Not enough people know that Houston is home to one of the largest art communities in the US. Welcome to Sawyer Yards, where Houston's creative heart beats! It is one of the few places in the country where a visitor can enjoy a performance with a local theater group, take a shot at an indoor climbing wall, grab a bite, or start an art collection—all in a casual atmosphere. For locals and tourists visiting the area, Sawyer Yards is a cultural destination offering a curated sampling of uniquely local experiences, all within minutes of downtown Houston.
Sawyer Yards was officially launched in 2005 with the conversion of a 75,000-square-foot warehouse surrounded by a still-thriving rail yard. The renovated building debuted as Winter Street Studios and received the first art studio ordinance granted in Houston. At that point, the vision to move forward and construct a dedicated creative community gained momentum. The immediate success of Winter Street Studios was quickly followed by the unique, architecturally sensitive conversions of five other studio complexes in the area.
These former warehouses and industrial spaces have been converted into hundreds of art studios, art galleries, fine dining establishments, fitness concepts, craft breweries, entertainment venues, and more. The Sawyer Yards campus focuses on all forms of creativity, with plentiful recurring and unique events year-round. View ALL ARTISTS, ALL BUSINESSES and WHERE TO EAT.
The fact that all of this creativity has been built on converted old rail yard space is truly impressive, and it's worth it alone to visit as a testament to Houston's innovative and resourceful art spirit. More than 300 established and emerging artists work at six different buildings, and you can meet them face to face. Don't miss the Second Saturday Open Studios event! The second Saturday of each month, from 12 to 5 p.m., explore six transformed warehouses brimming with creativity. Stroll through various paintings, sculptures, jewelry, photography, clothing, textiles, printmaking, mixed media, and more. Engage with talented artists, delve into their fascinating works, and perhaps even find the perfect piece to take home. This inspiring event is free and open to everyone, so grab your friends and immerse yourself in the art-filled excitement of Second Saturday!
Many exhibitions run all year round. Check out here for a variety of art showcases. See art and enjoy visiting Sawyer Yards Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Sawyer Yards campus is also home to many murals by local, national, and international artists. The property owners and Sawyer Yards have commissioned some murals. Still, most of them, including all of the works in the Art Alley, were organized and coordinated by UP Art Studio in conjunction with their city-wide annual mural festival: Big Walls, Big Dreams.
Explore the Campus
The Sawyer Yards properties comprise the Main Yard, North Yard, South Yard, and West Yard. Two main parking centers include Main Yard Parking at 2101 Winter Street and North Yard Parking at 1824 Spring Street.
Main Yard
1502 Sawyer Street, Houston, TX 77007
The Silos at Sawyer Yards includes 97 workspaces for 100+ artists and contains galleries, office spaces, and retail establishments. This complex also features SITE Gallery Houston, which is a unique take on an art space housed inside its 34 rice silos.
2000 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
Silver Street Studios includes 75 mixed-use workspaces and hosts various community events along an art corridor.
2101 Winter Street, Houston, TX 77007
Winter Street Studios, formerly a furniture factory, houses 77 art studios and also hosts Winter Street Studios Gallery, a 1,800-SF space available for events.
2313 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
The Shops at Sawyer Yards is a 40,000-square-foot urban redevelopment project located at the corner of Edwards and Sawyer Street, in the heart of the Arts District Houston. The Shops at Sawyer Yards is now offering creative office space, retail, and entertainment spaces for lease.
2204 Summer Street, Houston, TX 77007
Opened in 2017, Summer Street Studios offers 24 unique workspaces for creatives to exhibit their work.
2206 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
Across the street from The Shops at Sawyer Yards, First Industrial features Holler Brewing Co., CYCLEBAR, and Love Dance Houston. It also has breezeway access to Art Alley.
1702 Taylor Street, Houston, TX 77007
The Tech Center contains three floors of office space with exposed brick and scenic views of downtown.
2102 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
These seven studios are the latest to open, connected via a common gallery corridor. These studios share the concrete dock connecting Silver Street Studios and First Industrial breezeway to Art Alley.
North Yard
2000 Edwards Street, Houston, TX 77007
Formerly Silver Eagle Distribution, Silver Street Studios features 68 workspaces, over 80 artists, and a venue space that hosts markets and international events.
1907 Sabine Street, Houston, TX 77007
Right next door to Spring Street Studios is Sabine Street Studios, which has 67 creative workspaces, including spaces available for lease.
Visit Jumper Maybach at Studio 156 on Sabine Street, the internationally recognized artist born in Corpus Christi, Texas. Some critics called him “the Jackson Pollock of the 21st century.” If his original works of art go beyond your budget, order excellent-quality prints on canvas. The artist also has a licensed product line, which includes apparel, gorgeous scarves, a candle line, and pet accessories.
South Yard
1902 Washington Ave.
Along with the property at 1818 Washington, these warehouse buildings contain a variety of businesses, including restaurant spaces. Visit B&B Butchers & Restaurant, an award-winning Texas-based upscale steakhouse and traditional butcher shop specializing in high-quality meats, or Platypus Brewing, a brewery taproom serving craft beer & Australian-inspired comfort food in cozy digs with a patio. At Kubo's Sushi & Washoku, a family-friendly sushi house, enjoy inventive takes on Japanese & Washoku cuisine in a modern space. At Tacodeli, you will be impressed with an extensive and ambitious menu, tacos prepared by hand daily, and a merging of flavors from Mexico and Texas.
West Yard
The 65,000-square-foot warehouse-style adaptive reuse building at 1201 Oliver Street has a deck and shade canopies. Get refreshed at City Orchard Cider, or make a gastronomic journey to Eastern Tennessee at FAINMOUS BBQ. They specialize in pulled pork, pork ribs, sausage, and brisket, too!
The building at 2500 Summer Street is a fully restored industrial space for startups, creative industries, and unique private events, including weddings, fashion shows and corporate gatherings, at The Astorian (photo above) conceived by Andria Design to replicate New York City's revered Grand Central Station. The Astorian is a throwback to 1920s glamour and Art Deco design.
We hope you've learned something exciting and new about Sawyer Yards. Houston doesn't get enough credit for turning the industry into art and art into the industry. Wander around, immerse yourself in the arts, and enjoy the local creative landscape. Whether you're buying or simply appreciating, discover a full range of art forms inside each building. Sample local craft beer, attend community and cultural events, explore unique fitness concepts, or spend a fun day full of fun.
