(PRESS RELEASE) AUSTIN, TX – Korman Fine Jewelry (Korman) has released a first look of renderings for its latest store designed by Texas-based architecture and interior design firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA). The official groundbreaking ceremony for Korman’s new retail location will be held on Jan. 25, with construction set to begin shortly after. Austin’s leading independent jeweler – who celebrated 50 years in business last year – is taking over a space in Pemberton Heights at 2901 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705, formerly occupied by the cherished University Cyclery that shuttered in 2017.
“Being able to build this store is our longtime dream come true – it’ll be so wonderful to share with the community, especially on this iconic corner of the Pemberton Heights neighborhood,” said Kat Stokes, owner of Korman. “It’s going to be beautiful and something we know people in Austin are proud of.”
Korman, an Austin-born and family-owned and operated jewelry atelier, has tapped the nationally recognized architect to preserve the abandoned space, which was once a prominent business staple in the city. The new storefront will transform the building into a vibrant space, where Korman will continue to offer Austinites a place to celebrate moments and milestones in their lives as they explore the hand-curated selection of exquisite diamonds, Swiss timepieces and designer jewelry. The store will be cradled by three large oak trees overlooking Shoal Creek, where its strategic placement takes advantage of its elevated position, offering customers a panoramic view of the lush outdoors. The design also supports Korman’s mantra to “Celebrate Every Day” by accommodating a variety of experiences, from grand gatherings to intimate moments. In addition, there is ample dedicated parking spaces, making for an easily accessible visit to Austin’s premier jewelry destination.
MHOA worked together with Korman to bring to life the jeweler’s commitment to community, creating a jewelry social house which is reflected in moments of intentional hospitality from the inviting ambiance of multiple hospitality lounges to the exclusivity of the VIP reception room. Each space is designed to frame the breathtaking views of Shoal Creek and the oak trees, forging a deep connection with nature and ensuring that every visit for patrons is memorable. Upon entering through the custom travertine and brass entryway, patrons are immersed in a warm and sophisticated atmosphere.
“We’re excited to be a part of creating what will soon be an incredibly unique, luxurious and beautiful destination jewelry store for Austin. Larry and Kat asked for a complete transformation of the building and site, and to design a place that will make their clients feel like they’ve stepped into a one-of-a-kind store that feels like their personal jeweler’s home,” said Michael Hsu, FAIA, IIDA, principal of Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. “Each material and detail has been carefully chosen and designed to contribute to an immersive and bespoke shopping experience, putting their clients’ comfort and expectations first.”
The almost 11,000-square-foot space’s design is contemporary yet timeless and draws inspiration from the luxurious homes and verdant landscapes of the adjacent Pemberton Heights neighborhood. Standout features include a grand staircase, an architectural focal point that has a custom walnut stair rail elegantly integrated into the travertine wall with brass details. Dimensional mosaic tile introduces geometric layers, reflective of the retailer’s intricate jewelry designs.
Advertisement
Guests can explore jewelry from all parts of the globe, as the new location has strategically placed skylights that fill the interior with natural light to complement the craftsmanship of the pieces on display. MHOA architects focused on thoughtful use of light to create the ambience along with a unified color palette, bringing together the diversity of designer collections under the Korman roof. The casework and bespoke furniture echo the geometry of the jewelry and the textured facade.
The showroom will include collections from world-renowned designers, such as Single Stone, FOPE, Messika, Jade Trau, Walters Faith and Viltier, as well as Swiss timepieces from Rolex, Tudor, Blancpain and more. An inviting bridal salon provides intimacy, while expansive jeweler’s benches within the space aim to create the retailer’s exclusive Longhorn pendants in-house. A 1,600-square-foot Rolex boutique and service center will be crafted from green marble and travertine will be sure to make selecting your next timepiece memorable and fun. Additional key project partners include Austin-based project management consultant CPM Texas and general contractor Zaplac/Reed.
Korman’s new location reflects their half-century legacy and unwavering commitment to superlative quality and customer service. It stands as a celebration of community.
An opening date will be announced later. For more information, please follow @kormanfinejewelry and @hsuoffice on Instagram for updates on the building.
About Michael Hsu Office of Architecture
Michael Hsu Office of Architecture was formed in 2005 to unite people through design. MHOA is a nationally award-winning, fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. The firm’s work is rooted in hospitality and placemaking and includes diverse projects such as large mixed-use developments, adaptive reuse projects, public realm design, architectural branding, single-family homes, hotels, restaurants, workspaces, community-driven projects and bespoke furniture design. The firm works throughout Texas and across the country in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Denver. MHOA has offices in Austin (826 Houston St., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78756) and Houston (1906 Ashland St., Houston, TX 77008) and full-time staff representing the firm in Dallas and Denver. For more information on MHOA, visit www.hsuoffice.com or follow on Instagram @hsuoffice.
About Korman Fine Jewelry
From Korman’s humble beginnings in 1973 to today, Korman has become Austin’s luxury jewelry destination, offering a hand-curated selection of designer jewelry, the finest diamonds and Swiss timepieces in Central Texas. Since becoming owners in 2018, Kat and Larry Stokes have upheld the legacy of integrity, community and superlative quality and service as their pillars of success. Keeping true to Korman’s roots, our new flagship location will open in the fall of 2024 at 29th & Lamar, embodying a timeless and contemporary design in collaboration with Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. We will house a selection of the finest jewels from designers and diamond cutters from all over the world, in addition to our partnerships with the top Swiss timepiece manufacturers and a world-class Rolex service center. Our jewelry social house, which we refer to as Club Korman, is always abuzz. There is always fun in the air as we ‘Celebrate Every Day’. This has become our ethos as we come alongside our clients to pair them with memorable and special pieces that crystalize moments and milestones in their life. Independently owned and operated for over 50 years, Korman is a member of the Longhorn Business Network and a pillar in the Austin community.
Advertisement
