In the world of Central Texas roofing, some jobs are just “jobs,” and others become part of the story of a place. One of the most meaningful experiences in my 39 years of experience happened at a landmark that every Austinite knows — Scholz Garten — and its historic neighbor, Saengerrunde Hall.
Most people know Scholz Garten as a famous watering hole, a place where politicians, musicians, students, and families have gathered since 1866. But the community knows there’s more to the property than meets the eye. To the right of the main restaurant sits Saengerrunde Hall — home to the German singing society, a historic dance hall, and even an underground bowling alley. It’s a cultural cornerstone of Austin’s German‑Texan heritage.
Years ago, we were hired to reroof a small shed structure attached to the far right side of Saengerrunde Hall. It wasn’t glamorous work — just a modest roof protecting storage and access areas — but it mattered.
Shortly after we finished, disaster struck: a fire broke out. But because of the quality and structural integrity of the new roof we had just installed, the Austin Fire Department was able to use that section as a staging ground. Firefighters stood on top of our new roof to battle the blaze and save the rest of the historic landmark.
A Roof That held the Line
When the smoke cleared, the management didn’t have to think twice about who to call for the rest of the restoration. Because our work literally “held the line” during the fire, we were brought back to reroof the much larger main section of the building after other restoration sub-contractors completed their work. Today, our craftsmanship is still visible from the outdoor dining area behind the restaurant.
I, Daniel Simon, have 39 years of experience in the trenches. Whether we are protecting a historic landmark near the Capitol or your family home, we build roofs that can withstand the unexpected. We’ve seen it all—from the fires at Scholz to the historic hailstorms of the 80s.
Note: We are currently digging through historical archives to confirm the exact date of this event. If you visit Scholz Garten today, look up from the beer garden—that’s our work protecting Texas history.