Shout it from the Rooftops!
San Antonio's historic Aztec Theater raises the curtain on modern rooftop terrace
For nearly 100 years, downtown's Aztec Theater has played a starring role in the lives of generation after generation of San Antonians. Beginning this fall, the historic theater will undergo very modern renovations, adding a bar, rooftop terrace, and more.
It's been more than a year since the City of San Antonio's Historic and Design Review Commission granted approval for the project in January 2018, an ambitious renovation which will add, among other features, a rooftop terrace to the century-old building. On July 1, the public finally got more details about the upgraded Aztec Theatre — including an opening date.
The project will officially break ground in September, led by San Antonio-based architecture firm Overland Partners with historical preservation specialists Seventh Generation Design serving as consultants.
Perhaps the most ambitious undertaking is Overland's transformation of the Aztec's rooftop into a "multipurpose event space accommodating approximately 200 to 220 guests" and, of course, a bar. As part of the construction, Overland will expand the building's façade by 22 feet, allowing for more space and an expanded skyline view.
According to a release, the Aztec's new rooftop will serve primarily as an event space, but the bar will open to the public when not in use.
Along with the rooftop reno, the Aztec's second floor will also undergo a facelift. A new 1,500-square-foot terrace overlooking Crockett Street and the River Walk will have capacity for an additional 100-120 people.
"The space will serve as a pre- and post-event area for Aztec Theatre’s shows, such as its Live Nation concerts but will also be available as a private space to be rented out," says a release.
Overland also notes that this new design will add more light for pedestrians walking along Crockett Street. This, says Overland, will not only enhance the Aztec Theatre, but the entire River Walk experience.
“We’re excited to revitalize an already iconic and historic San Antonio landmark,” says Tim Blonkvist, Overland Partner’s principal of the project, in a release. “The upgrades have been designed to give the community a more intimate River Walk and downtown experience.”
According to Overland, the updates should be complete by August 2020.
