Paggi Carriage House
421 E. 6th Street
A true landmark in the heart of Austin, the Paggi Carriage House offers a rare opportunity to be part of the city’s living history. With office and retail space available, it’s a unique chance to establish your presence in a historic, creative setting where heritage, culture, and commerce intersect.
The Building’s History
The Paggi Carriage House is a rare and significant piece of Austin history. Built in 1875 by Michael Paggi, an Italian immigrant and prominent businessman, the building has stood on East Sixth Street for more than 140 years. Located between Neches and Trinity Streets, just east of the historic market district, it originally served as Paggi’s carriage and wagon sales office. Its distinctive two-story limestone structure, accented by intricate brick detailing, remains one of the few surviving examples of its kind in downtown Austin.
Over the decades, the building has housed a variety of retail shops, offices, and commercial tenants, adapting alongside the city’s growth while maintaining its historic character. In 1973, Jay L. Johnson, Jr. purchased and restored the property, helping to preserve an important part of Austin’s architectural heritage. Since acquiring the building in 2002, Michael Girard has continued that commitment to preservation and stewardship.
Today, the Paggi Carriage House serves as both a workplace and a cultural landmark. The second floor provides office & retail space for musicians, artists, and creative professionals, while the ground floor has been home to Pete’s Piano Bar for more than three decades. Throughout our ownership, we have remained committed to offering space to a diverse range of tenants and fostering an inclusive creative community.
Historic Preservation
The building’s history is central to its identity. We take pride in preserving and sharing its story as part of Austin’s evolving cultural landscape. Looking ahead, our goal is to continue maintaining the Paggi Carriage House as a vibrant home for creative businesses while ensuring Pete’s Piano Bar remains a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike.
This historic property has been preserved with support from the City of Austin through a Historic Preservation Grant. City funding supports building preservation only and does not fund programming or events.
Location & Contact
There is currently office/retail space available at this property. Contact us for more information: austinrentals@gdiaustin.com
421 E. 6th St.
Austin, Texas 78701