The Herring Hotel

Description

Under Contract | The Iconic Herring Hotel – A Landmark Redevelopment Opportunity in Downtown Amarillo

200,000 SF | 14 Stories | Historic Status: National Register of Historic Places (2024)

Once the crown jewel of Amarillo’s oil-boom era, the legendary Herring Hotel is now under contract—marking a major step toward the revival of one of the city’s most storied architectural treasures.

Built starting in 1925 and finished in 1926 by prominent cattleman and oil baron Cornelius T. Herring, this 14-story, 200,000-square-foot tower was Amarillo’s tallest building at the time and a symbol of prosperity and elegance. The hotel was designed by the Kansas City firm Shepard & Wiser and featured over 600 rooms, including the famous Old Tascosa Room, which once hosted elite gatherings beneath murals painted by Western artist H.D. Bugbee.

Though the building has sat vacant for decades, its timeless brick façade, intricate woodwork, and stone detailing remain. Located just steps from the Civic Center and Globe Center for Performing Arts, the Herring is poised to become a centerpiece of downtown Amarillo’s revitalization.

Property Highlights:

• Prime Downtown Location in Amarillo’s Central Business District and within the Center City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 1
• Historic Recognition: Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places
• Redevelopment Potential: Ideal for transformation into a luxury hotel, multifamily residences, or a mixed-use development
• Architectural Legacy: Preserved original features including Bugbee murals, wood and metal detailing, and period design elements
• Proximity: Walking distance to key downtown attractions, arts venues, and municipal buildings

As this landmark property moves toward its next chapter, the Herring Hotel represents more than a real estate investment—it is a chance to help reshape Amarillo’s urban core while honoring its vibrant past.