HOUSTON – (Realty News Report) – The Commercial National Bank Building, one of downtown Houston’s oldest structures, has completed a multi-million-dollar restoration as part of a block-long collection of historic buildings that have been updated for modern use.
Built in 1904, the six-story brick and limestone building wrapping the corner of Franklin and Main was among the first skyscrapers in early Houston’s financial district. Designated as a City of Houston landmark, it was built for Commercial National Bank, which was chartered with $500,000 in capital in 1886.
Houston-based NewForm Real Estate oversaw renovations of the building, which is located on the northern edge of downtown near Buffalo Bayou within the Main Street Market Square Historic District. NewForm acquired the building in 2023.
“917 Franklin represents a defining piece of Houston’s architectural and cultural history,” said Dan Zimmerman, President of NewForm Real Estate. “We’re proud to serve as stewards of this landmark, approaching its restoration with a commitment to preserving its historic character while thoughtfully updating the building to meet the needs of today’s tenants. The result is a revitalized property that honors its past while contributing to the future of downtown.”
Anchored by Art
Designed by Green and Svarz, 917 Franklin served as headquarters of Commercial National Bank until it merged with South Texas Commercial National Bank in 1912. Early tenants included the National Bank of Commerce, Western Union, Rice University founder William Marsh Rice, and Baker Botts. It adjoins the only remaining Green and Svarz-designed building in Houston, the Dorrance Building at 114 Main Street.
Restoration of the neo-classical style 917 Franklin building included exterior work on the façade, window repairs, masonry cleaning, and upgraded lighting. M.Naeve designed the interiors, which feature exposed brick, hardwood floors, plaster walls, and historic architectural details such as dentil molding. The redesigned lobby displays artwork from Zimmerman’s personal collection, including pieces by Joanna Ference and Guy Van den Bulcke. A limited-edition Picasso print is also on display.
Andres Construction oversaw construction, including modernizing the building systems, updating office suites with new lighting, audio-visual infrastructure, and kitchenettes.
The Main&Co Collection
“Our team approached this historically significant building with a deep sense of responsibility,” Zimmerman said. “The Commercial National Bank building now joins the restored Raphael, Dorrance, and Brewster buildings next door, collectively shaping a revitalized block that brings together Houston’s architectural legacy with a new generation of offices, restaurants, and cultural energy.”
The buildings, collectively known as Main&Co, line the west side of Main Street from Commerce to Franklin streets. The historic redevelopment is home to energy firms, law firms, showrooms, restaurants and lounges, including The Fifth Vessel coffee, Thai Café, Liv Houston, and Distrito Federal. On the Commerce Street garage, a mural titled Produce Row by DUAL spans 7,000 SF in a nod to the street’s history as the site of Houston’s first farmers market in the 1870s.
A Pedestrian Promenade
Two blocks away, Houston’s five-story Kiam Building is undergoing a complete renovation for residential and commercial use. Once home to the city’s first Sakowitz department store, the building was constructed in 1893 at 320 Main Street with office above retail. M.T. Mercantile Company is leading that project. The nearby Scanlan Building, Houston’s tallest office tower when it opened in 1909 at Main and Preston streets, is being converted to a Canopy by Hilton hotel by SLTX Capital.
Downtown Houston+ is finishing up a transformation along Main Street to create a pedestrian-friendly corridor with outdoor plazas and shaded walkways along several car-free blocks in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June. Main&Co is located on the MetroRail Red Line near Harris County courts and Allen’s Landing.
Office leasing at Main&Co is handled by Danielle Rothchild and Thomas Metz of Stream Realty. Abby Hawkins and Gideon Perritt of Rebel Retail Advisors are marketing 3,390 SF of street-level space to restaurants or other retail tenants.
April 22, 2026, Realty News Report Copyright 2026
Photo credit: NewForm Real Estate courtesy photo.
Mark Your Calendar: Commgate’s annual Developer Showcase will be held April 29 from 4:30 to 7:00 PM at the Houston Country Club. The Commgate event will provide Houston’s brokerage community an overview of significant Houston area commercial real estate developments in a small-scale trade show format. For more information: www.Commgate.com
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