AUSTIN | Project Updates Thread Part II

[Urbannizer]

Future of El Mercado Uptown uncertain following approval of demolition permit

Nearly five decades of serving frozen margaritas and enchilada plates at 1700 Lavaca Street may be coming to an end in the near future. Finding insufficient support for historic zoning, the Historic Landmark Commission approved an application for 1700 Lavaca Street’s demolition in a 7-2 vote, with commissioners Terri Myers and Ben Heimsath in opposition.

“And another one bites the dust,” remarked a defeated Myers as she tallied up the votes.

Readers may recognize 1700 Lavaca as the home of local restaurant chain and bona fide Austin institution El Mercado, which opened in 1996 following the success of its South First Street location in the 1980s. Longtime Austinites may also recall the building’s stint as Jorge’s Uptown Enchilada Bar, which opened in 1978 and advanced the tradition of Austin Tex-Mex for almost 20 years.

Beyond the general anticipation of more high-rises, it remains unclear what is in store for the new development. As of January, El Mercado owners Gerald Stone and Tony and Denise Villegas were still the site’s officially listed owners, but with a demolition and opportunity for development in the pipeline, the signs point to change.