Ever noticed that vibrant beacon on South Congress? That’s the iconic Austin Motel, a landmark with stories etched into its very foundation.
Welcome to the Austin Motel, where history meets quirky charm. It’s more than just a place to stay. It’s a time capsule of Austin’s evolution.
Let’s step back to May 1888. German immigrants Leonard and Frances Eck bought this land. In 1889, Leonard Eck built the first business south of the river. It was a general store, a pawn shop and more. It even had a livery stable. That building still stands today. It is now Billy Reid, a clothing store.
Legend whispers of Ben Thompson. He was a famous Texas outlaw and a friend of Mr. Eck. Thompson frequented Eck’s pawn shop. He pawned goods for gambling. Then he reclaimed them with his winnings.
Fast forward to 1925. Jennie Eck Stewart inherited the land. She and her husband Earnest expanded the businesses. The 1930s brought the automobile boom. Motels sprang up to serve road travelers. The Stewarts saw an opportunity.
In 1938, the Austin Motel opened its doors. It has never closed them since. The Stewarts erected the Austin Motel’s glowing neon sign. For nearly 80 years, it has towered over South Congress.
The Austin Motel became an iconic escape. Its marquee reads “So close yet so far out”. In the early 1950s, a kidney-shaped pool was added. This helped the motel compete. It was a simple place with a pool, a snack shop and a gas station.
The Stewart family sold to John O and Kate Thompson in 1961. The area declined, but the Austin Motel survived. Kate’s daughter, Dottye Dean, took over in 1993. She played a key role in revitalizing South Congress.
The Austin Motel has 41 rooms and suites today. They are decorated in bright colors. There is candy apple red and sunny yellow. The retro pool still beckons. Joann’s Fine Foods serves modern Tex-Mex fare.
The Austin Motel is a testament to Austin’s spirit. It is a story of families, hard work and community. It’s a reminder of Austin’s simpler, funkier past.
So, next time you see that neon sign, remember the Austin Motel’s rich history. It’s a place where stories are made. It is a place where the past meets the present. It is a place that has always adapted. The Austin Motel remains a true Austin icon.