Austin, Texas — Exciting Restoration Work Coming to the UT Tower
Get ready, Austin! The beloved University of Texas at Austin’s Tower is getting a makeover, and it’s about time! This landmark, a symbol of the university’s aspirations since it was completed in 1937, has seen better days. The university has plans to give the Tower a much-needed facelift, marking the first significant investment in its preservation in nearly 90 years.
What’s On the Horizon?
The project, titled “Our Tower: The Next 100 Years,” aims to restore the Tower to its former glory. Announced back in 2022, the university initially received approval from the Board of Regents for approximately $70 million to kickstart the restoration. Excitingly, this work is set to begin next month, with a detailed outline of what we can expect!
A Comprehensive Restoration
The restoration work will start on the exterior of the Tower and include several key updates:
- Stone restoration: The Tower’s stunning stonework will be repaired and cleaned.
- Window refurbishing: All of the windows will be spruced up to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
- Lighting improvement: The current lighting system will be upgraded to an energy-efficient LED setup.
- Clockface and gilding: The clockface will receive a rejuvenating coat of gilding, along with the cast-iron spandrels.
- Entrance reconstruction: Both the east and west entrances will be reconstructed to improve accessibility and curb appeal.
- Paintwork: Crews will repaint metal and wood surfaces to match the Tower’s original color scheme.
- Roof replacements: Select roofs will also be refreshed during this restoration journey.
Besides restoring the beauty of the Tower, this project is designed with longevity in mind. The exterior restoration is anticipated to last through the summer of 2027, so you might want to get used to seeing some scaffolding around!
Life Goes On During Restoration
Now, here’s the good news! The Tower and Main Building will remain operational during the construction process. They will be well-protected under scaffolding and a decorative covering. Scaffolding work is set to kick off in November, starting on the north side of the Main Building, but don’t worry — it won’t cover the Tower or the south façade until after the 2025 commencement. And for all you fans of lights – the iconic Tower will still be illuminated to celebrate UT’s academic and athletic accomplishments!
Who’s Behind This Makeover?
UT has teamed up with Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLC (RAMSA) to lead the restoration efforts. In addition to the Board of Regents’ investment, funds for this massive undertaking will also flow from the Available University Fund, along with generous donations from individuals. Fundraising efforts are ongoing to potentially expand the scope of this significant restoration initiative. The campaign is being expertly led by philanthropic duo Marcie and Bob Zlotnik.
Wrapping Up
As the restoration process unfolds, we’ll be witnessing a celebration of history and a bright leap into the future for the university’s cherished Tower. It’s comforting to know that this landmark will not just be preserved but will also continue to symbolize excellence and aspiration for generations to come. So, Austin, keep your eyes peeled as the restoration begins — it’s going to be a remarkable transformation!
