AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas will begin a multiyear effort to restore, revitalize and reimagine its historic Tower, an iconic, enduring symbol of the University. This marks the first meaningful investment in the Tower since its completion in 1937. The project, titled “Our Tower: The Next 100 Years,” will begin its exterior restoration in November, following the University of Texas System Board of Regents’ approval of the $70 million budget in August.
“The most iconic symbol of The University of Texas, the Tower represents the long-standing tradition of excellence this great University is known for,” said UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife. “This restoration is one of the board’s top priorities, and we are thrilled the work is getting underway. We want every UT student, faculty and staff member, and alum to have a sense of pride as they walk across the Forty Acres, and especially when they see the Tower restored to its former glory.”
The initial work will be a comprehensive restoration of the Tower’s exterior including the stone, windows, lighting, clockface, and historic gilding on the facade of the building. Matching the building’s original appearance, the University will repaint metal and wood surfaces in their original color, reapply gilding to the Tower clock and cast-iron spandrels, and reconstruct the east and west entrances. The work also includes updating the exterior lighting to an LED-based system, replacing select roofs, and refurbishing windows to improve their appearance, operability and energy efficiency.
The exterior restoration is estimated to last through the summer of 2027. The building will remain in operation through the duration of construction. The Tower and Main Building will be protected with scaffolding and a decorative covering to ensure a safe and efficient restoration process. Although the project timeline calls for scaffolding to begin rising on the north facade of the Main Building in November, the scaffolding construction will not advance to cover the Tower and south facade of the Main Building until after our 2025 commencement celebration. Even with the scaffolding, the Tower will continue to be lit burnt orange to celebrate academic accomplishments and athletic victories, including conference and national championships.
“Our Tower was built as a sign of audacity and a young university’s aspirations for excellence. Nearly a century later, we have those same characteristics. The Tower represents what is possible for a world-class university that is committed to creating knowledge and teaching tomorrow’s leaders to change the world,” said UT President Jay Hartzell. “Thanks to the vision and support of our Board of Regents, and the generosity of alumni and friends, we are ready to begin realizing the future for our most important University landmark.”
To lead the design and restoration effort, the University has hired renowned architectural firm Robert A.M. Stern Architects LLC (RAMSA). RAMSA has deep expertise in revitalizing historic architecture and maintaining its character, while also modernizing for new use and to meet contemporary standards. The firm has extensive experience restoring, designing and planning academic and residential facilities on university campuses across the nation, including at the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame and Yale University.
In addition to the Board of Regents’ initial investment, the funding for this work comprises money from the Available University Fund and major gifts from individuals. Further fundraising and project visioning continues to determine the ultimate extent of the restoration and reimagination. Marcie and Bob Zlotnik are leading the campaign.
“Bob and I are honored to contribute to such a historic project for the University, which will restore the Tower to its former luster and secure its legacy for future generations of Longhorns,” said Marcie Zlotnik, who co-chairs the “Our Tower: The Next 100 Years” philanthropic campaign with her husband Bob. “The Tower holds such a special place in our hearts, and through the very earliest phase of this effort, we have relished connecting with many of the University’s friends and supporters to reignite our collective love for it.”
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