Iron Cactus Restaurant

1520 Main Street - c.1900; 2004

Around 1900, a two story, masonry load bearing building with a terra cotta facade was constructed at 1520 Main Street.  The building was known as the Thompson Building and over the years, it housed many businesses, including restaurants.  In 2003, the Austin based restaurant announced it would be coming to Main Street.  The restaurant is 14,000 square feet and includes the Thompson Building and an addition fronting onto Pegasus Plaza.  The front facade of the Thompson Building was restored as a part of this project and a three level addition was added facing into Pegasus Plaza.  Another feature of the restaurant is a round stairway enclosure on the northwest corner of the building.  A curved glass curtain wall allows light and views of the plaza into the restaurants.  Each outdoor seating area features a curvilinear balcony on the upper levels.  At night, the restored facade is illuminated and neon outlines the balconies.

Thompson Building at Night
West Side of Restaurant at Night