San Antonio’s Samuels Glass building gets a sensitive, culinary makeover by Clayton Korte

Market of History

By Kelly Pau
pullman market

In 1948, the Samuels Glass building became part of the fabric of San Antonio, Texas. When Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group looked to convert the warehouse into a new food market, local firm Clayton Korte saw the opportunity to adapt much of the historic building into a layered, textured culinary locale. Thus, Pullman Market, the new 53,979-square-foot food hall, creates sensorial zones for each vendor while keeping the legacy of the building on full display.

clayton korte
The industrial features of the warehouse were preserved and added onto (Casey Dunn)

“Preserving historic buildings like the Samuels Glass building is not only a sustainable practice but also adds a layer of grit and texture that enhances the sensory experience of the market. The building’s original materials and structure provide a rich backdrop for the new elements, creating a visual and tactile contrast,” said Sam Manning, partner at Clayton Korte.

Millwork-clad booths and plaster-wrapped walls warm up the space (Casey Dunn)

san antonio food market
The design team worked with bakers and chefs to outfit certain displays accordingly (Casey Dunn)

The firm maintained the building’s original materials, even those with patinas or time-worn conditions like the exposed brick and marred columns. For the new layout, the architects used infill between structural elements to stitch together patios where skylights situated above exposed beams and plush seating create a relaxing lounge area, allowing for continuous flow within the space.

pullman market with furniture
Light monitors help soften the large, warehouse space (Casey Dunn)

Despite the warehouse-like scale, the market remains inviting and elevated as it accommodates millwork-clad booths, chandeliers, plaster-wrapped walls, and a variety of plants from Word + Carr Design Group. The lofty ceiling heights and generous light monitors allow verticality from trees and planters to direct sightlines and incorporate new life into the building.

an ice cream market at the food hall
The architects use grand entry doors and glass to celebrate the volume and lofty ceilings (Casey Dunn)

The design team worked with butchers, bakers, fishmongers, and baristas so each display felt personal, specific, and best highlighted the craft at hand. The warehouse now houses four sit-down restaurants in addition to the market: Mezquite and Mezcaleria bar; Fife & Farro, a pizza and pasta joint;, Nicosi, a dessert bar; and Isidore, a Texan restaurant. Pullman Market offers a tour of cultures through culinary destinations, rooted in the states’ own historic structure.

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