and adjacent parking. Main St was very different back then and the street level walk to the courthouses from there was always an adventure, especially in the summer when the smell of piss on the old Rice Hotel was the worst.

[dcdude]

This is excellent news. I just checked out their website (Pearl Real Estate) and their only "urban" conversion right now is the Embassy Suites in Ft Worth. Since Embassy Suites is building new, I wonder who the brand might be? They are opening a new build Westin in Austin in 2012 so maybe it will be a Westin????

I used to work in the 806 Main Bldg from 1993 to 1996. It was a strange old place but it did have tunnel access and adjacent parking. Main St was very different back then and the street level walk to the courthouses from there was always an adventure, especially in the summer when the smell of piss on the old Rice Hotel was the worst.

This is excellent news. I just checked out their website (Pearl Real Estate) and their only "urban" conversion right now is the Embassy Suites in Ft Worth. Since Embassy Suites is building new, I wonder who the brand might be? They are opening a new build Westin in Austin in 2012 so maybe it will be a Westin????

I used to work in the 806 Main Bldg from 1993 to 1996. It was a strange old place but it did have tunnel access and adjacent parking. Main St was very different back then and the street level walk to the courthouses from there was always an adventure, especially in the summer when the smell of piss on the old Rice Hotel was the worst.

http://www.kimptonhotels.com/hotels/hotel-palomars.aspx

[KinkaidAlum]

Interesting... A Palomar would be a great fit and it makes me think Pearl Real Estate is going to bring the old State National Bank back to its glory days.

Kimpton Hotels would be a very nice add to Houston. Their 3 properties in the Boston area are top notch.

[GovernorAggie]

A great brand would do well there! I'm just glad that someone is trying to do something with it.

[NenaE]

Great news, I run across the Carter's Folly Bldg. quite a bit, when studying downtown Houston's architectural history.

[312]

Status please...did they close on this bldg. thanks

[kylejack]

Status please...did they close on this bldg. thanks

Click the link in the original post.

A 100-year-old office building recognized as the city’s first downtown skyscraper has been acquired by a developer for conversion into a hotel.

[312]

Click the link in the original post.

A 100-year-old office building recognized as the city’s first downtown skyscraper has been acquired by a developer for conversion into a hotel.

I actually did but wasn't sure if they meant the transaction was closing on Feb. 15th when I initially read the article. I was under the impression that the bldg. was already "closed" un-operational for years excepting a small sandwich shop at street level connected to the tunnel system.

[KinkaidAlum]

Nope, all of 806 was up and running. The article stated that the bldg was only 45% occupied though. Most tenants had moved out by the end of 2009 with the last two set to vacate on Feb. 15th.

I am assuming they're out. Hopefully work will begun more quicky than the Omni! What is up with that project (turning the old Sheraton Lincoln into an Omni)?

[kylejack]

806 has the Dominos, not the sandwich shop. The sandwich shop building is an active parking garage.

[Random]

I am assuming they're out. Hopefully work will begun more quicky than the Omni! What is up with that project (turning the old Sheraton Lincoln into an Omni)?

according to this story, it isn't happening...

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/01/sheraton_lincoln_plaza_downtow_1.php

[312]

806 has the Dominos, not the sandwich shop. The sandwich shop building is an active parking garage.

got it. Thanks !

[Houston19514]

according to this story, it isn't happening...

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/01/sheraton_lincoln_plaza_downtow_1.php

To clarify, what the story says is that Omni is no longer involved, so an Omni hotel is not happening, but it is completely unclear what the other partner (and owner of the property, Songy Partners) plans, if anything.

[Spades]

SIAP. I see that on the Kimpton Hotels site, they note Houston as a target market.

My link

[Subdude]

according to this story, it isn't happening...

http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2010/01/sheraton_lincoln_plaza_downtow_1.php

Hey - Houston Press just copied the Sheraton pictures I posted on another thread. You think they would at least give credit.

[kylejack]

What, the framing, or they're actually the same photos?

[sevfiv]

Are they the photos attributed to Paul Knight?

[Subdude]

Are they the photos attributed to Paul Knight?

No, earlier a link led to pictures I had posted here, but it's gone now.

