Pearl Street Restoration
San Antonio Magazine – April/May 2007
Photos by Paul Bardagjy and Alissa Hollimon

The redevelopment of the Pearl Brewery shows that adaptive re-use possibilities are limitless, especially in a city where history is revered.  Established in 1883, the 22-acre brewery closed in 2001, but is now on its way to becoming an urban village.  When the City’s Museum reach extension project is built, it will have the further distinction of River Walk frontage.  The complex will take almost 10 years to develop and will include retail shops, restaurants, offices and 700 living spaces.  Three projects have been completed to date.

The Center for Foods of the Americas is a former warehouse that now contains classrooms and six kitchens.  Project architects at Lake / Flato state that the historic significance and pride of the building – and others in the restoration – are being reinforced, not lost in the transformation.

Ford, Powell and Carson’s restoration of the elliptical Pearl Stable revives its best architectural features.  “We exposed the original wooden rafters, which had been covered with several false ceilings over the years,” says Chris Carson, FAIA and principal of Ford, Powell and Carson.  To give a sense of its original use, horse stables were installed for eating booths along one curved wall.  Paint was stripped, brickwork restored, and light brought in by reintroducing a cupola and apertures. 

The brewery’s former garage was converted into large industrial spaces with features like exposed brick walls and large steel-framed windows.  The Aveda Institute and Farm to Table Café are the inhabitants.  “We tried stay true to the historical structure, but introduced contemporary elements,” says architect Greg Shue, AIA and partner of DHR Architects.