A STORIED PAST, A NEW VISION
A once dilapidated bank building, The Joule is a fully restored boutique luxury hotel that artfully integrates historic preservation with contemporary design.
from then to now
Built in the 1920s, the neo-Gothic landmark building at 1530 Main Street was originally the Dallas National Bank. It dominated the downtown skyline during a thriving era of Dallas banking and West Texas oil booms. Downtown Dallas flourished through the ’80s, but as the 20th century drew to a close, it was a shadow of its former glory.
A decade of development deals and massive renovations transformed the then-vacant bank building into a Forbes four-star boutique hotel. Aptly named after the international unit of energy, The Joule brought a charge to downtown Dallas when it opened in 2008.
Through a series of further renovations and expansions as adjacent properties became available, The Joule has become a cultural, shopping, and dining destination—a forerunner in the renaissance of downtown Dallas.
the work of an iconic designer
For its primary renovations and subsequent expansions, Headington Companies commissioned world-renowned hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany.
The series of renovation efforts ultimately expanded the hotel nearly an entire city block. A subterranean Forbes Four-Star spa was added, penthouse suites were introduced, and spaces traditionally designed solely for hotel guests were reimagined as vibrant communal areas. Today, The Joule includes 160 guest rooms and penthouses, a full ballroom level, rooftop terrace, cantilevered pool, and distinctive dining and retail outlets.
Now led by principal Alessia Genova, who assumed ownership of the firm in 2024, Tihany Design has reimagined the hotel’s West Tower guest rooms with an invigorating new aesthetic that fuses contemporary sensibilities with the dynamic spirit of Texas, following prior enhancements to the ballroom level and spa, underscoring the hotel’s commitment to evolving luxury and guest experience. The design evolution is modern yet soulful, infused with the layered character of The Joule and an homage to the city’s vibrant energy. Subtle nods to the playful Memphis design movement balance eclectic artistry with refined, residential luxury.