“The American National Bank Building was an iconic mid-century building in downtown Austin that was vacated and in danger of being lost. Now the McGarrah Jessee Building, the exterior was renovated and McGarrah Jessee, an award-winning branding agency, was placed as the building’s primary occupant. The main goal was to reflect the freewheeling personality of the agency while respecting the original modern architecture and Knoll interiors. The design unfolds elegantly at the atrium of the piano mobile, which is rimmed with Knoll workstations and then peels back to reveal a more raw space at the perimeter beyond. The interiors re-purpose many items, including grates from the basement parking, plate glass, teak paneling, and marble slabs to finish off exposed columns. New openings were also punched on the western façade to provide a welcoming exterior and allow balanced interior lighting.” – McKinney York Architects
Read the article about the restoration of the historic “Starr Building”, home of McGarrah Jessee Advertising offices, Austin, Texas at Texas Architect Magazine, featuring the work by McKinney York Architects. McGarrah Jessee, a bright star in the advertising world, recently moved into their new home, the former American National Bank building in downtown Austin. Built in 1954, the space has an original Florence Knoll interior, and is home to both a restored Seymour Fogel mural and the first motorized escalators in Austin.
Click on this image to enjoy the preview issue of the content available in Texas Architect Magazine, TSA’s award-winning publication.
Project: Starr Building – McGarrah Jessee offices
Location: 121 W. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78701
Design Team: McKinney York Architects; CBM Engineers, Inc.; MEJ & Associates, Inc.
Description: Two floors tenant finish out in historic Starr Building Preservation/reuse
of historic features in combination with cutting edge design for new finishes. New mechanical
and electrical systems, new balcony and 3rd floor connecting bridge, stacked glass wall.
Size: 22,000 s.f.
