Located in a vibrant and rapidly developing part of East Austin, two long-abandoned warehouse buildings have been transformed into a bustling all-day restaurant and bar. Originally constructed in the early 1900s, these structures once served the Texas Company (Texaco), storing petroleum products delivered by railcars and distributed by truck throughout Austin.
Project Name : Cosmic Saltillo in Austin
Studio Name: Clayton Korte
Location: Austin, Texas
Photography: Clay Grier
Today, they house the second location of a local favorite: Cosmic Coffee & Beer. As rare remnants of the area’s industrial heritage, the buildings offer a unique blend of history, marked by layers of graffiti added over the decades.
Cosmic is a nature-centric hospitality space that invites both locals and visitors to gather in a relaxed environment enriched by greenery and art. Embracing a commitment to sustainability, the project revitalizes the two front-gabled warehouses while activating the spaces between them with seating areas and gardens. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by signature elements of the Cosmic brand, including water features, climbing fig ivy on steel trellises, and custom signage. Structural stabilization was essential before the renovation, resulting in a dramatic transformation. The west building now houses a coffee and spirits bar with a cozy lounge, while the east building introduces a taqueria offering fresh, flavorful cuisine. Between the two structures lies a lush garden, serving as the vibrant centerpiece of the property. Featuring a koi pond, a covered deck, and ample patio seating, this space becomes particularly enchanting at night when string lights and the curved form of the deck evoke a celestial ambiance. A stairway at the entrance leads to an intimate second-level bar, ideal for private events.
The warehouses maintain their original corrugated steel siding, wood-framed windows, and metal roofing, while new materials throughout the site were chosen for their durability and capacity to develop a natural patina over time. A striking architectural addition is the 30-foot tower that provides access to the upper-level balcony. Enclosed in steel mesh, the tower is illuminated in the evening, showcasing a custom mural.
Enhancing the property’s seamless blend of historic and contemporary elements, the design team collaborated with local graffiti artist Miles Starkey, who created new artwork on prominent features like the awning, tower, and a newly constructed patio wall. This celebration of community, creativity, and resilience is reflected across the property, capturing Cosmic’s colorful, gritty, and authentic character.
