One of Amarillo’s most iconic historic buildings sits downtown on 3rd Street. Right now, it is a skeleton, a ghost of days gone by.
What is the history of the Herring Hotel in Amarillo?
This building, built in 1926 when it was among the city’s most upscale hotels, has stood empty for 50 years. It once housed presidents who were visiting the city and countless famous names.
Over the years, many people have tried and failed to bring this once-pristine hotel back to life, and now it may actually have a chance to become what it once was and turn into a beautiful boutique hotel.
During the Amarillo City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, Todd Harmon and John Campo of Campo Architecture presented a bold renovation plan for the 99-year-old hotel.
What are the details of the $100 million renovation plan?
The Herring Hotel originally housed 600 rooms, the Tascosa Ballroom, and the Tascosa Room. The goal for this renovation includes making it into a 4½- to 5-star hotel. The renovated hotel will include 226 rooms and 20 suites. The plan is to return the primary lobby to its 1926 glory while saving some of the historic items in the building. This includes the ballroom and the speakeasy downstairs…