Albert Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas by Clayton Korte in Partnership with New Waterloo
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Located in historic downtown Fredericksburg, Albert Hotel builds on the more than 175-year legacy of the Keidel family’s relationship with this Hill Country town. Taking its name from Albert Keidel—an architect, historic preservationist, and man-about-town—the Keidel family’s connection to Fredericksburg dates to 1847, when Albert’s great-grandfather arrived to serve as the town doctor and judge. The hotel is located on the site where the Keidel family pharmacy and homestead still exist, both of which are integrated into the new hotel development.
“Designing in a historic context means embracing the layers of time—respecting the past while shaping the future. The Albert Hotel achieves this delicate balance.” —Paul Clayton AIA
Designed by Clayton Korte in partnership with New Waterloo, the boutique hotel merges the past with a new contemporary design to create a venue of quiet sophistication. The historic structures—Keidel family home (built in 1860), the Brockmann-Kiehne House (built in 1870), Keidel Pharmacy (built in 1906), and the White Elephant Saloon (built in 1888)—preserve the traditional streetscape, while the hotel itself is tucked behind to reinforce the sense of peaceful escape. The hotel’s 105 guest rooms include a mix of lodging, ranging from bunkrooms and suites to a private house, each with tailored amenities and custom-designed furniture. The two-acre property features three restaurants, two bars, and a private dining room. In-room dining will be available. A sunken outdoor limestone pool and lounge will offer guests a pleasant respite from the Texas heat. Other amenities include a fitness center and a 2,000-square-foot full-service spa. Events are easily accommodated with a 3,600-square-foot dedicated event space and a 1,200-square-foot mezzanine deck and event lawn. A separate, two-level, 160-space parking garage is located directly across East Austin Street.
“We’ve created a place that honors the legacy of the Keidel family while offering a peaceful, sophisticated retreat. The material choices, careful placement of the new hotel behind the historic buildings, and the connection to the landscape all reflect the spirit of the Texas Hill Country.”—George Wilcox AIA, Partner
The material palette of the new building draws from the surrounding Hill Country. Traditional wood siding is paired with a custom raked stucco finish, designed to capture and reflect the changing sunlight throughout the day. Generous roof overhangs protect interior spaces and walkways from the intense summer sun. The interiors reflect the softer side of Albert Keidel’s global sensibilities—layered and eclectic, warm yet unfussy, with unexpected discoveries throughout.
Landscape elements incorporate native Texas grasses and trees, including live oaks and mesquites, along with reclaimed and repurposed materials from the site to create meandering gardens and pathways throughout the property.
“The hotel, spa, and multiple dining options are a significant contribution to the hospitality scene in the Texas Hill Country. With a Michelin-starred chef at the helm, we’re excited to watch the project’s success grow.” —Travis Greig AIA, Associate
SQUARE FOOTAGE:
114,500 total
Reuse / Renovation: 8,300 sq. ft.
New Construction: 106,200 sq. ft.
COMPLETION DATE: January 2025
INTERNAL PROJECT TEAM:
Paul Clayton, AIA, Principal
George Wilcox, AIA, Partner
Travis Greig, AIA, Associate
Sydney Steadman, AIA, Project Designer
COLLABORATORS:
Architect: Clayton Korte
Interior Design: New Waterloo, Melanie Raines
Operator & Developer: New Waterloo
General Contractor: Joeris General Contractors
Landscape Architect: Word + Carr Design Group
MEP Engineer: Cleary Zimmermann
Structural Engineer: Leap!
Civil Engineer: VEI Consulting Engineers
Creative Agency: Guerilla Suit
Financing: Capital Creek Partners and Broadway Bank
ABOUT CLAYTON KORTE:
Clayton Korte (claytonkorte.com) creates places that celebrate their environment and exalt the human experience at the intersection of architecture, authenticity, and craft. What began as a small architecture practice in 1983 has evolved into a firm today that includes interior design and brand services with offices in Austin and San Antonio. Though their Texas architecture roots run deep, work on winery, ranch, hospitality, and residential projects has taken Clayton Korte to California, Maryland, Hawaii, and beyond.
