Joule in downtown Dallas getting big makeover

Slated for completion in fall 2012.

Grand Opening, September 25, 2008, Joule Hotel

DALLAS — The Joule in downtown Dallas is going to get a $78 million makeover and expansion that will increase the hotel to almost a city block.

Improvements will include:

The addition of 2,500 square feet to The Joule's lobby.
The addition of 31 guest rooms, including 21 rooms, eight suites, one single-story penthouse, and two three-story penthouses, for a total of 160 accommodations.
The addition of 10,000 square feet of function space, new ballrooms, and meeting and pre-function spaces, as well as a 4,000 square-foot rooftop terrace and garden that can accommodate 500.
The renovation of the Joule's PM Lounge into an "adult playground" with a 600-square foot screening room and seating for 25, a 1,350-square foot recording studio, and a karaoke bar.
The installation of an 8,000 square-foot subterranean ESPA spa with six treatment rooms, ice fountain, steam room, sauna, geothermal pool, and "experience showers." Founded by Susan Harsworth, ESPA is the world's leading spa company, with outlets found at the Corinthia Hotel in London, the One & Only Palmilla in Mexico, and Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.
A new Charlie Palmer specialty food hall, with epicurean stations serving delectables including certified Neapolitan pizzas, fresh-off-the-grill plates, and handmade breads and pastries.
An expansion of the art collection with the addition of historic mosaics from the original Mercantile National Bank Building. Says the release:

"The mosaics, an important piece of Dallas history, were slated to be destroyed during that building's renovation, but were rescued by Joule-owner Tim Headington. Originally commissioned during the art deco period by former Dallas Mayor R.L. Thornton, the handmade mosaics were shipped from Venice and installed in the Mercantile National Bank Building. The mosaics, which depict the basic elements of nature -— earth, wind, fire, and water -— range from a few feet high to more than 20 feet. The works, restored by conservation specialist Michael van Enter, will be installed in The Joule's new VIP Corridor and ballroom pre-function space."

The renovation of The Joule is scheduled for completion by fall 2012. The hotel will remain open throughout construction.