San Antonio’s iconic Tower of the Americas is set for a major upgrade, with a $19.4 million renovation project approved by the City Council. This long-overdue facelift will address structural repairs, improve safety, and refresh visitor spaces, ensuring the nearly 60-year-old landmark continues to be a centerpiece of the city’s skyline.

The project includes significant repairs to the tower’s concrete shaft, upgrades to electrical and plumbing systems, and enhancements to the observation deck, restaurant, and theater. Safety and fire prevention improvements are also part of the plan. Landry’s Restaurants, which has operated the Chart House restaurant at the tower since 2004, will contribute $4 million toward the upgrades, with the city funding the remaining $15.4 million from its 2022 bond and prior budget allocations.

John Jacks, director of the city’s Center City Development and Operations department, noted that while many of the upgrades are internal and might go unnoticed by the public, they are critical for the tower’s long-term use and safety.

Repairs have been in discussion for years, following a 2019 engineering assessment that highlighted cracking and other safety concerns. The original timeline was delayed due to the growing scope and cost of the project. Despite the reported issues, city officials maintain that the tower has always passed annual safety inspections and posed no immediate danger.

Construction is set to begin in April 2025, shortly after the NCAA Men’s Final Four. During the renovations, the Chart House restaurant will close for two months, while other areas of the tower will remain open. The project is expected to wrap up by December 2025.

Opened in 1968 for the World’s Fair, the Tower of the Americas has long been a symbol of San Antonio. This renovation ensures the beloved landmark will continue to captivate residents and visitors for years to come.

Photo by Caleb Oquendo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tower-building-and-trees-3038196/