UT Completed Major Tower Facade Restoration Work
The $77 million project will keep some scaffolding on the Austin landmark through the spring of 2028.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Home Renovation
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University of Texas at Austin crews have finished major repairs on the iconic tower and main building, marking the structure's 100th anniversary with a top-to-bottom refresh. The project, which covers everything from historic masonry to hand-gilded lettering, is currently mid-way through its multi-year timeline.
Why it matters
As a central fixture of the Austin skyline, the tower's maintenance ensures the preservation of one of the city's most recognizable historic structures. The ongoing work serves as a significant investment in the longevity of the campus's most famous architectural asset.
The university has poured $77 million into the restoration of 439 windows and 54,000 square feet of masonry. While much of the work is complete, the project still involves 16,000 linear feet of scaffolding currently surrounding the tower.
The players
University of Texas at Austin
The public research university managing the extensive preservation of its central campus tower.
The details
Workers have cleaned and repaired 54,000 square feet of granite and limestone to return the tower to its original state. The team also hand-gilded 114 alphabet characters using gold leafing to refresh the historic exterior. Scaffolding has been installed across 3 miles of total length to facilitate this precise labor.
Timeline
July 2026: Project manager toured the site with reporters.
Summer 2027: South-facing facades are expected to be clear of scaffolding.
Spring 2028: Final removal of scaffolding from all facades is anticipated.
The Texas Context
This effort follows a pattern set by the 100th anniversary of the tower's completion, prioritizing historic preservation alongside modern building standards. It represents one of the largest facade-specific restoration investments in the university's recent history.
Commuters and students should expect to see scaffolding obstructing the view of the tower through the spring of 2028. The south-facing side of the structure is slated to be the first to open back up, with visibility expected to clear by the summer of 2027.
The takeaway
Visitors to campus can watch the project's progress as the tower sheds its scaffolding in phases over the next few years. Keep an eye on the south facade specifically, as that section is scheduled for completion well ahead of the full project wrap-up in 2028.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in our Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
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