Renovations are wrapping up at the newly renamed Sam Houston Hotel. The name is a return to history: The building opened its doors as the Sam Houston Hotel in 1924, but it was operating as the Alden Hotel when American Liberty Hospitality bought it last year. General manager Nick Massad Jr.(showing off the sleek new TV/desk setup in the bedrooms) tells us the firm loves the Downtown market and wanted to be a part of its growth. The hotel had closed in the mid-'70s and underwent massive renovations when it reopened in 02, so current changes are mostly aesthetic freshening.

Renovations began in January and wrap up this month; when we stopped by last week, work had just begun on the last floor. Nick tells us the rebranding and refurb both aim to embrace Houstons culture and history. Design by Portfolio for Hospitality aimed for modern Texas hospitality through features like the cow print and paisley we found in the hallways. The process is also adding three rooms to the hotel, bringing it to an even 100. Nick tells us American Liberty has three or four projects in its local development pipeline. Might we see another Downtown hotel from them?

Our work fascinates us. We can sit and stare at it for hours. Email thoughts to Catie Dixon, catie@bisnow.com.