The Tower Life Building bears a colorful history and a bright future. Built in 1929 in neo-gothic brick and terra cotta green tile, this 404 ft, 31-story stunning, octagonal office tower was designed by father and son partners Atlee & Robert Ayers, a local architectural firm. It was San Antonio’s first skyscraper built on the river at the end of the Roaring Twenties and was inspired by Robert Ayers’ alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. The Gothic Revival Style tower is adorned with ornaments and guarding gargoyle drain spouts to ward off evil and protect the building from rainwater flow. These gargoyle sculptures above the 20th Floor were made of decorative cast stone and have survived for almost a century.
Once reputed as the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, it was the tallest building in San Antonio until 1968 when the Tower of the Americas was built. The Majestic Theatre, The Nix, and the Medical Arts Building were constructed simultaneously. Unfortunately, the biggest stock market crash in the world happened, and developers Jim and Albert Smith of Smith Brothers Properties with Lawyer/Partner J.W. Young’s dreams of developing San Antonio into a vibrant downtown were crushed by bankruptcy, hardship, and suicide. The Tower Life building was the tallest building and the last skyscraper built until 1988, when the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel emerged on the skyline.
Some Interesting Facts
- The Law Offices of Goldstein & Orr have been at the top of the historic Tower Life Building for over 70 years and are one of the oldest practicing law firms in San Antonio.
- The Tower Life Building housed San Antonio’s first Sears & Roebuck Department Store in its lower two stories with offices above.
- The building can be seen from various distances and directions and is arguably the most impressive period building in San Antonio. The best evening view of the Tower Life Building is at Biga on the Banks Restaurant Patio at the International Building. At night dramatic lighting adds height and intensity to the tower, and the view of the building with its golden pointed tile roof lit up is an ethereal sight.
- The lobby is filled with gothic detail, including the original mailbox that still functions today. The original elevator doors are still there, as is the intricate and beautiful ceiling.
- The Tower Life Building is a landmark structure in historic downtown San Antonio. In 1991 the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- The Tower Life Building is also known in the past as the Transit Tower and Smith-Young Tower. The building is in excellent physical condition, owned by H.B. Zachry Properties since 1943.
- If you think you know everything about San Antonio, think again and join one of Jane Martin’s “Architours.” This historic San Antonio tour includes the iconic Tower Life Building and is a fascinating experience for residents and tourists alike.
Exciting things are ahead for the San Antonio community and the new owners of The Tower Life Building. San Antonio legend Red McCombs and real estate brokers Ed Cross and Jon Weigand have joined forces and purchased the iconic building from H.B. Zachry Properties. Joe Shields, McCombs’ grandson and business development director of McCombs Enterprises, stated, “We are honored to now own and steward a piece of San Antonio’s cultural heritage.” Their plans for the skyscraper include redeveloping the building into mixed-use housing and retail spaces. Exciting projects and goals are just unfolding for the renovation period.
In the 1970s, my father’s firm was on the 25th Floor. It is where I landed my first job! I think it will be spectacular, and I plan on being one of the first residents on the 25th Floor! I have many fond memories of this majestic building and look forward to watching her bright future unfold with me in it!
