Austin's long-awaited public market being turned into bowling alley, arcade bar

AUSTIN, Texas — It's been eight years since the St. Elmo Public Market was announced in South Austin.

Now, the renovated warehouse on South Congress Avenue will be morphed into a unique entertainment destination.

The market, which originally was supposed to open in 2018, has sat empty since 2022. Recently, the project was purchased by an Ohio-based company that plans to turn the space into a Pins Mechanical Company, which will include bowling lanes, arcade games and a bar.

The company already operates successful locations in the Midwest, including in cities like Cincinnati and Indianapolis. Now, developer SomeraRoad hopes Pins Mechanical will bring the troubled warehouse to life.

"We’ve turned over a lot of stones looking for the right project in the right neighborhood," said SomeraRoad's Brock Kenyon. "The St. Elmo Public Market has incredible potential, and we’re excited to drive a new chapter for this project with Pins Mechanical."

Pins Mechanical says the St. Elmo's location will feature 24 duckpin bowling lanes, more than 30 pinball machines and feature more than 40 classic arcade games like "NBA Jam" and "Frogger." The building will evolve into an open-air environment that allows flow inside and outside. The company also plans to have several bars and two mezzanines for private events.

The public market that had been planned was inspired by spaces like Seattle's Pike Place Market and the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco.

Construction is expected to start before the end of the year with the goal to open in 2024.