Historic Texas Glass Factory Transformed into Vibrant Food Market

Texas-based architecture studio Clayton Korte has joined forces with Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group to breathe new life into a mid-century glass factory in San Antonio.

The result is Pullman Market, a 5,014-square-metre food destination that celebrates Texas craftsmanship, culinary traditions and architectural heritage.

GALLERY  

Located in the city’s historic Pearl District, the site was once home to the Samuels Glass building, an Art Deco factory designed by Bartlett Cocke in 1948. The design team treated the 53,979-square-foot structure as a canvas, preserving its patina and industrial character while adapting it to house a contemporary marketplace. Today, Pullman Market features a specialty grocer showcasing more than 150 Texas-based suppliers, five quick-service eateries and four full-service restaurants.

Following the rhythm of the original structure, Clayton Korte arranged spaces within the existing shell to form a cohesive yet varied environment. A central spine connects the interior, creating sightlines and moments of discovery as visitors explore the artisan food stalls and bars. At the heart of the market sits a light-filled atrium, home to the Mezquite restaurant and its adjoining Mezcaleria bar, while the northern section tapers into a lively retail and dining zone.

Complementing the central design, Austin studio Baldridge Architects designed the other three restaurants: Fife & Farro, a pizza and pasta venue; Nicosi, a dessert bar; and Isidore, which showcases regional Texas flavours.

“The original building had lots of natural rustic charm, and where possible, we wanted to preserve the rough-hewn beams, the metal frame windows and the concrete floors,” said Emmer & Rye partner Rand Egbert. “We chose white oak, a myriad of tiles and white paint finishes inside to juxtapose the original building with a modern, clean but bespoke feel, bringing it into the present.”

By pairing heritage architecture with contemporary materials and culinary expertise, Pullman Market captures the evolving spirit of Texas design, turning a once utilitarian factory into a destination that connects community, craft and cuisine.

Images by Casey Dunn via Dezeen

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