Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/820377
I DA U N I V E R S A L M ay -J u n e 2 0 1 7 4 EDITOR'S NOTES Nancy Estes, MBA, CAE Executive Director/Editor T he Tower of the Americas is a 750-foot (230-meter) observa- tion tower/restaurant, located in the HemisFair district of the southeastern portion of downtown San Antonio, Texas. e Tower was designed by San Antonio architect O'Neil Ford and built as the theme struc- ture of the 1968 World's Fair, Hemis- Fair '68. It was the fi rst offi cially designated international exposition in the southwestern United States. e fair, which commemorated the 250th anniversary of the founding of San Antonio, derived its name as a celebration of the cultural heritage shared by San Antonio and the nations of Latin America – Hemis-Fair. More than 30 nations participated with exhibit pavilions. e largest pavilion, belonging to the State of Texas, was called the Institute of Texan Cultures. It mounted displays of many of the ethnic and national groups that formed modern Texas. e Institute and the Tower of the Americas remained a er the fair, as did the Convention Center and Arena. Construction of the Tower was noteworthy because of the method employed. e 1.4 million-pound top Eyes of Texas Observation Deck house, containing observation decks and a restaurant (76 feet tall), was built on the ground and then moved to the top, inch by inch, with 24 steel li ing rods. e process took 20 days. e Tower boasts a glass elevator, two observation decks, a rotating restaurant and bar, a banquet room and meeting space, café, snack bar, gi shop and views of San Antonio that are unrivaled. e "top house" is so well balanced that it takes just a one-horsepower motor to rotate the structure as it provides beautiful panoramic views of the City of San Antonio. e "Eyes of Texas" Observa- tion Deck off ers labeled pictures on the deck's fl oor, pinpointing landmarks to help visitors identify their surroundings, and historic photos that prompt wonderful discussions. From captivating murals that line the walls, you can also learn the history of the six fl ags that have fl own over Texas. Read about Mexico's attack at the Alamo, French explorer Louis St. Denis' mapping of the Camino Real Trail, Spain's domination of Texas for more than 300 years and much more! e grounds surrounding the Tower are a sight to behold. Quiet nights give way to the soothing sounds of cascading water spilling over beautiful, tiered stone-terraced waterfalls and water features. Join us in San Antonio for this spectacular event and trade show. My best to you and yours, Nancy