National Bank of Commerce
InterContinental San Antonio Riverwalk
Post Oak Preservation Solutions was engaged as the preservation consultant for the rehabilitation of the historic National Bank of Commerce in San Antonio, Texas, a landmark of Mid-Century Modern design. Constructed in 1958, the twenty-story steel-framed skyscraper was the first major building project in downtown San Antonio following the Great Depression and World War II, and was designed by renowned architects Kenneth Franzheim, along with Atlee B. Ayres and Robert M. Ayres. Clad in Indiana limestone and D’hanis brick masonry, the building’s architectural style reflects the post-war modernist movement and is a contributing resource within the San Antonio Downtown and Riverwalk National Register Historic District.
The rehabilitation project, which involved securing historic tax credits, focused on retaining the building’s significant character-defining features while adapting it for modern use as a hotel. Key historical elements, such as the limestone and brick façade, original window patterns, and the layout of the bank’s grand lobby with its 40-foot mural, were carefully preserved. Updates to the building include reconfiguring the ground floor to restore its open plan, closely resembling the original bank layout, and enhancing it with new amenities, including a reception, bar, restaurant, and fitness center. The upper floors, previously converted for hotel use, received upgraded finishes while maintaining their current configurations. The exterior alterations were minimal, with careful attention given to blending new elements—such as a new entrance canopy and modifications to the façade—with the original design.
By working closely with the architect and developers, Post Oak ensured the project met the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, allowing the building’s historic integrity to be preserved while aligning with the functional and aesthetic needs of a modern hotel. Our expertise in navigating the historic tax credit process and balancing preservation with contemporary design solutions demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the legacy of historic buildings while maximizing their potential for adaptive reuse. This project highlights Post Oak’s capability to guide large-scale rehabilitations that honor architectural history while meeting the demands of today’s real estate market, ensuring that historic properties remain vibrant assets for years to come.
