Historic Reuter Building’s New Chapter: Balancing Heritage and Entertainment in San Antonio
The sale of the historic Reuter Building, located on the corner of Crockett and Alamo Streets, marks a significant transition for San Antonio. Old Town Trolley Tours® of San Antonio, known for their engaging and informative tours, has acquired this four-story structure, along with the Amazing Mirror Maze, The Vault Laser Maze Challenge, Escape Street, and the Fun Zone. This transaction offers a mixed bag of gains and losses for the city.
Built in 1891 by architects James Wahrenberger and Albert Felix Beckmann, the Reuter Building stands as a testament to Victorian architecture. Named after William “Billy” Reuter, a German immigrant who operated a saloon on its first floor, the building is a unique piece of San Antonio’s history. Its distinctive features, such as the protruding windows, angled corner, and the large letter “R” on top, make it the last of its kind on Alamo Square. The structure’s historical significance is further cemented by its association with Wahrenberger and Beckmann, who also designed the Lone Star Brewery, now the San Antonio Museum of Art.
From a cultural heritage perspective, San Antonio gains a revitalized landmark that will continue to draw tourists and locals alike. Steve Burress, General Manager of Old Town Trolley Tours of San Antonio, emphasizes the alignment of the building’s history with their mission of storytelling. “The Reuter Building offers Old Town Trolley Tours a great foothold on Alamo Square. The building history and the role it played in the history of San Antonio, is right in line with our company being The Nation’s Storyteller. The Amazing Mirror Maze and the different games and activities it offers will be great for kids of all ages,” he noted. This development promises to enhance the area’s appeal, providing new and exciting entertainment options for families and visitors.
Old Town Trolley Tours® operates in multiple cities, including Key West, Boston, Washington, DC, Savannah, St. Augustine, San Diego, and Nashville. Their acquisition of the Reuter Building is part of a broader strategy by Historic Tours of America® to provide historically oriented vacation experiences across the United States. This move brings their brand of storytelling to the heart of San Antonio, aiming to intertwine fun and history.
