In the world of Central Texas roofing, some jobs are just “jobs,” and others are pieces of history. One of the most intense “War Stories” in the 45-year history of Accent Roofing & Remodeling involves the legendary Scholz Garten in downtown Austin, just blocks from the Texas State Capitol.
Established in 1866, Scholz Garten is the oldest business in Texas. While most people know it as a famous watering hole, it holds secrets many never see—including an underground bowling alley and private event spaces used for weddings. We had been hired to reroof a specific section off to the left-hand side of the main building, protecting those vital event spaces.
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 spent over four decades 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.