Construction

Construction began on February 10, 1967. After the foundations and the top house counterweight were completed work began on the Tower’s shaft. With around the clock operations the shaft grew at an approximate rate of ten feet per day. Once the shaft was completed construction began on the top house. Unlike the Space Needle in Seattle whose top house frame was built in place, San Antonio’s top house frame was built near ground level. After the basic steel frame was completed and the main elevator hardware was installed the top house made the journey to its finished location atop the completed shaft.

Newspaper articles

Here are some local newspaper clippings from the San Antonio Light (January 5th through 24th 1968) chronicling the top house’s journey to its final location: (Click on images for a closer look)

Images

Below are some press images of the construction of the Tower. (Click on images for a closer look)