Fair Market Wins Preservation Merit Award 2015

Fair Market is a unique event space that has hosted vintage motorcycle shows, art and craft fairs, dance parties, weddings and fashion shows against its industrial backdrop since its 2014 opening. It was converted from a five-bay (1600 SF) Quonset hut constructed in the 1950's. The core vision was to keep the essential character of the building in tact. The strategy of “less is more” was employed, leaving the structure exposed and the building uninsulated while adding new entrances, bathrooms, and large ceiling fans.

On November 20, 2015, Fair Market was recognized with a 2015 Preservation Merit Award for its visionary approach to preserving Austin's architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage.

Jury Comments: This remarkable transformation preserves an important remnant of East Austin’s industrial past at a time when so many of the neighborhood’s historic resources are being lost. The jury further appreciates that the project preserved an early 20th century board and batten cottage and usable greenspace adjacent to the warehouse.

Many thanks to our partner business, DELINEATE studio, and to Guerilla Suit for working with us on the signage.