What is the Scarbrough Building known for?

Completed in 1910, the Scarbrough Building was Austin's first skyscraper and its first steel-framed high-rise. It is highly regarded as the city's finest commercial Art Deco building and was originally home to the flagship E.M. Scarbrough & Sons department store.

Where is the building located?

The building is located in downtown Austin, Texas, on the corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street.

What architectural styles are represented in the building?

The building was originally designed in the Chicago Style in 1910. A subsequent renovation in 1931 introduced its prominent Art Deco elements.

Can you eat or drink inside the building?

Yes, there is a restaurant called The Scarbrough located in the lobby of the building. It offers daytime bites, a full bar with happy hour from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, and a dinner menu served Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Scarbrough Building in Austin

What to know

Completed in 1910, the Scarbrough Building stands proudly at the corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street, a location often described as the epicenter of downtown Austin. Rising 8 stories and 110 feet high, this landmark was Austin's very first skyscraper and the city's first steel-framed high-rise. For a brief period, it even held the prestigious title of the tallest private building in the entire state of Texas. Today, it is recognized as Austin's original office tower and is designated as both an Austin Landmark and a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, a status it received in 2001. The building's visual appeal is a fascinating tale of two distinct architectural eras. The original 1910 structure was designed in the Chicago style by the Fort Worth architectural firm Sanguinet and Staats. However, in 1931, architects Wyatt Hedrick and Edwin Kreisle oversaw major alterations that introduced striking Art Deco elements. This transformation turned the Scarbrough into what is widely regarded as Austin's finest commercial Art Deco building, seamlessly blending the structural functionality of its Chicago-style roots with decorative, modern ornamentation. Beyond its architectural achievements, the building is historically significant as the flagship home of E.M. Scarbrough & Sons department store, affectionately known to locals simply as Scarbrough's. Regarded as Austin's premier department store building, it was also a pioneer in retail comfort. Following its 1931 renovation, Scarbrough's became the first retailer west of the Mississippi River to feature air conditioning, introducing "manufactured weather" to eager Texas shoppers. While the upper floors have been adapted for modern office spaces, the ground floor and basement continue to host retail and entertainment tenants, including Punch Bowl Social, which signed a lease for the space in 2019. Visitors today can also step inside the lobby to experience The Scarbrough restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the roaring twenties and the building's Art Deco decor, the restaurant serves daytime bites, a full bar, and a dinner menu, keeping the historic spirit of this iconic corner alive.

Visitor tips

Look for the Texas Historic Landmark marker on the exterior to learn more about its designation.
Step inside the lobby to visit The Scarbrough restaurant, which offers happy hour from 4 to 6 PM.
Plan a visit Tuesday through Saturday evening if you want to experience the restaurant's intimate dinner service.
Observe the building from the corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street to capture its full 8-story height in photos.

Nearby context

Situated at the bustling corner of Congress Avenue and Sixth Street, the Scarbrough Building sits at the very epicenter of downtown Austin. This prominent intersection bridges the city's historic commercial corridor with its legendary nightlife district. Walking along these streets, you will find yourself surrounded by a vibrant mix of historic landmarks, modern office towers, and lively entertainment venues, making it a perfect starting point for exploring Austin's rich urban fabric.