Austin's downtown Sheraton was probably due for an upgrade anyway, but recent trends and a local hotel boom might have pushed it in the direction its designers chose for that update.
The company recently brought on Dallas-based Studio 11 Design to redesign its public areas—including the lobby, bar, restaurant, outdoor lounge, indoor and outdoor pools, concierge lounge, and meeting and ballroom spaces, as well as an executive suite—in a way meant to be specific to local culture.
Studio 11's press release states that the company will incorporate original local artwork in the design, as well as focus on changes coming to Red River Street and Waller Creek, to which the building backs. The hotel is also being rebranded the Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol.
Eater Austin reported about the bar and restaurant renovations in January, when plans were to have them completed by SXSW 2016. The company has not released a new expected completion date.
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