The UT Tower will undergo historic restoration beginning this fall

AUSTIN, Texas – The University of Texas will begin a multi-year project to restore, revitalize and redesign its historic tower, an iconic and enduring symbol of the university. This is the first significant investment in the tower since its completion in 1937. The project, titled “Our Tower: The Next 100 Years,” will begin exterior restoration in November following approval from the University of Texas System Board of Regents It approved a $70 million budget in August.

“The Tower is the most iconic symbol of the University of Texas and represents the longstanding tradition of excellence for which this great university is known,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. “This restoration is one of the board’s top priorities and we are excited to see work begin. We want all UT students, faculty, staff and alumni to feel proud as they walk the Forty Acres, and especially when they see the Tower restored to its former glory.”

The first work will be a comprehensive restoration of the tower's exterior, including stone, windows, lighting, clock face and historic gilding on the building's facade. To match the building's original appearance, the university will repaint metal and wood surfaces in their original color, re-gild the tower clock and cast-iron spandrels, and reconstruct the east and west entrances. The work also includes converting exterior lighting to an LED-based system, replacing selected roofs and renovating windows to improve their appearance, usability and energy efficiency.

The exterior renovation is expected to last until summer 2027. The building will remain operational throughout construction. The tower and main building will be protected with scaffolding and decorative covering to ensure a safe and efficient restoration process. Although the project schedule calls for scaffolding to begin on the north facade of the main building in November, scaffolding for the tower and south facade of the main building will not progress until after our opening ceremony in 2025. Despite the scaffolding, the tower will continue to shine in orange light to celebrate academic achievements and athletic victories, including conference and national championships.

“Our tower was built as a symbol of a young university’s boldness and pursuit of excellence. Almost a century later, we have the same characteristics. The Tower represents what is possible for a world-class university committed to creating knowledge and educating the leaders of tomorrow 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 poised to realize the future of our most important university landmark.”

The university has commissioned the renowned architectural firm Robert AM Stern Architects LLC (RAMSA) to manage the design and restoration work. RAMSA has extensive expertise in revitalizing historic architecture and preserving its character while modernizing for new use and meeting contemporary standards. The firm has extensive experience restoring, designing and planning academic and residential facilities on college campuses across the country, including the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame and Yale University.

In addition to the Board of Regents' initial investment, funding for this work includes monies from the Available University Fund and large donations from individuals. Additional fundraising efforts and project visions continue to determine the final scope of the restoration and redesign. Marcie and Bob Zlotnik are leading the campaign.

“Bob and I are honored to contribute to such a historic project for the university that will restore the Tower to its former glory and ensure its legacy for future generations of Longhorns,” said Marcie Zlotnik, co-chair of “Our Tower: The philanthropic campaign “The Next 100 Years” with her husband Bob. “The Tower holds a very special place in our hearts and in the very early stages of this effort we have enjoyed connecting with many of the University’s friends and supporters to rekindle our shared love for it.”

More photos can be found via this UT Box link. Credit for all images: The University of Texas at Austin.