A Grand Return: The Driskill Hotel Begins a Landmark Transformation Ahead of 140th Anniversary
Source: The Driskill Hotel
Reported By: Matthew Kennedy
July 24th, 2025 — The Driskill Hotel has never been a place that whispers. Since its founding in 1886 by Colonel Jesse Driskill, this downtown Austin mainstay has been a gathering ground for governors, cattle barons, oil magnates, and musicians. Today, with its 140th anniversary on the horizon, The Driskill enters a bold new chapter—one that promises to preserve its storied past while elevating the guest experience for the modern traveler.
Pixiu Investments, Woodbine Development, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation have announced a full-scale renovation of Texas’s original luxury hotel, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The top-to-bottom transformation will encompass all 175 guestrooms, public spaces, culinary outposts, and event venues, while introducing new concepts including a 2,800-square-foot mezzanine ballroom, an immersive cocktail bar, and a locally curated retail experience. The first phase debuts in Fall 2025, with full completion slated for December 2026.
A Soulful Design That Honors the Past and Looks Forward
SWOON, the Studio—a Dallas-based design and branding firm known for its work at The Adolphus and The Vanderbilt—leads the redesign. Founders Samantha Sano and Joslyn Taylor are embracing The Driskill’s long-standing identity as a cultural and political landmark, weaving Austin’s layered history into every room and corridor.
“The reimagining of The Driskill isn’t about a look or style, it’s about celebrating the history and embracing things that last. The Driskill will transcend fad, embracing thoughtful details, honest materials and clever comforts that feel all at once modern and timeless. Our goal with The Driskill is that it will be full of unique, immersive moments, considered programming, and environments imbued with a warm, elevated accessibility that underscores the hotel’s soulful vibe.”
Joslyn Taylor of SWOON
That philosophy plays out across two historic guestroom towers, the restored grand staircase, and the hotel lobby—recast as both cultural center and living archive. On the mezzanine, social spaces will echo Lady Bird Johnson’s legacy with natural light, vibrant greenery, and crown molding nods to the gathering parlors of the past. In the rooms, guests will find custom headboards by local artisans Fort Lonesome and a palette drawn from Texas’s natural surroundings: muted orange, weathered blue, and soft gray layered over tactile, earthy textures.
Culinary Revival: MML Hospitality Brings Austin Flavor Inside
Hospitality heavyweight MML will take the reins on all food and beverage operations starting August 2025, introducing a suite of new concepts that pair timeless setting with Austin’s forward-thinking culinary edge.
The crown jewel of the culinary expansion is a reimagined Driskill Bar and Driskill Grill, led by acclaimed chef April Bloomfield in her first Southern U.S. endeavor and first project under MML. Known for her work in New York’s fine-dining scene, Bloomfield brings her creative edge to the space—currently undergoing a full menu and design overhaul with a grand reopening planned for Fall 2025.
On the corner of 6th Street and Brazos, guests will find The Victorian, an original concept cocktail bar and lounge imagined by MML as an ode to Austin’s storied nightlife with a fresh twist. Subtle updates to the beloved 1886 Café & Bakery will retain its familiar warmth while enhancing service for decades to come.
“Growing up in Austin, The Driskill always had a kind of mystical aura. It’s always been an iconic cornerstone of downtown hospitality, from famous politico events, to big weddings, to late nights in the piano bar, to David Bull bringing fine dining back. The whole MML Hospitality team is thrilled to be in the beautiful building, hopefully adding to The Driskill legacy with respected western history coupled with modern Austin sensibilities.”
Larry McGuire, Co-Founder of MML Hospitality
Where History Stays Relevant
With its layered renovations and expanded offerings, The Driskill remains deeply tied to its roots as the first luxury hotel in Texas—and one of its most enduring. It has been the site of election night parties, storied proposals, impromptu piano concerts, and generations of meaningful encounters.
“Pixiu and Woodbine purchased The Driskill with a commitment to stewarding it for generations to come. In addition to preserving this Texas treasure’s storied legacy and unique traditions, this historic renovation will bring Texans together from all over the state to enjoy the Grand Dame of our state in fresh and new ways.”
T. Dupree Scovell, Managing Partner at Woodbine
The renovation will take place in two phases. Fall 2025 will see the launch of The Driskill Bar and Driskill Grill, The Victorian, the 110 Tower Guestrooms, a refreshed fitness center, and the mezzanine ballroom. Phase two, targeted for completion in Summer 2026, will encompass the historic lobby and staircase, the 74-room original tower, and a curated retail concept named Stark & Sisters—a nod to the Driskill family’s legacy.
The Driskill Hotel will remain open throughout renovations, continuing to welcome guests under The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. As it approaches its 140th anniversary in December 2026, this Austin icon isn’t just preparing for a milestone—it’s preparing for a renaissance.