In downtown Houston, the Cambria Hotel brings new life to the historic Petroleum Building (later known as the Great Southwest Building). Originally built in 1926 as Houston's first oil-industry skyscraper, the building stands out with its carved limestone facade and striking Mayan Revival details. These features reflect Houston’s early ambition and architectural legacy.

The adaptive reuse converts the former office tower into a 226-room hotel, combining restored Art Deco elements with modern upgrades. Fluted columns, ornate cornices, and original elevator doors were preserved and returned to prominence. The design approach was minimal and respectful, using a neutral palette, respecting the backdrop of the original craftsmanship.

Interior design draws inspiration from the Tejas Club, once a gathering place for the city’s oil pioneers. Classic shapes and rich textures are paired with contemporary materials to create a refined, balanced atmosphere. The result is a space that feels true to its past while fully updated for today’s guests.

The hotel achieved AAA’s prestigious designation as a 4 diamond hotel, the first for the brand. The project gleaned state and federal historic tax credits and other incentives.

The Cambria Hotel builds on the story of the Petroleum Building without erasing it. Nearly a century after its original opening, the building now welcomes a new generation, ready to serve as both a reflection of Houston’s history and a part of its future.