San Antonio “Tower” to Get Needed Repairs

Repairs to the Tower of the Americas are now expected to commence more than two years after plans were initiated.

The San Antonio Business Journal reports that the San Antonio City Council is set to approve a lease renewal with Houston-based Landry’s for the Chart House, the rotating restaurant at the top of the tower. Work to upgrade the tower is now expected to start in spring 2025.

The project will cost $19.4 million. The city’s portion is $15.4 million, while Landry’s will kick in an additional $4 million. Based on a 2020 evaluation, the tower needs numerous upgrades to its plumbing, mechanical support systems, fire safety and other areas. While the restaurant is expected to remain open during the renovations, a two-month shutdown is expected after the projected start date in April.

The tower, designed by San Antonio architect O’Neil Ford, was built as the theme structure of the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ’68.