Tower Life Building Redevelopment: Downtown San Antonio’s Landmark Reimagined

Introduction

Downtown San Antonio is about to get a major glow-up, right at its architectural heart. The Tower Life Building, the 31‑story neo‑Gothic icon built in 1929, is being transformed into a thriving mixed-income residential complex right on the edge of the River Walk. With affordable housing, dining outposts, and public amenities, all while preserving historic character, this project is more than redevelopment: it’s a cultural moment in the making.

Table of Contents

1. A Rich Historical Legacy Meets a Bold Adaptive Reuse
2. What’s Being Built: Affordable Housing, Amenities & Retail
3. Timeline & Project Team
4. Why This Matters for San Antonio’s Real Estate Market
5. Neighborhoods & Nearby Opportunities
6. Related Resources & Internal Links
7. Contact & Next Steps
8. Frequently Asked Questions

1. A Rich Historical Legacy Meets a Bold Adaptive Reuse

Constructed in 1929 as the Smith‑Young Tower, this octagonal 404‑foot neo-Gothic skyscraper was once the tallest building in the city. Designed by Atlee and Robert Ayres, it’s known for its terra-cotta green roof, stone grotesques, and ornate lobby, now a protected historic landmark on the National Register.

Formerly home to San Antonio’s first Sears, Roebuck & Co., the Tower Life has sat underutilized as downtown office demand waned and vacancy soared. Now, developers McCombs Enterprises, Ed Cross, J. Jeffers & Co., and others are working with Bexar County to adaptively reuse the tower in a way that honors its past while activating its future.

2. What’s Being Built: Affordable Housing, Amenities & Retail

• 243 apartments, with 40% designated for residents earning up to 80% of Area Median Income (AMI), and 10% for households at 60% AMI, a first for River Walk residential living.
• A landscaped seventh‑floor rooftop deck featuring gardens and gathering spaces with River Walk views.
• Retail and dining space on street and river levels, activating foot traffic and enhancing downtown energy.
• Preservation of key architectural features, including stained glass windows, gargoyles, and terra-cotta detailing, ensuring this remains a historic touchstone for decades to come.

3. Timeline & Project Team

The project is led by local heavyweights, including McCombs Enterprises, Ed Cross, and J. Jeffers & Co. in partnership with Bexar County’s public facility corporation which grants tax incentives in exchange for affordable housing provisions, similar to other downtown conversions.

4. Why This Matters for San Antonio’s Real Estate Market

• Revitalizing downtown with new housing and retail taps into growing demand for walkable urban living.
• Affordable units support inclusive urban development, drawing renters at multiple income levels who otherwise can’t access downtown neighborhoods.
• New street-level activation supports foot traffic, retail demand, and added value for nearby properties such as Pearl District condos and Southtown historic conversions.
• Adds milestone to San Antonio’s wave of adaptive reuse projects, echoing other office-to-housing conversions like the Continental Hotel and IBC Centre proposals.

5. Neighborhood & Nearby Opportunities

Located at 310 S. St. Mary’s St., the Tower Life Building sits in the heart of downtown, with access to:

• The River Walk
• Museums like the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and San Antonio Museum of Art
• Dining clusters and hotels, including Menger Hotel and the historic Plaza
• Walking distance to current and future investments in Southtown & Lone Star District.

Nearby growth zones include:

• Pearl District
• Southtown/Lone Star redevelopment
• New retail corridors like Galm Crossing on the Northwest Side

6. Related Articles & Local News

• Read more about Lone Star District redevelopment
• See updates on the Galm Crossing shopping center
• Explore Elsewhere Too and its Ferris wheel venue

7. Let’s Talk About the Next Steps

Are you considering buying or investing near the River Walk, Southtown, or downtown San Antonio? Want to be the first to hear about leasing options or new retail tenants?

Reach out directly:

• Text or call Tami Price at 210 620 6681
• DM @tamisellssanantonio on Instagram

8. Frequently Asked Questions

• What is happening to the Tower Life Building in San Antonio?
The Tower Life Building is undergoing a major redevelopment into a mixed-income residential complex. The project includes 243 apartment units, with a portion reserved for affordable housing, as well as street-level retail, rooftop amenities, and preservation of its historic architectural details.

• Where is the Tower Life Building located?
The building is located at 310 S. St. Mary’s Street, right on the River Walk in the heart of downtown San Antonio.

• Who is behind the redevelopment of the Tower Life Building?
The project is being led by McCombs Enterprises, Ed Cross, and J. Jeffers & Co., in partnership with Bexar County’s public facility corporation. This collaboration helps ensure affordability while revitalizing a key downtown landmark.

• What types of housing will be available?
Of the 243 total apartment units, 40% will be reserved for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and 10% for households earning up to 60% of AMI. The rest will be market-rate units, making the complex accessible to a wide range of renters.

• What amenities are planned for residents and the public?
The redevelopment includes a rooftop deck with landscaped gardens, gathering areas with views of the River Walk, retail and dining on both street and river levels, and restored historic features such as stained glass windows and ornate lobby details.

• When will the project be completed?
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2025. Leasing information and unit layouts are expected in late 2025, with project completion and resident move-ins targeted for the second half of 2026.

• Why is this project important for San Antonio real estate?
The redevelopment supports downtown revitalization, introduces affordable urban housing options, and drives foot traffic to support local businesses. It also sets a precedent for historic preservation and adaptive reuse in San Antonio’s urban core.

• What neighborhoods may benefit from this redevelopment?
Nearby neighborhoods such as the Pearl District, Southtown, and the Lone Star District may see increased interest and rising property values due to the revitalization. The project also complements other adaptive reuse efforts across the downtown area.

• Will the building’s historic features be preserved?
Yes. The redevelopment plan emphasizes the preservation of key architectural elements, including the green tile roof, gargoyle stone carvings, and the building’s Gothic-style façade and interior lobby.

• How can I stay informed or explore nearby housing opportunities?
For updates on leasing, pricing, and nearby investment opportunities, contact Tami Price, Realtor. She tracks what’s trending in downtown and central San Antonio, including residential, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects.

I’m Tami Price, Broker Associate at Real Broker, LLC. I track what’s trending, so you don’t miss out.