The Tower Life Building, a historic landmark in San Antonio, is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Since last fall, developers have been working on an ambitious project to convert the 31-story skyscraper from office spaces into a mixed-use residential and retail hub along the San Antonio River Walk.
This transformation marks a significant shift for the building, which was originally constructed in 1929 with its back to the river. Over the years, flood-proof walls blocked access to the river, but the new plans aim to integrate the building seamlessly with the River Walk, creating a vibrant neighborhood.
The Vision Behind the Transformation
In 2026, McCombs Enterprises partnered with real estate investor Jon Wiegand and developer Ed Cross to acquire the Tower Life Building from the descendants of H.B. Zachry. The developer team launched a major renovation, following a nationwide trend of converting office spaces into residential towers. The project includes 244 units, five penthouse-level units, and a full suite of modern amenities.
The transformation is expected to be completed later this year, with the next stage of the project focusing on renovating the river- and street-level of the building for retail spaces. The estimated cost for the 23,000-square-foot remodel is $3.5 million, with completion expected in April 2027. The city’s Historic and Design Review Commission approved the plans in May, which were submitted by San Antonio-based Beaty Palmer Architects.
A Historic Building with a Rich Past
Designed by noted architect Atlee B. Ayres, the Tower Life Building is a Gothic Revival-style structure that was until 1968 the tallest building in San Antonio. The first section of the River Walk wasn’t completed until 1941, about 12 years after the Tower Life Building was constructed.
“The river was a ditch,” developer Ed Cross said during a pre-construction tour of the property. “So what we call the back of house — the elevator, fire stairs, and freight elevator — were all against the river, which is now the most valuable property.”
The building’s earliest occupant was a Sears department store, which operated for 10 years on the first six floors. According to a National Register of Historic Places document, guests of the adjacent hotel could enter the flagship department store through a tunnel below St. Mary’s Street. Above the store, the tower adorned with stone gargoyles housed a bank of six elevators and offices for lawyers, insurance agencies, and other business people.
The Future of Tower Life Building
Real estate investor and project lead Jon Wiegand emphasized that the building is not being redeveloped as a traditional retail project with apartments above it. Instead, it is being transformed into a residential neighborhood whose ground floor happens to be one of the most compelling retail opportunities in San Antonio.
“Our objective is to curate a cohesive collection of experiences,” Wiegand said. “The limited amount of retail space gives us the opportunity to be highly selective and create a mix of concepts that serve residents, attract neighbors, and reinforce Tower Life’s identity as a vibrant mixed-use destination.”
The future set of retail and food-and-beverage outlets hasn’t been determined yet. However, the developer team, which includes individuals from Front Porch Design Group, Alamo Architects, and Jordan Foster Construction, is working closely with Wisconsin-based J Jeffers & Co. to adapt the heritage building for modern use.