San Antonio is a historical town, and the people and businesses in our city place high importance on preserving the past while also supporting growth for the future. One such project is the 107-year-old St. Anthony Hotel, recently cast into the national spotlight for its beautiful renovation.

The “Queen of San Antonio” underwent a massive restoration project to restore its position as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike. For this endeavor, The St. Anthony Hotel is one of seven projects across the country to be granted a 2015 “Preservation’s Best” award, honoring the care, conservation, and creativity that went into updating the space.

The award, presented by the Historic Tax Credit (HTC) during the National Historic Preservation Advocacy Week in Washington, was accepted by St. Anthony co-owner Brandon Raney in front of members of Congress and preservation advocates.

“The St. Anthony is a unique property that’s woven into the fabric of San Antonio. We’re honored to have The St. Anthony’s restoration recognized as ‘Preservation’s Best’ and are proud to see what we think of as a ‘Texas jewel reborn’ once again being showcased on the national stage,” Raney said at the ceremony.

“Preservation’s Best” recognizes projects using the federal HTC that have not only conserved historic spaces but have also revitalized the community in some way. In order to have access to the credit, which contributed 20 percent of the renovation costs, The St. Anthony had to keep at least 75 percent of the existing external walls in place and 75 percent of the internal structure. Amazingly, the entirety of St. Anthony’s exterior remained in place.

Updated features to the hotel include two culinary hot spots: Rebelle, from restaurateur Andrew Goodman and acclaimed chef Stefan Bowers, and Haunt, a cocktail bar also helmed by Goodman and Bowers, which serves classic cocktails inspired by haunting legends of The St. Anthony.

The 277 guest rooms and suites and 31,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space were also given a facelift, delivering a luxurious atmosphere of sweeping views, opulent decor, and a cozy ambiance.

The St. Anthony was the first property in Texas to receive the Texas Historic Preservation Tax Credit. Combined with the growth of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts and the renovation of downtown’s Travis Park, The St. Anthony’s renovation is credited for rejuvenating San Antonio’s theater district.

The elegant and timeless charm of The St. Anthony is legendary in the Alamo City. And with the hotel’s help, the future of San Antonio’s downtown scene has never looked brighter.

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