Origin Hotel Opens in Mueller as Neighborhood’s First Boutique Hotel
Opened in June 2022, the Origin Hotel is Mueller’s first boutique hotel — designed by Lake|Flato and LUSK Architecture to complement its surrounding urban environment.
“Origin Austin was designed to immerse guests in the local area,” says Christopher Kosor, General Manager of the hotel. “Our accommodations provide guests with a home base for venturing out to explore the city and a fun and comfortable space to return to at the end of the day. Regardless of the reason for traveling to Austin, our goal is to enhance the travel experience by giving guests a taste of what the Capital City has to offer by experiencing it in a unique and fun way.”
The exterior brick is made from local Texas plants, while the use of board-formed concrete and corrugated metal complement the surrounding buildings.
“The project was thoughtfully designed to leverage the connections to the pedestrian street,” says Chris Krajcer from Lake|Flato Architects. “Through a series of tests, the design team configured the rooms to make the project a reality that works with the neighboring Thinkery and Diamond Building.”
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The five-story hotel features 116 guest rooms and four suites that embrace modern design and provide a thoughtful guest experience, including the Capitol Suite with a private terrace and a picturesque skyline view of downtown Austin. Pet-friendly accommodations and specialty room types, like the bunk bed suites with capacity to sleep up to six people, cater to all types of guests.
The hotel’s restaurant mimics the fun and inclusive nature of the hotel. Named Blue Lacy after the working dog breed that originated in Texas, the casual eatery has a diner-inspired layout and offers a fresh take on classic dishes as well as dog-specific menu options! The restaurant’s idyllic courtyard spills onto the Aldrich Street paseo.
“To create a connection to the outdoors, a deep courtyard was incorporated into the design,” says Matt Morris from Lake|Flato Architects. “The project’s street presence and courtyard connect users to the neighboring district, reinforcing a sense of place within the existing urban fabric.”
In addition to the public courtyard within the restaurant and lobby spaces, there are many other aspects that connect the space to nature. There is a terrace on the second floor of the courtyard as well as large balconies and terraces that allow guests to enjoy amazing views of the district and surrounding parks.
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The hotel also celebrates Austin’s rich history of art and music. Unique art is featured throughout the property, with a large mural by a local artist taking center stage in the courtyard. There is also a heavy music element, from the vinyl record installation in the Blue Lacy to the custom acoustic guitar for guests to play.
The Origin brand pillars are venture, balance and connect, very much in line with the active spirit of Austin. As a part of these core ethos, they partner with aligned brands such as Rowing Dock (venture) and Barre 3 (balance) to encourage guests to explore the city and give them a taste of what living in Austin is like.
Amenities include an inviting lobby, spacious gym, outdoor gathering spaces, welcome gifts from local vendors and more. Their unique amenities feature fitness gear like yoga mats and Peloton bikes that can be delivered to rooms, pup packages for dog lovers, and adventure kits for children that include a tent and sleeping bag for an indoor “camping” experience. Everything you love about Austin — including an appreciation for nature and healthy living — is weaved inside and outside of the hotel doors.
Rooted in the brand tenants — balancing adventure and social connection — Origin Austin offers a fun and immersive experience for travelers who want an authentic Austin stay.
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