The cracked and peeling existing finishes were grit the team recognized couldn’t be manufactured and it needed to stay. Loose bits were knocked off and the patchwork layers of paint applied over the years were left intact and sealed in place, subtly showcasing the history of the building. “My favorite part of the space was its existing patina. It is rare that you get to work in a space that has so much history and character. It was our priority to leave what was already there and beautifully patinaed in place and just work around it,” says Joel Mozersky, the interior designer.
Exterior wood windows and doors were completely overhauled and rebuilt. Preservation Architect Jeff Fetzer, FAIA, who is known as the “protector of the historic fabric” at the Pearl, took point, and the team collaborated to ensure the windows and doors were compatible with the soul and flow of the restaurant. The new windows and doors feature painted wood with historic glazing installed in the traditional method of putty glazing, keeping true to the past.
Other salvaged parts that emphasize the embodied history of the brewery include a unique pendant fixture, hanging in Southerleigh’s entry, created from repurposed bottling line parts. Fifteen-foot-tall original stainless-steel kettle tops were recreated as a centerpiece for the back dining room. Clayton Korte also renovated a 60-foot-tall grain silo into a private dining room with a custom 15-foot-diameter steel light fixture salvaged from the original brewing tanks.
Reclaimed white oak floors complement hammered zinc countertops and leather seating, which over time will develop their own patina.
The activity inside easily flows out into the adjoining graveled terrace that offers additional seating and wraps the building. A new outdoor oyster and beer bar designed by Clayton Korte offers refreshments to strolling crowds. Materials for this pavilion include antique pipe columns and pop-up steel windows, salvaged from Pearl’s own warehouses. The steel windows can be lowered to completely close the bar when not in operation. Pearl’s popular parks and outdoor courtyards surround Southerleigh and add to the energy of the revived building.
A Full-sensory Experience
Clayton Korte preserved the historic structure while breathing new life into its shell. Chef Balfour remarks: “It’s one of the oldest breweries in Texas and by far the prettiest. Restoring it and preserving its history is absolutely amazing.” Sights, sounds and smells of Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery now combine within the venue to create an exhilarating full-sensory experience.
Retrofit Team
ARCHITECT: Clayton Korte
INTERIOR DESIGNER: Joel Mozersky Design
GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Guido Construction
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: Ten Eyck Landscape Architects
MEP ENGINEER: Blum Consulting Engineers Inc.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Danysh & Associates, (210) 341-5161
LIGHTING DESIGNER: Bos Lighting Design, (713) 869-9559
PRESERVATION ARCHITECT: Jeff Fetzer, FAIA, J. Fetzer LLC, (210) 722-8663
CUSTOM LIGHT FIXTURES, HISTORIC STAIR AND ZINC COUNTERTOPS: Flux Metal Studios, (210) 224-7677
OYSTER BAR GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Troy Jessee Construction
Materials
WINDOW AND DOOR PAINT: Peale Green from Sherwin-Williams
WALL SEALER: Blok-Guard from PROSOCO
KITCHEN FLOOR TILE: Ashen Gray from Daltile
SUBWAY TILE: Interceramic
PENNY ROUND TILE: Cepac
RESINOUS FLOORING: Stoneclad UL from Stonhard
SIGNAGE: Ion Art