The Purse Building

Overview

The Purse Building has lived a storied life. Nearly a century old (built c. 1930), she originally served as a furniture warehouse for the Purse Company before becoming home to the Wilson Stationery and Printing Company in the 50s, artist lofts in the 90s, and Lola Savannah's coffee roasting facility until 2017, abandoned thereafter. When we purchased the building in 2021, there were burlap sacks scattered throughout and coffee grounds caked to the walls.

She sits across the block from Minute Maid Park and down the street from Houston's courthouses. We prepared the ground floor for a coveted restaurant and cocktail lounge; the second and third floor will serve as creative workspaces for globally recognized musicians, artists, and businessmen. The Purse Building will soon be among the most culturally relevant buildings in the City of Houston.

Design Concept

The Purse Building was built for functionality and longevity above all. Its brick envelope and concrete columns are feats of early 20th century modernism. We pared it back to its structural elements and began designing, partnering with HR Design Department.

We left our interior bricks exposed and original steel windows in-place, polished the concrete floors, installed a contemporary lighting package reminiscent of Dan Flavin, and grew a secret rooftop garden for those that know how to find it. Natural light floods the workspaces just above the Commerce and Jackson Street tree lines.

So rarely do buildings age this elegantly — but the Purse Building is an exception.