AUSTIN, Texas — It's been eight years since the St. Elmo Public Market was announced in South Austin.
Now the renovated warehouse on South Congress Avenue will be morphed into a unique entertainment destination.
The market, which was originally supposed to open in 2018, has sat empty since 2022. In November, the project was purchased by Nashville- and New York-based firm SomeraRoad and leased to Pins Mechanical Company and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade.
Pins Mechanical operates successful locations in the Midwest, including in cities like Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Now, the firm hopes Pins Mechanical will bring the troubled warehouse to life.
"We’ve turned over a lot of stones looking for the right project in the right neighborhood," said SomeraRoad's Brock Kenyon. "The St. Elmo Public Market has incredible potential, and we’re excited to drive a new chapter for this project with Pins Mechanical."
Pins Mechanical said the St. Elmo location will feature 24 duckpin bowling lanes, more than 30 pinball machines and more than 40 classic arcade games like "NBA Jam" and "Frogger." The building will evolve into an open-air environment that allows flow inside and outside. The company also plans to have several bars and two mezzanines for private events.
Bryan Winslow, the owner of St. Elmo Brewing Company, has owned his business for seven years. It sits in "The Yard," near where Pins Mechanical and 16-Bit Bar+Arcade will go in. He believes the change can help his business.
"I am really excited to see the St. Elmo market actually get utilized. We have been here a while and kind of the first business in the neighborhood to get going with shows and food and beverage and that kind of attitude. It is a lot of plummer and drywall stuff, slowly kind of changing to an entertainment district. I think, the more the merrier," Winslow said.
Michael Silver lives in the area.
"It is nice to see the space getting utilized. It is pretty industrial, but this little pocket right here is a nice vibe, good things to do, good food, good drinks. And Pins is going to be good on top of that," Silver said.
The acquisition by SomeraRoad also included a nearly 2-acre parcel of land. This land is expected to be repositioned for mixed-use purposes in the future.
The planned public market was inspired by spaces like Seattle's Pike Place Market and the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco.
Construction is expected to start before the end of the year with the goal to open in 2024.
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