[ttuchris]

It is really interesting and sad to see the progression of this building.

[Random]

I really hope there was a good reason for putting on that "slip cover"

[Subdude]

It was done in the name of modernization. Several downtown buildings were re-cladded at about the same time.

[lockmat]

It was done in the name of modernization. Several downtown buildings were re-cladded at about the same time.

so sad. i am normally more lenient on things like this, but the before and after are just so so sad. in the name of modernization, i wish they just would have the left the old one as is and built their modification, brand new.

[brucesw]

This is good news. The Carter Building is one of my favorites; I originally discovered HAIF while searching for information on it for my history. An early broadcasting enterprise, the Clifford W. Vick Radio Construction Co., had offices at 1801 and a license for station WSAV. The antenna on top, however, was not for a broadcast station. It was originally installed by a wireless telegraphy company as early as 1911 and later used by the Houston Radio Club (ham operators in today's terms).

Perhaps the new owners could also revive the rooftop garden and cabaret that supposedly was a popular downtown entertainment venue in the 1910s.

[Subdude]

Any updates on this? Has construction started?

[kylejack]

Any updates on this? Has construction started?

I walk past it every day and never see anything going on.

[Aviel009]

I was on the train this morning on my way to work and noticed some scaffolding in front of this building - I'm wondering if anybody knows more info on whats going on.

[LTAWACS]

They are probably going to reclad it once again.

[Daniepwils]

I think they are tearing off the facade. Or at least redoing it.

[Subdude]

I think they are tearing off the facade. Or at least redoing it.

Getting rid of that facade would be about the best thing that could happen for Main Street.

[Houston19514]

Just walked by this building today. Good news: There appears to be work going on. Better news: there is a building permit posted for removing the non-historical stone and glass, and restoring the historical cladding.

[Subdude]

Fantastic news. I can't wait to see it when it's done. You can see in the pictures above that with the white brick it was really a nice looking building.

[Nate99]

Here's a shot of the cladding removed from a strip of the facade. It looked to me like it must have been held on by a thick black adhesive (tar, maybe) that pretty well entirely covered the brick underneath.

[DrLan34]

Here's a shot of the cladding removed from a strip of the facade. It looked to me like it must have been held on by a thick black adhesive (tar, maybe) that pretty well entirely covered the brick underneath.

Thanks for the photo. I've seen that one exposed strip there for quite some time, did you see any construction workers at the site? Hopefully they are moving forward now.

[Nate99]

Thanks for the photo. I've seen that one exposed strip there for quite some time, did you see any construction workers at the site? Hopefully they are moving forward now.

I didn't see anyone working on the exterior, but I didn't look to closely for signs of anyone coming in/out of the lobby. I was across the street when I walked by.

[sargento03]

So is this really in the process of converting to a hotel? But if I read correctly no one knows exactly what brand/hotel it will be?

[fatesdisastr]

Has anyone that frequents downtown noticed anymore progress with the building since the last picture post?

[ricco67]

Has anyone that frequents downtown noticed anymore progress with the building since the last picture post?

ask and you shall receive:

[roadrunner]

so nothing

[LTAWACS]

so nothing

You sir are correct.

[flatline]

I was in Fort Worth on business for several days last month, and stayed at the downtown Embassy Suites owned by Pearl Real Estate. My business partner had a chance to talk to the general manager, who said that Pearl is currently in negotiations with Marriott for a franchise on the 806 Main property (he did not say which iteration of the Marriott chain it would be).

Based on my experience at their Embassy Suites, it would be a boon to downtown Houston to have a Pearl-managed hotel here. The level of service was outstanding. Every single staff member, from the managers to the maids, were super-cordial and responsive. More often than not, when we would leave for the day or come back in the evening, we were greeted by name by a staff member manning the lobby. It was the type of service one would expect at a Four Seasons, or a high-priced boutique hotel.

As for the hotel itself, it was very comfortable and well thought out, especially for business travelers. Like 806 Main, it's a renovation of an older building on one-half a city block in the middle of downtown F.W., so it differs from the "suburban" style of all the other Embassy Suites where I have stayed. . .no large glassed-in central atrium, for example. Instead, the breakfast/reception area, fitness center, business center, and conference center were located upstairs in their own dedicated wing -- away from the guest rooms, but still convenient to them. And even though it's a an older building, it didn't have the drawbacks one might associate with a "historic" hotel: the plumbing worked great, plenty of electrical outlets, excellent internet connectivity, no drafty windows.

