The JW Marriott Houston Downtown is preparing a multimillion-dollar expansion and renovation ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Houston is one of the host cities.
Located in downtown Houston at 806 Main, immediately south of the future Main Street Promenade, the hotel and surrounding neighborhood will unveil a transformation in early 2026.
The hotel transformation includes the reinvention of the historic Battelstein’s Building at the adjacent 812 Main. The former department store debuted at the site in 1924, and, under the direction of local architect Joseph Finger, reached its current 10-story height in 1950. In November 2022, the property was acquired by the current hotel ownership, the Nashville and San Diego-based privately held real estate investment company, Southwest Value Partners.
The expansion will integrate with the 22-story, Samuel F. Carter Building, which was built in 1910 and became the JW Marriott Houston Downtown in 2014. Combined, the structures will feature a total of 384 guestrooms (an increase of 56), including 89 suites, creating the largest inventory of luxury accommodations in Houston’s historic core. The reimagined hotel will also launch 10,000 sq. ft. of additional meeting and event spaces (bringing the total to approximately 23,500 sq. ft.), a redesigned ground-floor restaurant and lounge, plus a rooftop space with a bar, restaurant and pool with skyline views. These assets join an existing full-service spa, fitness center and executive club lounge.
“This initiative represents an exciting evolution for the JW Marriott Houston Downtown,” said Jelle Vandenbroucke, GM “We are not just adding rooms; we are redefining the guest experience by creating a hospitality destination that captures the energy, diversity and sophistication of Houston.”
At the helm of design for the Battelstein’s annex is Houston-based Rottet Studio. Los Angeles-based Cole Martinez Curtis & Associates is charged with renovating the main building. Arch-Con Corporation is serving as general contractor.
