New digs

Massive luxury hotel checks into Central Austin with over-the-top rooftop bar and restaurant

One of Austin's most ambitious hospitality projects has checked in with more opening details — including a launch date. The Otis Hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, opens at 1901 San Antonio St., near the University of Texas at Austin campus, on February 13.

Billed as a luxury hotel, the property boasts 191 rooms, including 29 suites, a rooftop bar and pool, and two hospitality projects. But this isn't just any luxury hotel — this one's got perks, y'all.

Upon arrival, guests can peruse the the hotel's vinyl collection, curated by a Vinyl Ambassador "who will work with guests to curate a collection of vinyl in-room upon arrival, as well as provide information and direction to guests who want to explore the library throughout their stay," teases a release.

The Otis uses its location near UT as inspiration for everything from the design to the name of its signature restaurant, Acre 41. (Get it?)

"The Otis is inspired by the city’s own artists, its world renowned live music culture, and the location ... adjacent to the University of Texas," notes a release. "The hotel design features subtle nods to education, with ... ceruse oak paying homage to the 300-year-old Battle oaks on campus, corkboard headboards, and more."

When guests aren't spinning vinyl in their rooms, they can partake in the Otis' rooftop bar and lounge, which is available to non-guests as part of a membership package. Along with "stellar views," Otopia memberships include "a raw beef and sushi bar," regular DJ events, weekday rooftop pool access, free parking, and priority reservations at Acre 41.

Leading the onsite restaurant is chef Martin Wilda, previously of Sway and Stella San Jac. According to a release, Acre 41 is a fresh take on American fare, with a menu that ranges from 100 percent wagyu beef dishes to fresh fish and sushi.

Also in the hotel is Burger Bar Campus, a second location of the JW Marriott's Burger Bar on Congress. Like the downtown version, Burger Bar Campus is a walk-up window offering burgers, shakes, and fries, along with craft beer and wine.

The Otis Hotel is actually part of a bigger Marriott project, which includes the AC Austin-University, a 156-room hotel that shares the same building, but has a different entrance.

Unlike The Otis, the AC Austin is designed for business travelers and comes with a different (read: lower) price. Guests at both hotels (as well as the general public) can dine at Acre 41, Burger Bar, and AC Austin's Bar AC. Though an exact date isn't available, AC Austin should also open February 13.

The Otis opens on February 13.

Renderings courtesy of White Lodging

The Otis opens on February 13.

university-texas openings hotels

A Towering Task

Famous UT Tower will look new again after years of renovations

Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin

The Tower in its current state.

One of the most famous sights at the University of Texas at Austin, the Tower, is soon undergoing a big renovation. It'll take a few years, estimated through the summer of 2027, but when it comes out the other side it should look like as new as it did in 1937.

The project is called “Our Tower: The Next 100 Years,” and it will start exterior work in November. It is part of a $70 million budget that was improved in August, and it'll include work on the "stone, windows, lighting, clockface, and historic gilding on the facade," according to a press release.

This will mean repainting metal and wood, applying gilding, and reconstructing the east and west entrances, all in their original colors and styles.

Some renovations were announced in 2022, but this announcement gives a more complete look at what will be done — and some of the work is coming as soon as this fall.

A rendering of the Tower after renovations looks the same, but cleaner.Rendering courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin

“The most iconic symbol of The University of Texas, the Tower represents the long-standing tradition of excellence this great University is known for,” said UT System Board of Regents chairman Kevin P. Eltife int the release. “This restoration is one of the board’s top priorities, and we are thrilled the work is getting underway. We want every UT student, faculty and staff member, and alum to have a sense of pride as they walk across the Forty Acres, and especially when they see the Tower restored to its former glory.”

Some of the work is also to improve how the Tower functions, including updating exterior lights to work with LEDs, replacing some roofs, and fixing up windows for better energy efficiency.

A summary by the University of the project's scope so far.Graphic courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin

The project will be led by Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLC (RAMSA), which partially specializes in historic renovations and has worked on other university projects, including at Yale, the University of Portland (in Oregon), Georgetown University (in Washington, D.C.), the University of Connecticut, and other stately buildings.

UT Tower spandrels Someone repaints the cast iron spandrels in 1969. They depict five ancient alphabets: Egyptian hieroglyphics, Phoenician, Hebrew, Greek, and Latin.Photo courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin

The Tower will keep serving its current purposes throughout the process, including as a commemorative surface for burnt orange lighting, although it will be fitted with scaffolding and a decorative covering, along with the main building, which will be covered first in November. The Tower and the main building's south facade will stay uncovered until after commencement in 2025.

“Our Tower was built as a sign of audacity and a young university’s aspirations for excellence. Nearly a century later, we have those same characteristics. The Tower represents what is possible for a world-class university that is committed to creating knowledge and teaching tomorrow’s leaders to change the world,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “Thanks to the vision and support of our Board of Regents, and the generosity of alumni and friends, we are ready to begin realizing the future for our most important University landmark.”

A 2027 view of the West Entrance.Rendering courtesy of the University of Texas at Austin

Funding doesn't come entirely from the Board of Regents’ budget; it is also from the Available University Fund and individual gifts. The campaign to provide funding is ongoing, led by Marcie and Bob Zlotnik. The amount raised will eventually determine the final scope of the project.

“Bob and I are honored to contribute to such a historic project for the University, which will restore the Tower to its former luster and secure its legacy for future generations of Longhorns,” said Marcie Zlotnik. “The Tower holds such a special place in our hearts, and through the very earliest phase of this effort, we have relished connecting with many of the University’s friends and supporters to reignite our collective love for it.”

More information about the Tower is available at tower.utexas.edu.

architecture history university of texas