Humble Oil Building
historic place
The Humble Oil Building, a historic place in Houston, Texas, stands at 1212 Main Street in Harris County. The original nine-story structure was completed in 1921. It was designed in the Italian Renaissance architecture style by Clinton and Russell. This building served as the initial headquarters for the Humble Oil and Refining Company, which played a significant role in the region's oil industry. At its completion, it was the largest office building in Houston. A notable technological update occurred in 1932 when the building became the first in Houston to feature central air conditioning. The complex expanded with a seventeen-story tower added in 1936, designed by John F. Staub and Kenneth Franzheim. Further additions followed in 1940 and 1947. The Humble Oil Building served as the company's headquarters until 1963. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Today, the building complex has been renovated for use as a hotel and apartments. This site reflects a key period in Houston's commercial development and architectural innovation.