Historic Landmark Status at 416 Congress

The project team for the new boutique hotel at 416 Congress has been working extensively to achieve a zoning change and some additional entitlements on the property, and to have the existing building designated as a Historic Landmark.  The process we are following will result in greater usability of a site that is currently extremely under-utilized.

Right now the three-story building at 416 Congress operates as a nightclub on the first floor, only open on weekend nights, and the second and third floor are not currently in use.  One of our goals is to transform this gem of a building, and its prime Congress Avenue location, into a location that contributes to the activity and character of downtown Austin, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

To the owner and the project team, one of the most significant parts of this building is its historic significance.  Built in 1893, by Judge James H. Robertson, the building has a long history of housing many different businesses, stores, and offices that contributed to the development of downtown Austin.  Having the building officially designated as a Historic Landmark, a status that many people assumed it already had, will ensure that it will be preserved and maintained to display a part of Austin's history.  On February 9th, the Historic Landmark Commission approved the recommendation to designate the building with Historic Landmark status, and we are looking forward to celebrating this in the design and programming of the new hotel.  The first floor of the building will become a lobby, lounge, and sidewalk cafe that will help enliven the pedestrian experience along this section of Congress Avenue.  The second floor will be a restaurant, where a focus on the front three historic windows overlooking Congress will be a major design feature.  The third floor will have three unique Historic suites at the front of the building, one at each arched window, also overlooking Congress Ave.  Above, the addition of the ballroom, amenity deck, and hotel rooms will be deeply stepped back and pushed to the rear of the building to preserve the prominence of the original building.

While the Historic Landmark designation will require a high degree of care and sensitivity, we are confident that this is exactly what the building needs and deserves as we work to bring it new life and purpose.