Old buildings, new tricks

Adapting Austin’s historic buildings with architect Paul Clayton

Overlooking the grounds and mansion at the Commodore Perry Estate

Clayton Korte adapted the historic Perry mansion into a destination resort. | Photo by Chase Daniel

Austin’s history may not be as old as, say, San Antonio’s, but to Paul Clayton, that doesn’t make preserving it any less important.

The Amarillo-born architect and builder is co-owner of Austin-based architecture firm Clayton Korte, and for the last 20+ years, he’s been adapting historic buildings in Austin.

You probably already know his work — Clayton Korte adapted Hotel Saint Cecilia, the Commodore Perry Estate, Mattie’s, the Kingsbury Commons, and many more of Austin’s most iconic old buildings.

We spoke with Paul about what it’s like preserving and repurposing Austin’s history.

An aerial shot of the new Kingsbury Commons' at Pease Park. — Clayton Korte adapted a 1920s cottage and former tool shed into a community space at Pease Park.

What’s your favorite project you’ve done in Austin?

Anything that’s experiential space is fun. You know, something that we learned through doing hospitality work is that the brand and interiors component of space, when combined with talented architects, really creates something fun and special.

So, that’s where we really feel like we excel … And when we can bring in our knowledge of historic buildings and adaptive reuse, it’s even better, because it allows us to leverage off of the grit and history that’s there. It always makes for a more interesting story.

Looking at the Mattie's restaurant from the front of the building — This 120-year-old Victorian home in South Austin is now home to Mattie’s at Green Pastures, a restaurant and event space.

So, what does that look like?

We always joke about not [screwing] it up. I mean, that’s really where it starts.

Many of these historic spaces that you get into, they feel so good when you’re standing in them, in that current condition. And every move that you make changes that condition. So, that really great feeling that you have in a historic building can be lost if you continually edit.

Learn more about Paul’s upcoming work — and how he balances preservation and change in a boomtown like Austin — at the button below.

ADAPTING AUSTIN HISTORY

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Thursday, Feb. 9

Big Reds & Bubbles | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th St., Austin | $170-$190 | Get tickets at the door for this event featuring a silent auction, 115+ wines, and food from 17 local restaurants.
The Computational Coding of Leonardo da Vinci’s Papers | Thursday, Feb. 9 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Harry Ransom Center, 300 W. 21st St., Austin | Free | Learn from conservation expert Margaret Holben Ellis about the LEOcode project.

Friday, Feb. 10

Shakey Graves Day | Friday, Feb. 10 | 7 p.m. | Historic Scoot Inn, 1308 E. 4th St., Austin | $25-$30 | Honor the Austin musician at this Friday concert.
Ballet Austin presents Sarah’s Songs | Friday, Feb. 10-Sunday, Feb. 12 | Times vary | The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $15-$99 | Take in three dance works choreographed in honor of Austin philanthropist Sarah Butler.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Mush Love: A Mushroom Gardening Workshop | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 9-11 a.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free | Join in for an outdoor, hands-on workshop.
Austin Humane Society’s 16th Annual Puppy Bowl | Saturday, Feb. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Austin Humane Society, 124 W. Anderson Ln., Austin | Free-$35 | It’s like the Super Bowl, but cuter — stop by this kid-friendly event for bites, puppy races, and adoptions.

Sunday, Feb. 12

Feels So Good Valentine’s Day Market | Sunday, Feb. 12 | 12-6 p.m. | Feels So Good, 211 E. Alpine Rd., Austin | Free | Dress up for a prom-themed photo, shop local goods, and sip on drinks at this love-filled market.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

72º | Sunny | 4% chance of rain

Development

Plans to build a 400,000-sqft Cangshan Cutlery factory in Leander have fallen through due to logistics and cost discrepancies. The site, which would have become a headquarters that employed ~300 people, is now open for other development. (Austin Business Journal)

Civic

Austin city agencies launched a series of centers to answer residents’ questions about and provide resources related to last week’s winter storm. Learn more about what’s available, or access the virtual center online.

Sports

It’s a Lone Star showdown. Two Texan quarterbacks will face off in this weekend’s Super Bowl LVII: the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts was raised outside of Houston, and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes is from the Tyler area. 🏈 (KXAN)

Environment

If you have trees with open wounds caused by last week’s ice storm, you might have one more thing to worry about: oak wilt. The fungal infection kills trees and is spread through tools, roots, insects, and spores. (KXAN)

Plan Ahead

British rock band Duran Duran is bringing its “Future Past” a little closer to the Rio Grande on Tuesday, June 6. Tickets go on sale Monday, Feb 13 to see the 1980s group at the Moody Center . 🎶

Number

$20 million. That’s how much an anonymous Boerne resident won in a scratch-off this week. For perspective, that could buy you 17,300 front-row tickets to see Madonna this summer. 💰 (CBS Austin)

Wellness

Level up your sleep hygiene and wake up feeling well-rested with a little help from two top-rated products: this blackout sleep mask with ~9,000 five-star reviews and this sleek white noise machine complete with 31 different soothing sounds. 💤 *

Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.

Takeout > touchdowns

Super Bowl takeout and watch parties in Austin

Stop by Corner Bar after 3 p.m. for a chance at free barbecue. | Photo courtesy Corner Bar.

Whether you’re an Eagles or a Chiefs fan (we don’t judge), we bet we can guess how you’ll be feeling this Super Bowl Sunday: hungry.

It’s not too late to order takeout or hit up a local watch party. Plan your weekend with these options around ATX:

Takeout

Oseyo | 1628 E. Cesar Chavez St. | Pre-order online
This Korean-American restaurant is offering a fried chicken bucket, plus sides like Korean potato salad and black sesame brownies.

Fresa’s | 1703 S. 1st St. | Order online by Friday, Feb. 10
Fresa’s party platter includes wood-grilled wings, jalapeño poppers, and chicken flautas.

Watch parties

Corner Bar | 1901 S. Lamar Blvd.
As long as you have a $15 bar tab, you can feast on free barbecue from Brown’s starting at 3 p.m.

Fierce Whiskers | 5333 Fleming Ct.
Pick your poison… er, punch, at this event featuring team-themed punch bowls, games, and pre-batched cocktails.

FOUR MORE SPOTS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by London.

Editor’s pick: Your ATXtoday editors are headed to the Wine & Food Foundation’s Big Reds & Bubbles event tonight.

The event benefits Urban Roots, a farm-based youth leadership program that teaches kids how to grow and cook food and learn about social responsibility. Learn more about the organization’s programming. 🌾

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? We’re giving you the 411 on Austin’s historic street names.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Laura Figi, London Gibson, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Camille McLeod | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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