AUSTIN – Opry Entertainment Group is beginning work on a $40 million renovation of Block 21, the Second Street mixed-use development that is home to ACL Live at the Moody Theater and the W Austin hotel.
Block 21 occupies an entire block downtown and includes 159 condominiums, the 251-room hotel, and the ACL Live Theater that seats 2,700. The property also has 40,000 sf of office and 18,000 sf of retail, including a Starbucks and Urban Outfitters.
The renovation will include construction of a 2,060-sf terrace enclosure over the existing PNC Plaza, which will serve as a private event space. Other improvements include a facelift to the W Austin entrance and other spaces, including its coffee shop, restaurant, and bars.
With the W Austin employing a staff of 241 and ACL Live employing a team of 87, the hotel is preparing to add some additional positions once the renovation is complete.
The development was purchased from Stratus Properties Inc in late May 2022 for $260 million.
Renovations of the hotel guest rooms are planned to be completed in fall 2024.
Both the W Austin and ACL Live will remain open during the upgrades.