The Barfield Nominated for Texas Downtown People’s Choice Award

Out of all the new buildings built and renovations of old buildings that have taken place in Amarillo during the past couple of years, Downtown Amarillo has seen the most of this reinvigoration. The Sod Poodles Stadium, The Mariott Courtyard, and the topic of today, The Barfield Hotel have all brought a breath of fresh air into the heart of Amarillo. And finally, a new product Amarillo's downtown is getting some worthy recognition. Thanks to votes from Texas residents, The Barfield Hotel has reached a finalist position for the Best Renovation/Rehabilitation/Restoration on The Texas Downtown People's Choice Awards.

Built-in 1926 by early Amarillo Philanthropist, Melissa Dora Oliver-Eakle, The Barfield Hotel stood as Amarillo's first skyscraper and accommodated guests traveling the once-popular Route 66. Closing in 1988, just 3 years after the decommissioning of Route 66, the once-beautiful hotel sat, unmaintained and undistributed for 33 years.

In 2018, a $20 million dollar permit was approved to begin renovations on the Barfield. Thanks to a partnership with the Texas Historical Commission, many aspects of the building's original design were preserved. Now owned by DJ Investment Realty and franchised by Mariott, the hotel has been running under an amazing management team, recreating the glamour that this building exhibited long ago.

With the newfound recognition of the Barfield by the Texas Downtown People's Choice Awards, many more eyes may be directed toward Amarillo and its growing economy. And with many more renovations to come in Downtown Amarillo, such as the Historic Herring Hotel who knows whose eyes may be looking with us at both our past and future?

Downtown Amarillo Over The Years

Downtown Amarillo has seen an incredible metamorphosis. Take a look at the photos below to see just how much it's changed--you won't believe the difference.

The Barfield Hotel: At The Heart of Historic Route 66 and Polk Street

The Barfield Hotel was built into a historic building in Downtown Amarillo that shows some of the charm of the Panhandle while remembering the days of speakeasies and prohibition

The Abandoned Herring Hotel in Amarillo, Texas

You may have passed it a million times while driving downtown, or you may be new to town. Either way, chances are you've seen the beautiful Herring Hotel. The beautiful aging brick tower sits unoccupied on 3rd and Pearce streets. It's a grand building that stands as a reminder of Amarillo's early days as a cattle and oil town and it tells the stories well.

If you've ever wondered what's inside this towering building, just take a peek below.

Categories: Amarillo News