The Tower Life Building, a historic skyscraper in downtown San Antonio, is undergoing a major renovation to convert its office spaces into a residential tower with 244 units, five penthouse-level units, and modern amenities.
Renovation Plans
The developer team, led by McCombs Enterprises and real estate investor Jon Wiegand, plans to renovate the river- and street-level of the building for retail spaces, with an estimated cost of $3.5 million. The project is expected to be completed in April 2027.
The building’s future set of retail and food-and-beverage outlets hasn’t been determined, but the goal is to curate a cohesive collection of experiences that serve residents, attract neighbors, and reinforce Tower Life’s identity as a vibrant mixed-use destination.
History of the Building
The Tower Life Building was designed by noted architect Atlee B. Ayres and built in 1929. It was the tallest building in San Antonio until 1968 and features a Gothic Revival-style design with stone gargoyles.
The building’s earliest occupant was a Sears department store, which operated for 10 years on the first six floors. Above the store, the tower housed a bank of six elevators and offices for lawyers, insurance agencies, and other business people.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.