While Austin isn't exactly hurting for boutique hotels of the bohemian stripe, it's still somewhat unusual to find such quirky hospitality in a master-planned community — even one as with-it as Mueller.
The Origin Hotel broke that barrier this summer, opening the first Texas incarnation of the Mississippi-based Thrash Group's brand of lodging.
The new five-story, 120-room hotel at property 1825 McBee Street also features the much-anticipated onsite restaurant Blue Lacy, named after the breed of Texas' official dog (who knew?). The 121-seat modern diner has a courtyard that merges with an Aldrich Street paseo, enabling public interaction with the space.
Central Texas firm Lake Flato and Ohio's Lusk Architecture designed the hotel and restaurant. Flick Mars was the interior designer and Studio Balcones was the landscape architect for the courtyard. Incorporating local vernacular and materials is emphasized in the building's design and execution. The exterior is clad in brick from Texas plants, board-formed concrete references the adjacent Mueller Diamond building, and corrugated metal walls and roof panels bring to mind the the nearby Thinkery.
By now, it's standard hospitality-industry procedure to hype a localist vibe, but the thoughtful architectural approach brings some real authenticity to the impulse.
“There are few places that celebrate individuality like Austin. We knew Origin Hotel would be a natural fit in this dynamic destination and especially at the heart of Mueller’s town center,” Thrash said in a press release.
