A former thrift store in Austin, Texas has been transformed into a striking mixed-use complex featuring a dynamic facade made from Acme Brick's clay bricks in two distinctive tones. The Saint Vincent project, designed by Lake Flato Architects, converted the original 5,100-square-foot retail space into modern retail and office facilities while adding an adjacent 14,900-square-foot parking structure.
The building is strategically located at the corner of Austin's South Congress Avenue and East Gibson Street, a prime location that influenced the architects' decision to create a visually compelling exterior. Lake Flato Architects selected Acme Brick's Marble Gray Modular and Slate Gray Utility bricks to design a facade that would capture the attention of pedestrians walking along the busy street. The innovative design features bricks inserted lengthwise at varying depths, creating a distinctive diagonal pattern that adds both visual interest and tactile appeal to the building's exterior.
The unique brick arrangement produces different shadow patterns throughout the day as sunlight moves across the facade, creating an ever-changing visual experience. Architect Jonathan Smith explained the design philosophy behind the project: "In addition to the blends, we wanted the building to have great brick details. We designed a window inset detail to create larger punches and deeper, more distinct shadow lines." The team was particularly pleased with Acme Brick's ability to produce solid bricks for the overhanging brick studs on the facade, which Smith noted gave the corner something special.
The design team invested considerable time in selecting the appropriate brick combination to ensure the renovated building would complement the surrounding early 20th-century masonry structures in the neighborhood. "Throughout the design phase, the team spent a lot of time testing different brick blends and combinations of colors and textures," Smith said. "We worked through several blend options and ultimately chose a gray blend color combination, which complemented the natural wood and painted steel finishes on the job."
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the brick facade serves functional purposes by framing rows of windows across each floor of the building. These windows provide essential natural light and ventilation to interior spaces while also creating outdoor meeting areas for occupants. The thoughtful integration of the brick work with the window placement demonstrates how architectural materials can serve both decorative and practical functions.
South Congress Avenue is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops and diverse architecture, situated within a vibrant community that includes notable Austin cultural landmarks such as the Continental Club and Hotel San José. The Saint Vincent project fits seamlessly into this creative neighborhood while standing out as a contemporary addition to the streetscape.
The architectural excellence of the Saint Vincent project has been formally recognized within the industry. In 2019, the Brick Industry Association honored the project with the Brick In Architecture award, specifically winning the Best in Class Commercial category. This recognition highlights the successful integration of traditional building materials with contemporary design principles, demonstrating how thoughtful material selection and innovative application can create exceptional architectural results in urban renovation projects.
