In the heart of downtown Austin, a building dating back to the 1850s is getting ready for its next chapter.
S. Watts Group is currently renovating the historic space at 617 Congress Avenue to become The Archive, a new bar and speakeasy. The 3,000+ sq ft project combines the character of an existing historic structure with the infrastructure, functionality, and high-end finishes needed for a modern hospitality environment.
For our team, The Archive represents an exciting opportunity to work within a piece of downtown Austin history, paying homage to the historical space while helping create an entirely new experience inside its walls!
Bringing New Life to a Historic Austin Building
Renovating an existing building requires a different approach than starting with a blank slate. Existing conditions can reveal challenges that are not always apparent before construction begins, making communication, adaptability, and careful coordination especially important. Additionally, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing improvements must work within the existing structure, new finishes must complement older materials, and specialty features require close collaboration between trades. As we’ve shared in our guide to renovating historic buildings in Texas, the goal is to give a property a new purpose while preserving the character that makes it unique.
That balance is central to the work underway at The Archive. The project began with demolition and preparation of the existing space for a full renovation, followed by the installation of all-new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support the future bar and speakeasy. High-end specialty millwork is also being incorporated throughout the space to establish its finished atmosphere and complement the building’s existing character.
Careful sequencing ties each of these elements together, allowing the technical systems behind the walls and the custom details guests will eventually see to take shape as one cohesive space. It is the kind of project that reflects S. Watts Group’s approach to commercial renovation: understand the building, communicate early and openly, address every challenge head-on, and keep the entire project team moving toward the same goal with the client in mind.
Recent Construction Progress at The Archive
Since work began, The Archive has progressed significantly from the initial demolition phase.
Most recently, the specialty millwork installation brought some of the project’s most distinctive interior details into focus. Painting is also ongoing, with crews working toward the finished aesthetic envisioned for the new bar and speakeasy. Behind the scenes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough-ins continue to progress.
The project is currently scheduled for completion in mid-November. As the team progresses through the remaining phases, the focus remains on coordinating the building’s technical systems, specialty finishes, and custom details to bring the final vision for the space together.
As these different scopes of work move forward simultaneously, The Archive is beginning to look less like a construction site and more like the exciting hospitality space it will eventually become!
“We have faced a number of challenges throughout this project, but our team has worked efficiently alongside the owner, architect, and engineers to navigate each one and keep the project moving toward completion. That collaboration has been essential as we work together to bring The Archive to life.”
Building What's Next While Respecting What's Already There
Austin continues to grow and change, but some of the city’s most interesting commercial projects aren’t starting with new construction. They’re finding new possibilities within the buildings that have already helped shape the city.
The Archive is a great example of this! Rather than replacing the history of the space, this project is giving it a new purpose. Modern MEP systems, custom millwork, and an entirely new hospitality concept are coming together within a building that has stood in downtown Austin for generations.
There’s still work ahead, and we’re looking forward to sharing more as construction progresses and the finished space takes shape!
Planning a Commercial Renovation in Austin?
From historic building renovations and high-end hospitality spaces to tenant improvements and ground-up construction, S. Watts Group partners with clients throughout Austin and Central Texas to navigate commercial construction from planning through completion.
Ready to talk about your next project? Connect with S. Watts Group to learn how we can help.
