NewForm Real Estate Completes Multi-Million Dollar Restoration of Historic Commercial National Bank Building at 917 Franklin

One of the earliest skyscrapers in Houston’s historic financial district returns as the architectural anchor of Main&Co 

HOUSTON, TX – April 21, 2026 – NewForm Real Estate today announced the completion of a comprehensive multi-million-dollar restoration of 917 Franklin, the historic Commercial National Bank Building—one of the earliest skyscrapers in Houston’s original financial district and among the most intact surviving buildings from the city’s early commercial era.

Completed in 1904, the six-story building stands at the prominent intersection of Main and Franklin streets, an area that served as the center of Houston’s financial activity from the turn of the 20th century through the Great Depression. Often regarded as the heart of early banking and commerce in Houston, the district remains one of the city’s most historically significant urban environments.

The building holds a distinguished place in Houston history. William Marsh Rice, founder of Rice University, maintained offices on the third floor, and following his death, the first offices of Rice Institute occupied part of the sixth floor until 1926.

Originally designed by the architectural firm Green and Svarz, the building was constructed for Commercial National Bank, which was chartered with $500,000 in capital—making it one of Houston’s largest financial institutions at the time. The structure features load-bearing masonry walls surrounding an internal steel frame, an early construction method often referred to as “cage construction.” Its limestone and brick façade, curved corner bay, and large-scale windows make it a defining architectural presence in downtown Houston.

Notably, the adjacent Dorrance Building is the only other known surviving structure in Houston designed by Green and Svarz.

The Commercial National Bank Building is designated a City of Houston landmark and is a contributing structure within the Main Street Market Square Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

“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.”

The restoration included extensive exterior façade work, window repairs, masonry cleaning, and upgraded lighting. Interior spaces were thoughtfully designed in collaboration with M.Naeve, whose approach blends contemporary elements with historic materials to create a refined, timeless aesthetic.

Interior improvements feature a redesigned lobby with restored plaster detailing and dentil moldings, modernized building systems, and updated office suites with new lighting, audio-visual infrastructure, and kitchenettes. Original elements such as exposed brick, hardwood floors, plaster walls, and historic architectural details were preserved and restored wherever possible.

The lobby also incorporates curated artwork from Zimmerman’s personal collection, including pieces by Joanna Ference and Guy Van den Bulcke, along with a limited-edition Picasso print displayed within the building. Construction was completed by Andres Construction.

“Our team approached this historically significant building with a deep sense of responsibility,” continued Zimmerman. “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 restoration coincides with continued investment along Main Street, including the ongoing transformation of the corridor into a pedestrian-oriented promenade through the City of Houston and Downtown Houston+’s “More Space: Main Street 2.0” initiative. Nearing completion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Main Street Promenade project has converted several blocks into expanded walkable, car-free space for outdoor dining, gathering, and exploration—enhancing the public realm while maintaining access to adjacent businesses.

The building benefits from direct access to the METRORail Red Line, which runs along Main Street through downtown and provides convenient transit connections, along with seamless walkable connectivity to key destinations including Market Square Park and Allen’s Landing.

Main&Co spans Commerce to Franklin streets along Main Street and houses a growing roster of tenants including The Fifth Vessel, Thai Café, lounges including Liv Houston and Distrito Federal, and more. The property features a private parking garage along Commerce Street with a mural by DUAL titled Produce Row, a 7,000-square-foot installation completed in 2018 that pays homage to Commerce Street’s history as the site of Houston’s first farmers market in the 1870s.

Danielle Rothchild and Thomas Metz of Stream Realty are leasing available office spaces throughout Main&Co. Street-level retail space totaling approximately 3,390 square feet, ideal for a restaurant concept, is represented by Abby Hawkins and Gideon Perritt of Rebel Retail Advisors.