I really hope the Pearl folks can pull it off. From my experience, they know what they're doing when it comes to developing and running hotels. It would be great to see what they could do with 806 Main.

[Houston19514]

I was in Fort Worth on business for several days last month, and stayed at the downtown Embassy Suites owned by Pearl Real Estate. My business partner had a chance to talk to the general manager, who said that Pearl is currently in negotiations with Marriott for a franchise on the 806 Main property (he did not say which iteration of the Marriott chain it would be).

Based on my experience at their Embassy Suites, it would be a boon to downtown Houston to have a Pearl-managed hotel here. The level of service was outstanding. Every single staff member, from the managers to the maids, were super-cordial and responsive. More often than not, when we would leave for the day or come back in the evening, we were greeted by name by a staff member manning the lobby. It was the type of service one would expect at a Four Seasons, or a high-priced boutique hotel.

As for the hotel itself, it was very comfortable and well thought out, especially for business travelers. Like 806 Main, it's a renovation of an older building on one-half a city block in the middle of downtown F.W., so it differs from the "suburban" style of all the other Embassy Suites where I have stayed. . .no large glassed-in central atrium, for example. Instead, the breakfast/reception area, fitness center, business center, and conference center were located upstairs in their own dedicated wing -- away from the guest rooms, but still convenient to them. And even though it's a an older building, it didn't have the drawbacks one might associate with a "historic" hotel: the plumbing worked great, plenty of electrical outlets, excellent internet connectivity, no drafty windows.

I really hope the Pearl folks can pull it off. From my experience, they know what they're doing when it comes to developing and running hotels. It would be great to see what they could do with 806 Main.

Very interesting and good news. I'm very curious as to what Marriott badge they might be considering. We already have Embassy Suites, Courtyard and Residence Inn downtown. Seems highly unlikely we would get a second of any of those. The property is likely too small for a Marriott, JW Marriott, or Marriott Marquis. That leaves Ritz Carlton, Renaissance, Fairfield, Springhill and TownePlace, and, more intriguing, the Autograph Collection and EDITION badges. Several exciting possibilities.

[cosmic08]

I pass this building daily and haven't seen anything going on. They removed 1 small strip, then stopped. It looks to be in such bad shape - I would be shocked if it were turned into a hotel. I wish that were the case, because it was once a beautiful building, but it looks baaaaad. Also, there is a small narrow old building next to it. It's closed off to the public, and when you walk in front of the old doors, the smell would knock you over. Anyone know what that once was?

[kylejack]

I pass this building daily and haven't seen anything going on. They removed 1 small strip, then stopped. It looks to be in such bad shape - I would be shocked if it were turned into a hotel. I wish that were the case, because it was once a beautiful building, but it looks baaaaad. Also, there is a small narrow old building next to it. It's closed off to the public, and when you walk in front of the old doors, the smell would knock you over. Anyone know what that once was?

Department store, I think (Battlestein's, maybe?) and then offices.

[cosmic08]

Department store, I think (Battlestein's, maybe?) and then offices.

wow - I had no idea - thanks!

[DrLan34]

i was talking to this girl last night who just graduated as a Civil Engineer and she is in touch with the development company for this hotel. She told me that they are going to start the remodeling process in August.

http://www.pearl-realestate.com/portfolio.html

Edited May 13, 2011 by DrLan34

[312]

i was talking to this girl last night who just graduated as a Civil Engineer and she is in touch with the development company for this hotel. She told me that they are going to start the remodeling process in August.

http://www.pearl-realestate.com/portfolio.html

Looks nice.

[Subdude]

i was talking to this girl last night who just graduated as a Civil Engineer and she is in touch with the development company for this hotel. She told me that they are going to start the remodeling process in August.

http://www.pearl-realestate.com/portfolio.html

Glory be! The rendering shows the facade removed!

[rsb320]

Part of the corner, above Dominos has been removed. I just noticed today. Maybe work is commencing.