Halfway through its 75th Jubilee Anniversary year, the Longhorn Ballroom is celebrating its rich history while looking toward the future, as the second phase of its restoration is now complete.
A newly renovated multi-use building has opened across the courtyard from the Ballroom, spanning over 26,000 square feet, and the building is now welcoming new creative tenants.
Originally constructed in 1950 as part of Bob Wills’ Ranch House, the building served as a motel for touring musicians and is situated adjacent to the Longhorn. In addition to providing accommodations for artists, it is rumored to have sheltered Bob Wills’ beloved horse, “Punkin.”
The two-story building has retained its original aesthetic during the restoration and is part of the Longhorn campus, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For the past 75 years it has housed numerous artists and now aims to attract professionals, creating a modern hub for creative entrepreneurs. The building offers co-working spaces for various entertainment professionals, attorneys, and managers, along with a limited number of residential live-work studios for artists.
Additionally, several small restaurant spaces are available for culinary creatives. The final and largest available area, once a recording studio, has the potential to be transformed into a space for audio, film, or post-production work.
“As an entertainment attorney, there’s no better place for my practice than the Oficina co-work space at the Longhorn”, says Decker Sachse, a current tenant, “It’s a great location with easy access and my clients love the vibe.”
This fall, the Longhorn will complete its third and final phase with the opening of a 6,500-capacity outdoor amphitheater along the banks of the original Trinity River. The Longhorn Backyard Amphitheater will host a series of soft opening shows this fall, starting with Randy Rogers on September 20. A grand opening with a full calendar of events will commence in the spring of 2026.
