Header: Clay Grier
Two long-empty warehouses have been given a new purpose in a growing neighborhood in East Austin. Clayton Korte architects spearheaded the transformation, turning these historic structures into Cosmic Saltillo, the second location for local favorite Cosmic Coffee + Beer.
Giving old buildings a new job
The original warehouses date back to the early 1900s and were once used by the Texas Company (Texaco). Instead of tearing them down, the design team decided to work with them. They kept the original corrugated steel siding, wood-framed windows, and metal roofing. These tough, honest materials were chosen because they will age naturally over time. The west building now contains the main coffee and spirit bar area with a lounge space. A new building housing a taqueria was added next to it, while the east building also underwent a major renovation.
Connecting with nature and each other
The heart of Cosmic Saltillo lies in the space created between the old warehouses. This area is designed to feel like a large garden where people can gather. It features a covered deck and an open patio with plenty of seating options. A key element is a koi pond surrounded by dense plantings. The design focuses on natural elements like fig ivy growing on steel trellises and other water features. At night, the curved deck shape combined with string lights gives a feeling of being under the stars. A stairway near the entrance leads up to a second-level bar, offering a more private spot for events.
A standout tower and integrated art
A major new addition is a 30-foot-tall tower. It is covered in steel mesh and serves as the second-level balcony’s access point. At night, lights turn the tower into a focal point and highlight a custom mural. Art plays a significant role throughout the property. The design team collaborated with local graffiti artist Miles Starkey, who added distinctive murals and graffiti touches to building parts like an awning, the tower, and a new wall. In 2023, the project expanded its art features by inviting numerous artists, including the celebrated Daniel Johnston, to paint colorful designs along the street-facing fences.
Project info
Completion year: 2023
Architecture & Interior Design: Clayton Korte
General Contractor: Solutions GC
Landscape Architect: Ten Eyck Landscape Architecture
Internal project team:
George Wilcox, AIA, Partner
Sky Currie, AIA, Associate
Sydney Steadman, AIA, Project Designer
Veronica Lloveras, NCIDQ, Interior Designer
