SAWYER YARDS IS A DYNAMIC ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION OFFERING CONTINUOUS OPPORTUNITIES TO APPRECIATE  THE ARTS, ENJOY EXTRAORDINARY EXPERIENCES, AND BE INSPIRED.

Sawyer Yards is a creative community thriving in the heart of Houston’s historic First Ward, surrounded by an active rail yard where 20+ trains change the landscape each day. Against this backdrop, industrial warehouses transformed into built- for-purpose studios are now home to one of the largest working artist communities in the country. This exceptional art community is complemented by creative businesses, public galleries, unique dining and entertainment venues— all brought to life through an active schedule of special events. Just three minutes from Houston’s downtown business district, Sawyer Yards is defined by eight city blocks of industrial warehouses, revived and reimagined as an anchor for the city’s vibrant art scene. The setting is ideal. Houston’s historic First Ward has always appealed to creative types through affordable rents and alternative spaces. The seeds of Sawyer Yards were sown in 2005 with the conversion of a 75,000 SF 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, which to this day, remain 100% leased. Spearheading the initiative, the Deal Company found fresh-thinking partners in Western General and Lovett Commercial. Our collective efforts—and our successes— have demonstrated that Houston was indeed ready for a local center of gravity representing the city’s unique art and lifestyle. And, Sawyer Yards has proved to be the solution. 

From the start, our focus was on creativity. The distinctive environment of Sawyer Yards plays up the neighborhood’s eclectic and industrial past and moves it forward with the energy of today’s artists, makers, and innovators. All the structures have been reclaimed rather than rebuilt, respecting the buildings’ original character. Inside, the raw expanses of the buildings remain intact but improved by high-quality lighting, climate-controlled environment, secure spaces, and open areas designed specifically for artists, art services, and other creative entrepreneur.

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