The once-neglected Barfield Motel in downtown Amarillo recently was recognized with a Texas Historical Commission marker as an official Texas Historic Site.
The Barfield, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020, sits along Polk Street and Sixth Street (aka Route 66) in the downtown area.
The Amarillo Globe-News reported the 10-story structure, built in 1927, was honored during a dedication ceremony led by preservation advocates and Texas Historical Commission Chairman John Nau.
“To me, the Barfield is the jewel of downtown,” said Beth Duke, executive director of Center City of Amarillo. “It’s a story of patience, perseverance and preservation. It sat empty for 40 years. There were pigeons, squatters — and now it has new life. It’s even been featured in ‘Yellowstone.’”
The hotel, which reopened in 2021 following an extensive renovation, was previously added to the National Register of Historic Places. But the new state marker places it among more than 10,000 officially designated historic sites across Texas.
Melissa Dora Oliver-Eakle, who built the building, signed business documents using the initials “M.D.” to conceal her gender and carried a Derringer pistol, the newspaper reported.
The building was renamed “The Barfield” in the 1970s in honor of her great-grandson, Gordon Barfield.
Tulsa-based Coury Hospitality undertook about $20 million in renovations on the structure.
Texas Monthly magazine recently gave the Barfield an honorable mention in its list of the 10 best places to stay in the state.
(Image of the Barfield Motel by the Center City of Amarillo)