Rare

30 Apr 10 // Architecture Nightlife

All Her Lovely Scars: The Bars of Rainey Street

By Samantha Pitchel Photos By Trevor Ray Thompson Issue Apr / May 2010 Neighborhood Downtown

Hidden just below the intersection of Cesar Chavez and Red River lies Rainey Street, a mostly-residential area that’s also home to several of Austin’s most innovative—and visually striking—laid-back lounges. Lustre Pearl and Clive Bar are both new establishments but rely heavily on the historic elements of the vintage homes they occupy, creating a comfortable atmosphere for the many patrons who flock to their open porches and cozy interiors.

We can expect to see even more commercial growth on Rainey Street, as proprietor Bridget Dunlap has two more projects in the works: 96 and Container Bar. Echoing the unique design of Lustre Pearl and Clive Bar, 96 will be housed in a residence originally built in 1907, while Container Bar’s layout strategically utilizes several metal shipping units.

Dunlap, who is also co-owner of East side seafood staple Shuck Shack and Houston’s Pearl Bar, fell in love with Rainey Street upon first sight.

“When we walked into that derelict house in October of 2008, I had an epiphany,” Dunlap says, recalling the birth of Lustre Pearl. “Let’s don’t tear down this obviously feral house that is being held together by some rusty nails and 2×4’s holding up the foundation. Fuck it, let’s keep her and show off all her lovely scars. That house’s long history is what gives her character. We just flew by the seat of our pants and asked some talented people to come and help give the lady some new life.  And it worked.“

After the success of Lustre Pearl, it was clear that the strategy of building up existing, historical structures rather than demolishing them was not only an aesthetically pleasing decision but one that preserves the warm atmosphere of the surrounding neighborhood.

“We did the same with Clive Bar, we are doing the same with 96, and although the house at 91 Rainey Street is already gone, we will do the same with Container Bar,” says Dunlap, who regrets that the original home that stood on the site of Container Bar’s lot was demolished before they could attempt to preserve it.

“We aren’t your average developers,” she explains. “We want to preserve as much as we can of the history of this neighborhood.”

“91 Rainey had incredible history. William P. Hardeman, known as ‘Old Gotch,’ lived at the house on 91 Rainey Street from 1889–1898.  After his death, his wife Mary Elizabeth lived there until her death in 1911. That house was still standing until 2007. Can you imagine?” Dunlap wonders. “It was torn down for ‘development’. It was just like Lustre Pearl, derelict and unloved.”

It’s clear that Dunlap and her fellow developers have a true connection to the Rainey Street area and are looking to exalt the legacy of the neighborhood rather than re-brand it as a more modern nightlife hotspot.

They’re even planning to pay tribute to the land’s original inhabitants. Says Dunlap: “We will do something nice for ‘Old Gotch,’ and out of respect, have a shrine to him and his wife at Container Bar.”