Historic Texas Pavilion gains national recognition as landmark

A significant milestone was achieved for a historic building in San Antonio, as it has been officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This building, a remnant of the 1968 HemisFair, was originally designed as the Texas Pavilion and is a hallmark of the Hemisphere campus. The architectural firm Codell, Rowlett, Scott designed the structure in a distinctive brutalist style, notable for its original windowless facade, which was later altered to include six windows.

Located at the southeast corner of the Hemisphere campus, the building is strategically positioned near the Alamo Dome and the downtown area, making it a central feature of the city. The design of the building is complemented by modernist landscaping, including fountains and water features, which enhance its aesthetic appeal.

The building serves as the Institute for Texan Cultures, providing a venue for research and cultural displays. Its interior, characterized by artificial lighting due to the lack of windows, houses various archives and exhibits. The recent listing in the National Register was approved after a review by the state board of review and the National Park Service, recognizing its architectural significance and its historical association with the HemisFair, the only world's fair ever held in Texas. This designation underscores the building's importance as a cultural and historical asset for the region.