**JW Marriott Houston Downtown to Expand with Historic Building Renovation Ahead of 2026 World Cup**
The JW Marriott Houston Downtown is set to undergo a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, which will include the integration of the historic Battelstein Building next door. The project aims to enhance guest amenities and upgrade the property in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Battelstein Building, a 10-story, 63,960-square-foot structure, originally housed a family-run department store from 1924 until its closure in 1981. It has remained vacant since. In 2024, the building was designated a historic landmark and will now be incorporated into the existing 22-story JW Marriott hotel, located in the Samuel F. Carter Building. The current hotel opened in 2014.
The expansion will boost the hotel’s capacity from 328 to 384 guest rooms, including 89 suites. Plans also call for the addition of 10,000 square feet of new meeting and event space, a redesigned ground-floor restaurant and lounge, and a rooftop venue complete with a bar, restaurant, and pool.
This development reflects ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Houston and is strategically timed for the influx of global visitors expected during the World Cup.
