AMARILLO, Texas (KVII) — Two architectural projects in Center City, Amarillo, have been named finalists for the 2025 President’s Awards Program sponsored by Texas Downtown.
The new Amarillo City Hall, located in the historic Amarillo Hardware Building, is a finalist for the Best Restoration Award, while the new Potter County Justice Building is a finalist for Best New Construction.
Beth Duke, Center City Executive Director, expressed pride in the nominations, stating, “Center City is proud to announce that the new Amarillo City Hall in the historic Amarillo Hardware Building is a finalist for the Best Restoration Award. The new Potter County Justice Building is a finalist for Best New Construction.”
Winners will be announced at the Texas Downtown Association Conference in Waco in November.
Both projects are also eligible for the People’s Choice award, which can be voted on by liking photos on the Texas Downtown Facebook page.
The Amarillo City Hall was designed by Sims + Architects, led by Sheila Sims, AIA, with a team including Jon Gamel, AIA, and Kelli Henson, Registered Interior Designer. Sims described the design approach as “Respect – not restore,” with a style of “Industrial Art Deco.” The original building was designed by Guy Carlander, known for Amarillo’s historic buildings.
The new Potter County Justice Center, located on Historic Route 66, is a five-story, 158,000-square-foot courthouse featuring various facilities, including courtrooms and county offices.
Duke noted the competitive nature of the category, saying, “Center City competes in the 50,000 population and over category. These cities all entered great projects. We are so excited that both of our nominated projects are finalists.”