A historic glass factory in San Antonio, Texas has been given new life as a bustling food market, thanks to a thoughtful adaptive reuse project by local architecture studio Clayton Korte. Working in partnership with Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group, the firm has successfully transformed the former Samuels Glass building into the Pullman Market, which opened its doors to the public in April 2024.

The impressive 53,979-square-foot facility now serves as a comprehensive culinary destination, housing a specialty grocery store that features more than 150 Texas-based suppliers, five quick-service eateries, and four full-service restaurants. The project represents a significant investment in preserving San Antonio's architectural heritage while creating a modern gathering place for the community.

The original Samuels Glass building, constructed in 1948 by architect Bartlett Cocke, stands as a prime example of Art Deco industrial architecture. Located in San Antonio's historic Pearl District, the building had served as a glass manufacturing facility for decades before being selected for this ambitious transformation. The design team approached the project with deep respect for the building's industrial heritage and the rich culinary traditions of Texas.

"The design emerged from our desire to create an architectural framework that would amplify the sensory journey through texture, light, and spatial sequencing," explained Sam Manning, a partner at Clayton Korte. "The light-filled patios created by infilling between structural elements serve as thresholds that transition visitors from Pearl's pedestrian experience into this immersive celebration of Texas culinary culture."

The architectural approach centered on using the historic structure as a unifying container for multiple interior spaces while carefully preserving the building's distinctive industrial character. The design team followed the rhythm of the original structure to organize the new spaces, creating a logical flow that guides visitors through different areas of the market. The primary circulation path runs along the building's central spine, strategically designed to create moments of discovery and provide sightlines to various artisans and food vendors as visitors make their way toward the featured Mezcaleria bar, which serves as the heart of the complex.

At the center of the floor plan, a large atrium houses the Mezquite restaurant and the Mezcaleria bar, creating a dramatic focal point for the entire facility. From this central hub, the market spreads out through the tapering northern portion of the building, allowing for a natural flow between different dining and shopping areas. The spatial arrangement encourages exploration while maintaining clear navigation paths for visitors.

While Clayton Korte handled the overall building design as well as the Mezquite restaurant and Mezcaleria bar, Austin-based Baldridge Architects was brought in to design three additional restaurants within the complex. These include Fife & Farro, specializing in pizza and pasta; Nicosi, featuring a dessert bar; and Isidore, which showcases authentic Texas cuisine. Each restaurant maintains its own distinct identity while contributing to the cohesive overall experience.

The design philosophy emphasized contrast between old and new materials, creating distinct but complementary layers throughout the space. The original brick walls were preserved with their weathered character and natural patina intact, serving as a backdrop for more contemporary interventions. New materials were carefully selected to honor the building's history while bringing it firmly into the present day.

"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 Rand Egbert, partner at Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group. "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."

The textural furnishings and contemporary finishes create a striking contrast against the historic structure, highlighting both the building's industrial past and its vibrant new purpose. The careful balance between preservation and innovation allows visitors to appreciate the building's architectural heritage while enjoying thoroughly modern amenities and dining experiences.

One of the most notable aspects of the project was the collaborative approach taken by the design team. Rather than working in isolation, the architects actively engaged with culinary experts and vendors throughout the design process, ensuring that each space would be optimally designed for its intended use. This cross-disciplinary collaboration proved invaluable in creating environments that genuinely showcase the craft and expertise of the various food vendors and restaurateurs.

"The most profound lesson from Pullman Market was the power of inclusive, cross-disciplinary collaboration in achieving design excellence," Manning reflected. "We created environments that genuinely showcase their craft. Their specialized knowledge is an invaluable design resource that leads to spaces with integrity and purpose."

The market's design draws inspiration from Texas's rich traditions of regional foodways, artisanal crafts, and agriculture, creating an authentic sense of place that celebrates local culture. The facility includes not only dining and shopping areas but also lounge spaces and open-air patios that encourage lingering and social interaction. These outdoor spaces take advantage of San Antonio's favorable climate while providing transition zones between the building's interior and the broader Pearl District neighborhood.

The Pullman Market represents just one example of Clayton Korte's expertise in hospitality design and adaptive reuse projects. The firm has established a strong reputation for creating hospitality destinations throughout Texas, including a wine cave hidden in the Hill Country that was recently featured in the studio's monograph, as well as a restaurant and tavern created from a converted 1970s print shop.

The project team included numerous specialists who contributed their expertise to different aspects of the development. Pullman Market LLC and The Historic Pearl served as owners, while Emmer and Rye Hospitality Group operates the facility. Interior design was handled by Joel Mozersky Design, and landscape architecture was provided by Word & Carr Design Group. Photography of the completed project was captured by Casey Dunn, whose images showcase the successful integration of historic and contemporary elements.

The Pullman Market stands as a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse projects to breathe new life into historic structures while serving contemporary community needs. By preserving the architectural character of the 1948 glass factory while creating a vibrant culinary destination, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can honor the past while embracing the future. The success of this transformation has not only created a valuable community asset but also contributed to the ongoing revitalization of San Antonio's Pearl District, establishing it as a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic taste of Texas culinary culture.