The Joule Hotel in Dallas, designed by local firm Coburn & Smith, was constructed in 1927 as the Dallas National Bank Building. Originally one of the finest examples of gothic revival architecture in Texas, it had had most of its gothic elements removed over the years after being converted into an office building and later abandoned. What was left had fallen into disrepair.
An attentive, $50 million reconstruction carried out by Balfour Beatty Construction has brought the building back to its original exterior look and transformed the interior into a sleek, modern hotel.
The Joule Hotel project consisted of restoring and renovating the historic building at 1530 Main, demolition of an adjacent building at 1526 Main, and construction of a new eight-story structure adjacent to the hotel. The Joule has met the requirements of the Texas Historical Commission, making it once again a landmark on Main Street. The meticulous restoration of the original exterior façade is complemented by The Joule's chic, modern interior, designed by architect Adam Tihany. The boutique hotel is now bringing nightlife and business to downtown Dallas.
Special recognition: The Joule Hotel, Dallas, Texas
Name of firm submitting this entry: Balfour Beatty Construction (general contractor)
Design architect: Tihany Design
Architect of record: Architexas
Structural engineer: Jaster-Quintanilla
Construction time: May 2005 to January 2008
Project size: 83,490-sf renovation, 47,853-sf addition
Project cost: $50 million
Delivery method: CM at risk
