Hereford Motel makes comeback
Sitting quietly off Highway 6 in Albany, the Hereford Motel has been a witness to decades of history and a destination for travelers seeking rest. Originally opened in 1952, the 14-room motel became a familiar sight for ranchers, hunters, and families exploring Shackelford County. Today, thanks to a meticulous renovation by its new owners, Jason Harlow and Brook Hatchett, and a branding collaboration with Ashlar Projects, the Hereford Motel has stepped into a new era, blending modern comforts with a nod to historic local ranches.
When Hatchett and Harlow acquired the property, the motel’s charm and history were evident, but so was the need for substantial updates. One of the most striking changes was the transformation of the motel’s façade. Originally clad in cedar wood panels, the entire front wall was rocked during the renovation, giving it a polished, rustic look that set the tone for the updates within.
Inside, the updates reveal a blend of practicality and preservation. Low ceilings were removed, exposing sturdy, original roof rafters that became an eye-catching design feature. “When we saw the rafters, we knew they were too beautiful to cover up again,” Brook shared. “They give the rooms so much character and remind guests of the building’s history.”
Bathrooms underwent dramatic changes, built onto the existing back of each room to create more spacious, rustic-modern designs. Each of the 14 rooms was reimagined with a personal touch and named after a local ranch to honor Albany’s rich heritage, including Lambshead, the Musselman, the Caldwell, the Jones, Collins Creek, Casey Beefmasters, the Harlow, the Harvick, the Stasney, and the Nail, which occupies Room #9 in tribute to the Nail Ranch brand. Two rooms, Vaquero One and Vaquero Two, were preserved in their original condition, complete with 1950s wood paneling and colorful bathroom tiles.
The rebranding of the Hereford Motel was led by Dallas-based Ashlar Projects, whose team has worked on historic properties such as The Baker Hotel and Spa in Mineral Wells and The Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth. For the Hereford Motel, the agency incorporated elements of the Harlow family cattle brand into the new logo, using a color palette inspired by Hereford cattle. The branding prominently features an image of a Hereford bull, which will be part of the vintage-inspired neon sign being installed this month.
“We researched the original Hereford Motel brand and signage from the 1950s to create a sign that would turn heads,” said Ashlar Projects co-owner Brooke Hortenstine. “Albany residents are knowledgeable, worldly and friendly, and there is now a place for out-of-town guests to stay that matches the town’s well-read and welcoming spirit.”
The suites, created by combining four original rooms, offer a more luxurious experience, each featuring a private back patio with firepits that overlook the newly built horse stables. These stables are part of the complimentary “horse hotel,” where guests traveling with horses can keep them comfortably during their stay.
The Hereford Motel also embraces modern conveniences with a seamless, contactless check-in process. Guests who book online receive a door code via email and text on the day of arrival, allowing them to go directly to their rooms without stopping by the office.
“It’s all about making it easy for guests,” Brook said. “We want them to feel like their stay starts the moment they arrive.”
Brook emphasized how the updates go beyond aesthetics to enhance functionality. Floors were raised to prevent flooding, a persistent issue in the past, and new water pumps were installed to handle heavy rains.
As the motel prepares for its first full season since the renovation, Harlow reflected on the project with a touch of humor. “Personally, I prefer beefmasters, but I do like the look of a horned Hereford bull,” he said.
The bull, prominently featured on the vintage-inspired neon sign, perfectly represents the blend of Albany’s heritage and the Hereford Motel’s updated identity.
The Hereford Motel is conveniently located next to the Goodnight Steakhouse (formerly the Beehive). With Jason as the owner and Brook as the managing partner, the duo serve some of the best steaks in Texas.
“Our goal is to make the Hereford Motel a true destination experience,” Brook shared. “Come stay in a beautifully preserved motel and walk next door to enjoy one of Texas’s finest steaks. It’s the perfect pairing for an unforgettable getaway!”
