Smith-Young Tower / Tower Life Building, 1929
Prolific San Antonio architects Atlee B. and Robert Ayres designed the neo-gothic skyscraper, originally known as the Smith-Young Tower. Step inside to view the spectacular gothic revival style lobby and ornate bronze elevator doors. This building and its neighbors occupy what was once known as Bowen’s Island, formed by a loop in the river and the Pajalache Acequia (irrigation ditch), also known as the Concepcion Acequia.
The land comprised the homestead of John and Mary Bowen, who built their house there in 1866. John Bowen served as the first U.S. Postmaster of San Antonio. The island later featured a public beer garden called Central Garden. The San Antonio Turn Verein (German gymnastics club) held its meetings and exhibitions there. In 1923, J.H. and F.A. Smith, successful contractors, purchased the “island” and began its development when the loop in the river was straightened and the old channel and irrigation ditch filled.
Atlee B. and Robert Ayres designed all of the major structures on the island including the Smith-Young Tower (now the Tower Life Building) and the Plaza Hotel on the opposite side of St. Mary’s Street, then the tallest hotel in the city. It is now the Granada Homes/Hotel. Notice the elaborate detail of the arched front entrance.
Architects Atlee B. and Robert Ayres also designed the two structures at Villita and Navarro Streets: the imposing 1928 Classical Revival style Federal Reserve Bank at 127 Navarro Street, which now serves as the Mexican Consulate; and the A.B. Frank Building at 145 Navarro Street, built for A.B. Frank’s grocery and dry goods business and now the headquarters of City Public Service. Although a 1980s renovation greatly altered the façade of the Frank Building, the original roofline cornice is still visible.
North of Villita Street is the Navarro Street Bridge, constructed in 1922 and originally known as the Mill Bridge. The obelisk light posts match those on the St. Mary’s Street Bridge.
The land comprised the homestead of John and Mary Bowen, who built their house there in 1866. John Bowen served as the first U.S. Postmaster of San Antonio. The island later featured a public beer garden called Central Garden. The San Antonio Turn Verein (German gymnastics club) held its meetings and exhibitions there. In 1923, J.H. and F.A. Smith, successful contractors, purchased the “island” and began its development when the loop in the river was straightened and the old channel and irrigation ditch filled.
Atlee B. and Robert Ayres designed all of the major structures on the island including the Smith-Young Tower (now the Tower Life Building) and the Plaza Hotel on the opposite side of St. Mary’s Street, then the tallest hotel in the city. It is now the Granada Homes/Hotel. Notice the elaborate detail of the arched front entrance.
Architects Atlee B. and Robert Ayres also designed the two structures at Villita and Navarro Streets: the imposing 1928 Classical Revival style Federal Reserve Bank at 127 Navarro Street, which now serves as the Mexican Consulate; and the A.B. Frank Building at 145 Navarro Street, built for A.B. Frank’s grocery and dry goods business and now the headquarters of City Public Service. Although a 1980s renovation greatly altered the façade of the Frank Building, the original roofline cornice is still visible.
North of Villita Street is the Navarro Street Bridge, constructed in 1922 and originally known as the Mill Bridge. The obelisk light posts match those on the St. Mary’s Street Bridge.
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Photo by Hayes Productions, Inc., 11.0216, San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation Library
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Smith-Young Tower /
Tower Life Building, 1929
310 S St Mary's St
San Antonio, TX 78210
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