The historic Petroleum Club of Houston, a private dining and business club that began as the social hub for the city's movers and shakers in the energy world, is headed to the top floor of downtown's Total Plaza, leaving its location just a few blocks away in the ExxonMobil Building.

By January, the membership-only club will open in a 30,000-square-feet space atop of the 35-story office tower. Early renderings show a massive ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and ornate chandeliers. A Chef's Table space looks contemporary sleek, and a new valet entrance is planned for members.

The space will be "timeless" and "elegant," and also incorporate elements from the original club, a gushing press release promises.

Early renderings show a massive ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and ornate chandeliers.

"We expect that our new location and fresh design, including a larger bar with a view, will appeal to many, and we look forward to welcoming both current and new members based on these factors," Daniel Moreno, general manager of The Petroleum Club, said in a statement. "Of course all of our members will continue to experience outstanding service and spectacular views of the Houston area.

"We are especially looking forward to using Total Plaza’s many convenient features from valet parking for the club’s members and guests to its central downtown tunnel connection.”

Founded in 1946, The Petroleum Club’s original location was on the top floor of the Rice Hotel in downtown Houston. An increased membership initiated the club’s move to the location on floors 43 and 44 of the ExxonMobil Building in 1963, where the club has since hosted energy industry events, weddings and lunchtime business meetings. ExxonMobil sold the building last year as part of its move to a new corporate campus just south of The Woodlands, which is now under construction.

Officials at Brookfield Office Properties Inc., owners of Total Plaza at 1201 Louisiana St., recently made the announcement about The Petroleum Club's new location. Kirksey is the principal architect for the project.