In 2015, Createscape Coworking found its permanent home at 701 Tillery Street after a stint at a temporary location on E.M. Franklin Ave in East Austin. Many newcomers to our space often ask if the building was once an elementary school, given its boxy, mid-century street-facing exterior. Intrigued by the building’s unique character, we delved into old Austin newspapers to uncover its history. We discovered that 701 Tillery Street originally served as a bread factory. Over the years, we've heard countless stories from East Austin residents who remember visiting the factory on school field trips to learn about bread-making. We've even met a few people who worked there, sharing fond memories of their time in the factory. Inspired by the building's fascinating past, we decided to compile a short history for you.

Kneading Through History: From Cox and Kohn to Loaves

The story of 701 Tillery Street begins with its construction in 1953. While details about the original owners, Cox and Kohn, remain unclear, we do know they weren't bakers themselves. The Cox and Kohn tract likely refers to the land upon which the building was constructed.

A Shift in Flour: Dandy Takes Root

It wasn't long after construction that the building found its first bread-baking tenant. By 1953, the popular Pan Dandy Bread company set up shop at 701 Tillery Street. This prime location allowed them to efficiently serve the growing Austin market.

A New Chapter: Mrs. Baird's Arrives in Town

In 1960, a new chapter began for 701 Tillery Street. Mrs. Baird's Bread, a beloved Texas institution founded in Dallas in 1908, expanded into Central Texas, acquiring the property. This was the first year Mrs. Baird’s Bakery would appear in the City of Austin phone book. Dandy's reasons for leaving are unknown, but Mrs. Baird's likely saw the well-established factory as a perfect springboard for their growth in the region.

For over four decades, the familiar scent of Mrs. Baird's bread wafted from the building, becoming a cornerstone of Austin's breadbasket. Workers tirelessly produced loaves that graced tables across the city. “Gosh, I don’t want to do this,” recalls a former bread production worker (1991- 1998) about his daily shift. He woke up at 1 a.m. every morning, walked into the employee break area on the North end of the building for free rolls and baked goods, then headed down the long hallway next to the bread production area alongside the dough mixers, bread risers, bread cutting production line, packaging, and to the loading docks where ingredients came in and final products shipped out. “The smell of the yeast, the smell of the bakery,” he says with a smile. About 6 months after his departure, the bakery was acquired by Bimbo Bakeries USA (Grupo Bimbo).

A Change of Course: From Bread to Studios

On August 30, 2013, Mrs. Baird's officially left the property with the closure of Mrs. Baird’s Outlet store next door at 705 Tillery Street. The reasons for the closure are still unknown, but it likely reflected the company's broader consolidation efforts. Mrs. Baird’s Bakery outlets had been closing across the state since 2011, and although by this time they had began carrying competitor products like Buttercrust and Bimbo (who eventually bought the brand), the last Austin location on Tillery Steet shut its door., This could have been the end of the story for 701 Tillery, but the building had a second act waiting in the wings.

A Legacy of Dough and Creativity

The story of 701 Tillery Street is a testament to Austin's constant evolution. From its roots on the Cox and Kohn tract to its time as a haven for two major bread companies, the building has always played a role in the city's growth. Today, it serves a different kind of nourishment – the nourishment of creativity and cultural exchange. The building has been home to many creative organizations and companies over the years including artist studios, Theatre Action Project, Creative Action, “Women in the Studios @ IDEA”, sculpture studios and school, a stained glass studio, and more.

Uncovering the history of 701 Tillery Street has been a delightful journey, connecting us to the vibrant past of East Austin and its community. From its origins as a bustling bread factory to its current role as a dynamic coworking space alongside workout facilities and dance studios and other offices and shops, this building continues to inspire creativity and collaboration. We’re proud to be part of this legacy and look forward to creating new memories with all of you. Whether you're a longtime member or a curious newcomer, we invite you to share your stories and become part of the ongoing history of Createscape Coworking. So, the next time you find yourself on Tillery Street, take a moment to appreciate the rich history held within the walls of 701. It's a place where the sweet smell of success has taken on many forms over the years.