Project: Pullman Market
Architecture: Clayton Korte
Team: Sam Manning, Stephen Williams, Amy Smith, Michael Maddox
General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors, Ltd.
Interior Designer: Joel Mozersky Design
Landscape Architect: Word + Carr Design Group
Location: San Antonio, Texas, United States
Area: 57000 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Casey Dunn, Korta Photography
Set within the historic Samuels Glass building, Pullman Market celebrates Texas’s rich foodways in a thoughtfully preserved 54,000-square-foot shell. Moreover, by retaining the existing structure, the design diverts tons of waste from local landfills and preserves the building’s authentic patina. Consequently, visitors experience both the nostalgia of the past and the excitement of a modern marketplace.
Preserving History through Adaptive Reuse
Since 2013, Clayton Korte has led the Pearl District’s renaissance, and Pullman Market is their latest project. Rather than replacing original materials, the architects chose to highlight them: for example, the clay tile and polished concrete floors remain intact. In addition, a former loading dock has been transformed into a light-filled courtyard, thereby opening the interior to natural breezes and gathering spots. Furthermore, new low-E insulated windows reduce heat gain, while an upgraded roof enhances energy performance, ensuring that the market is sustainable as well as striking.
Design Elements that Engage the Senses
Because the building’s unusual footprint can feel “weird and funky,” according to architect Sam Manning, the layout responds with inventive spatial moves. Specifically, double-height entryways create natural wayfinding and memorable “wow” moments. Meanwhile, operable glass doors disappear into the walls on fair days, dissolving the barrier between inside and out. In addition, infill patios between structural bays connect Pullman Market to Pearl’s bustling pedestrian life. Likewise, pockets of greenery—indoor olive trees and succulents—soften industrial materials and echo Texas’s expansive landscapes.
Celebrating Local Artisans and Flavor
Pullman Market features more than 150 Texas-based suppliers, all located within 100 miles of the site. Moreover, each vendor space was designed in close collaboration with its artisan—from bakers to baristas to fishmongers—so that display counters reveal each craft’s process. For instance, the butcher’s open-air counter leads to marble-topped prep tables, while the coffee bar showcases roasting equipment behind glass. As a result, visitors don’t simply shop; they learn the stories and traditions behind every loaf, cut of meat, and cup of coffee.
Ultimately, Pullman Market stands as both a sensory feast and a testament to adaptive reuse. By blending historic architecture with contemporary design, sustainable upgrades, and local craftsmanship, it invites all visitors to reconnect with Texas’s land, people, and culinary heritage.
