McCombs Enterprises to Transform Historic San Antonio Landmark Into Luxury Community

McCombs Enterprises transforms the 1929 Tower Life Building into 242 luxury apartments, blending historic Gothic architecture with modern smart-home technology.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 13, 2026, 6:27 AM EDT

Source: https://www.multihousingnews.com/

Adaptive Reuse of a Texan Architectural Icon

The transformation of the Tower Life Building marks one of the most significant adaptive reuse projects in San Antonio’s recent history. Owner McCombs Enterprises is currently transitioning the 31-story historic office tower into Tower Life Residences, a sophisticated 242-unit multifamily community. Strategically located at 310 South Saint Mary’s Street, the project aims to breathe new life into a skyscraper that served as the city’s tallest building for 39 years. This conversion comes at a time when San Antonio's multifamily pipeline is beginning to moderate, with approximately 15,600 units currently under construction across the metro area.

A Fusion of Gothic Heritage and Smart Technology

Originally completed in 1929 as the Smith-Young Tower, the building is renowned for its eight-sided design, green tile roof, and intricate Gothic-inspired gargoyles. In an effort to address local concerns regarding historic preservation, the development team—including Front Porch Design Group and Alamo Architects—has committed to leaving the iconic lobby and exterior facade untouched. Inside, however, the structure will be modernized with state-of-the-art smart home technology, custom millwork, and whole-home sound systems. The crown jewels of the development will be three expansive penthouses featuring wrap-around terraces that offer panoramic views of the San Antonio skyline.

Integrating Social Responsibility and Amenity Excellence

The project is notable not only for its luxury but also for its commitment to workforce housing. Through a Public Facility Corporation (PFC) agreement with Bexar County, McCombs Enterprises has designated 50 percent of the 242 apartments as affordable housing units. Beyond the residences, the "Tower Life Residences" will offer a comprehensive amenity suite on the seventh floor, including a library, bar spaces, and dedicated coworking areas. Additional features include a 5,000-square-foot rooftop garden, a fitness center with a yoga studio, and a specialized dog spa. The building’s location also grants residents direct access to the San Antonio River Walk and integrated river-level retail spaces.