The Cotton Gin at the CO-OP is the first structure completed from the 2012 master plan for the 16-acre former agricultural co-op site. The (2) original cotton gin buildings were selectively deconstructed and adaptively re-used to make a single open-air public events space that will complement the future Hutto City Hall and Park. The design intent was to accentuate the iconic appearance of the remaining South gin building and further reinforce its place as a focal landmark at the Farley Street Terminus.

Perforated stainless steel was chosen as the exterior siding material for the south façade for it’s ability to reflect the southern sun during the day, and for it’s transparency at night. The perforated steel and broad overhangs serve to fill the space with diffused natural daylight. The challenge was to reinforce the existing riveted steel structure to current codes without losing the delicacy and elegance of the original. 

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The project has received multiple design and construction awards from AIA Austin, The Texas Society of Architects, Engineering News Record and Association of Builders and Contractors, among others.