Lawrence Group’s team was challenged during the project with incorporating existing utilities and piping from the adjacent UT Health Center, which traveled through and filled the restaurant’s ceiling.
Lawrence Group’s hospitality team, operating under an ongoing IDIQ contract with the Employee Retirement System of Texas (ERS), served as the Architect of Record for Tapville Social’s first, full-scale concept restaurant in Austin, TX.
Located at the intersection of the University of Texas (UT) and downtown Austin, Tapville Social is the ultimate destination for fine dining and self-pour taps, offering a full-service kitchen featuring dishes with distinctive Austin flair. Diners at the 4,664 sq ft restaurant can also enjoy the building’s spacious rooftop, large enough to host up to 300 guests for private events, creating one of the best views in the neighborhood to enjoy craft beverages and mouth-watering food with friends.
As the final tenant on the first floor of the ERS building, Tapville Social capitalizes on its strong positioning, including a prime location at the corner of MLK and San Jacinto Boulevards. Tapville Social, opened in October 2025, serves State of Texas employees, members of the nearby UT community, and the general public. Private parties are served from a private dining room, while the wall facing MLK Blvd opens to accommodate outdoor seating and musical performances.
“Our meticulously planned and strategically curated offerings are designed to create an exceptional dining experience that resonates with the local market. We’re thrilled by the positive feedback we’ve received from our research and focus groups, which only reinforces our confidence in the success of this venture,” said franchise co-owner Jyotsna Chitri.
One of the signature aspects of Tapville Social’s design is its self-pour taproom featuring a tapwall of 34 locally brewed and international beers. Guests can enjoy small tastes, build their own flights, or pour a glass of their favorite sangria, cider or seltzer. The self-pour design makes it easy for guests to explore new options while helping operators reduce waste and maintain consistent quality.
As the Architect of Record, Lawrence Group’s team performed the following tasks on the project:
Adapted standard Tapville design details to work within the existing space
Coordinated MEP and structural engineers, technology and kitchen consultants
Completed the IFC construction set
Scheduled the Texas Accessibility Specialist to review the drawings and inspect the final construction
Lawrence Group’s team was challenged during the project with incorporating existing utilities and piping from the adjacent UT Health Center, which traveled through and filled the restaurant’s ceiling. The team designed around existing conditions and worked daily with general contractor IE2 Construction to make valves and filters accessible once Tapville was complete.
“Tapville wouldn’t be where it is today without each member of the Lawrence Group team. Their dedication, hustle, and teamwork have made it possible to complete construction in record time, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s truly been a pleasure working alongside all of them. I thank them for their commitment, energy, and hard work,” said franchise co-owner Shashi Rangaraju.