A Downtown Austin Transformation
It all started with a narrow plot of abandoned land and a very big idea.
Video by Weston Snider Productions
Our long-time Houston clients, Bill and Lara Perkins, recently traded the Bayou City for the Hill Country to open an incredible new venture: Jupiter Supper Club. Located smack-dab in the heart of downtown Austin, just steps from the Texas State Capitol, the restaurant is a masterclass in atmosphere. But there was a diamond in the rough hiding just behind the parking lot.
Unused lot just behind restaurant
Tucked away behind the restaurant sat a fenced-off, dusty, weed-choked lot. To the casual observer, it was just a neglected patch of dirt that hadn't been touched in over 30 years. To us, it was a blank canvas with a legendary pedigree.
The land is owned by the descendants of President Lyndon B. Johnson. In a move that feels like a page out of a Texas history book, the lot was offered to Jupiter Supper Club for a lease of just $1 per year. The only catch? It had to become a garden.
Having designed commercial culinary gardens before, we knew this was the opportunity of a lifetime. Our team went to work, and over the course of an intense two weeks, we completely reimagined the space.
In the Beginning
We began by leveling and grading the plot to create a functional, tiered layout. We installed a custom retaining wall to divide the space into two purposeful levels:
The Upper Level: Dedicated to the "culinary engine" of the restaurant, featuring raised beds for fresh herbs and seasonal produce.
The Lower Level: A sanctuary for Austin’s local ecosystem, filled with native plants, pollinators, and a lush privacy hedge.
To top it off, we installed a custom 6x8 greenhouse specifically designed for growing delicate microgreens, ensuring the Jupiter Supper Club kitchen has "farm-to-table" ingredients just steps from the back door.
Installing the custom greenhouse
Pride of Place
The thrill of seeing this space transform from a forgotten corner into a thriving ecosystem has been a true highlight for our team. While our construction boots are off and the heavy lifting is done, the joy is just beginning.
From dusty lot to beautiful space!
We feel a sense of pride knowing that neighbors, patrons, and passersby who walk these downtown streets every day now have a beautiful, green sanctuary to admire for years to come.
Next time you’re in Austin, make a reservation for Jupiter Supper Club and check out the beautiful gardens!
