Terry Black’s Barbecue Plans Redevelopment of Austin Elks Lodge

Austinites will have more than just another tasty barbecue restaurant to savor with a mixed-use development that’s cooking near South Congress.

The family that owns Terry Black’s Barbecue has acquired the former Elks Lodge at 700 Dawson Road in South Austin, with plans to turn the 3.7-acre site into a membership-based club that would feature a restaurant, pool and boutique hotel, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The property is valued at $8.79 million, according to the Travis Central Appraisal District.

The Black family’s proposal recently gained preliminary rezoning approval from the city’s Planning Commission, which sent it to City Council for final approval. However, the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association raised concerns about the project, particularly regarding traffic, lighting and potential barbecue pit smoke. A representative for the family clarified that there are no plans for barbecue pits on the property. The Terry Black’s restaurant on Barton Springs Road is less than a half mile from the planned development.

Plans are in the early stages, said Michael Whellan, an attorney representing the Black family.

“The first step is going to be to remodel and renovate the existing structure, which is going to be a heavy lift,” Whellan said. “It’s completely out of code in terms of the kitchen. It all needs to be updated meaningfully.”

About 55 years after opening, the Elks Lodge closed its doors in 2013, when its charter was revoked due to rule violations, including failing to report financial information in a timely manner. The Elks Lodge served as an event space with food, a bar and a swimming pool. The site has been unoccupied for several years, the outlet said.

—Quinn Donoghue