Long-closed Barfield Building in Amarillo to become a Marriott

Center City, if you’re wondering, is a nonprofit organization that envisions the revitalization of downtown Amarillo.

The Barfield is part of the portfolio of Tulsa-based Coury Hospitality, which also runs the Colcord Hotel in Oklahoma City and Ambassador Tulsa — both historically significant buildings.

Coury listed the Barfield under “works in progress” and described it as such:

Currently known as the Barfield building, Coury Hospitality is the hotel management partner in this historic renovation. The building redevelopment is slated for a 109 room boutique hotel and will franchise with Marriott’s soft brand, Autograph Collection.

Architexas, an architectural services firm in Austin, is listed as the firm that will rehabilitate the building. It states on its website:

Originally the Oliver Rea Eakle Building, the Barfield Building is located on Polk Street in downtown Amarillo, Texas. Constructed in 1926, the Barfield Building is a ten story building with a basement designed by Wyatt C. Hedrick. The Barfield Building was originally an office building with retail on the ground floor. The building has been renovated and modified in the past but retains much of its original historical integrity. The proposed development plan is to adapt the building to a boutique hotel with accompanying related hospitality functions. It is planned to have 110 guest rooms, restaurant, and event accommodations.

The building sits on Polk Street and Sixth Avenue, on Route 66.

A lot’s happening in downtown Amarillo, but this development brings to mind the restoration of the long-closed Mayo Hotel in downtown Tulsa. The revitalization of downtown Tulsa took off like supersonic jet not long after the Mayo reopened.

(Hat tip to Nick Gerlich; image of the Barfield Building in 2015 by KFDA via Facebook)