Austin real estate firm purchasing famous Lammes Candies building

An Austin real estate firm is in the process of purchasing the former home of Lammes Candies, one of Austin's oldest businesses. Lammes announced its closing after 141 years in April, leaving its location at 5330 Airport Blvd. up for grabs. Topo Development Group is now under contract for the property.Topo announced its acquisition of the space in a press release where it says it "recognizes the significance of the site and intends to approach the project with care and respect for its legacy." It also emphasizes that Topo is not buying the Lammes brand, only the building.“Our role here is simple—we’re focused on the building,” said Topo leader Daryl Kunik in the release. “We have tremendous respect for what the Lammes family has built over generations. Our intention is to thoughtfully steward the property into its next chapter.” One of Topo's best-known projects, Canopy, could serve as an example of the firm's style.Photo courtesy of Topo Development GroupThe Lammes Candies building is a distinctive mark on Airport Boulevard, largely because of the gigantic candy cane and sheep sign. Without it, its boxy construction would presumably blend into the urban surrounding, although it is unique in its warehouse-like single-story sprawl.So far, Topo says it is evaluating tenancy, so we don't know yet who will move in when it "adaptively reuse[s]" the 10,000-square-foot space. Other projects by Topo include Canopy, Springdale General, Uchi, Leander Union, and the Rosewood School. Its tenants tend to be creative small businesses and food service operations.