The Driskill Hotel turned 135 years old on Dec. 20. The iconic downtown Austin hotel originally opened Dec. 20, 1886, according to a press release.
Jesse Driskill purchased the lot at the corner of Brazos Street and Pecan Street, now 6th Street, for $7,500 in 1884, according to the hotel’s website.
The website also noted that the hotel was almost demolished in 1970, but a "Save the Driskill" effort raised more than $700,000. The hotel eventually re-opened in 1973 after initially closing for remodeling in 1969.
The Driskill Hotel is located in downtown Austin at 604 Brazos Street and has two dining options within the facility: the 1886 Café and Bakery and The Driskill Bar.