Old Soul, New Spirit: Austin’s Uptown Sports Club Balances Heritage with Flair

Texas-based Michael Hsu Office of Architecture has unveiled the thoughtful transformation of a 130-year-old building in East Austin into the Uptown Sports Club—an all-day restaurant, bar, and gathering space where history meets contemporary hospitality.

Originally constructed in 1893 by German immigrant Fritz Hot, the heritage-listed building has worn many hats over the decades, including a bakery, butcher shop, and sports bar.

GALLERY  

Drawing inspiration from Argentine Pulperías, Spanish cocktail bars and New Orleans delis, the adaptive reuse project preserves the spirit of the past while creating a vibrant new chapter. The team worked within the Secretary of the Interior’s Rehabilitation Standards to honour the structure’s status as a designated historic landmark, earned in 2020.

Inside the 254-square-metre venue, salvaged pine floors, preserved period hardware and reimagined architectural details pay homage to the building’s layered legacy. Historic photos guided the meticulous recreation of key elements, including the 1960s-era hand-painted signage by Joseph Henderson, which now sits proudly above the entrance. The building’s signature sawtooth brick corbel, segmented brick arches, and wooden awnings remain intact, reinterpreted with respect and care.

The interior plan prioritises flow and accessibility, seamlessly connecting a long bar—complete with views of a wood-fired grill—open dining zones, and a leafy back patio that invites a casual, communal atmosphere.

“Restoring a 130-year-old building meant balancing structural quirks, historic tax requirements and modern functionality,” said the team. Challenges included fitting kitchen appliances into a compact footprint and navigating the sloping site to ensure accessibility.

Where original elements couldn’t be salvaged, reclaimed materials were introduced to maintain continuity and reinforce a sustainable ethos. Environmentally conscious upgrades include FSC-certified timber, low-VOC finishes, low-flow fixtures and high-performance systems throughout.

The Uptown Sports Club now serves a curated coffee and cocktail menu alongside food by famed barbecue pitmaster Aaron Franklin—delivering a dynamic hospitality experience steeped in place, memory and craft.

Images by Nick Simonite and Chase Daniel via Dezeen

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