On the heels of Finn & Porter’s shutter, Hilton Austin has announced multimillion-dollar renovation plans. The downtown hotel is refocusing its attention to create a destination that reflects Austin’s distinctive culture.
The massive facelift includes a full renovation of the hotel’s lobby, public areas, and meeting space, as well as the launch of two new restaurants, an event venue, and coffee shop. The total project is expected to cost $23 million.
“When we complete this endeavor, Hilton Austin will reflect the true culture and vibe of our city,” said Robert Watson, Hilton Austin general manager, in a release. “These additions and improvements will also give us fresh and creative ways to meet the ever-changing needs of our guests and remind them where they are at every turn.”
The lobby is the first space slated for renovation. Plans include small, intimate social zones; designated work spaces; and a digital media wall to be completed midsummer. The Reverbery will open late summer and will serve as Hilton Austin’s new banquet hall with an “Austin-cool studio vibe” and flexible indoor/outdoor space. A new 80,000-square-foot meeting space will follow in early fall.
The hotel’s first new restaurant concept, Cannon + Belle, is set to open late summer and will feature an open kitchen, a specialty tap wine and cocktail program, and a “social living room” serving a Texas-inspired menu. Chef Peter Maffei, previously of Finn & Porter, will head up the kitchen.
The Austin Taco Project is the hotel’s other restaurant, which will open late fall. The taco, craft beer, and cocktail hot spot will have a large outdoor patio and pub games. A new 3,000-square-foot Starbucks will also go in on Hilton’s ground floor.
“We hope our guests will enjoy being a part of our progress and share in our excitement as we bring each of these concepts and designs to life and secure our relevancy in the market,” Watson said.
Spearheaded by EDG Interior Architecture + Design, Hilton Austin’s $23 million makeover will begin in May and is expected to wrap by the end of 2016.
The Hilton Austin will have two new restaurant concepts, including the Austin Taco Project.
