Pearl amphitheater Building
Pearl · San Antonio, Texas
Sometimes the best solution is for a building to fade into the background. It recedes and submits so that more important players can shine. In this case a work horse was needed to support the growing offering of outdoor activities at Pearl. A burgeoning Farmer’s Market and concert series required storage, shade, A/V support and above all, permanent restrooms.
“Jonathan’s fingerprints are all over Pearl: projects as large as the Full Goods Building; restaurants & bars like Cured, JazzTX and Local Coffee; and my favorite project of his - the tiny baño [Pearl Park Building] at the amphitheater in front of Hotel Emma. His talented hand has had a big part in the creation of the built environment at Pearl.”
- William G. Shown, Managing Director Oxbow Development, Pearl Brewery
Without mimicking historic structures, a non-descript box was conceived with details and materials drawing from existing utilitarian cellars. Incorporates D’Hanis block, terracotta, and polished concrete floors, with exposed steel elements left to age naturally for low maintenance. The building's roof functions as a “fifth elevation,” carefully concealing utilities and incorporating salvaged and custom industrial finishes to harmonize with the surrounding environment.
This building is built to last, just like its predecessors. In the end, the new D’Hanis walls will be covered in creeping ivy. Even now, guests have been overheard commenting that they “don’t recall that building being there.” We appreciate the compliment.
Architectural Team : Jonathan R. Card
Owner : Pearl
General Contractor : Joeris
Photographer : Brantley Hightower, bridal photo by Allison Jeffers