PROJECT DETAILS
San Antonio City Hall
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Installed Products
Engaging exterior illumination for San Antonio’s City Hall
San Antonio's City Hall is one of the longest continuously operating municipal facilities in the country. Initially constructed in 1892, it has been renovated - repeatedly - over its lifetime. The most significant work took place in 1927, when the building was altered with elements of the popular Spanish revival style.
The City brought in architects Ford, Powell & Carson (FPC) to undergo a massive restoration project, both indoors and out. Interior work was extensive, featuring a more organized floor plan, improved accessibility, and the uncovering of original 1927 ornate plaster ceilings and moldings. On the exterior, the limestone and cast stone cladding were restored along with the historic windows.
City Hall is located in a unique spot: it sits in the center of the historic Military Plaza and can be viewed in the round. While the original exterior illumination consisted of some general area lighting, the project team saw the opportunity to use dedicated facade lighting to showcase the stunning historical building. Hydrel’s 4750L RGBW linear floodlights were selected.
“Overall, we were looking to highlight the entire facade in a wash of light,” said Allison Chambers, principal and preservation specialist at FPC. “And we wanted luminaires that changed colors, so the City could light up the building to promote various events, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebration, or even a Spurs victory.”
Nine sets of 3 linear floodlights are placed strategically around the perimeter of the building. Ground-mounted, the 4-foot lengths are arranged together in a tiered formation. Each cluster consists of a wall wash, aimed at the bottom of the building, a wide flood aimed at the middle, and a very narrow spotlight aimed at the top. Together, they provide even illumination to the full four-floor height and perimeter of the building.
One of the challenges of getting the lighting right was a “moat” type space that surrounds the building. Intended to allow natural light into the basement windows, the team had to consider this as they positioned each luminaire cluster.
The luminaires offer a full range of RGBW colors as well as static white, at a 4000K color temperature. And because the 4750L integrates with DMX controls, it provides precise and flexible lighting management. City Hall staff can easily manipulate the controls to create the desired colors.
City Hall’s dynamic and colorful illumination has made it a much more active space at night.
“What color is City Hall tonight?” said Chambers. “The community is engaged! The lighting really draws people in and encourages them to come by and check it out. It’s been a very positive addition to the downtown’s west side.”
Project Completion: 2021
Architect: Ford, Powell & Carson
Landscape Architect: Rialto Studio Landscape Architecture
Agent: Spectrum Lighting
Photography: Brian Vogles Photography
San Antonio's City Hall is one of the longest continuously operating municipal facilities in the country. Initially constructed in 1892, it has been renovated - repeatedly - over its lifetime. The most significant work took place in 1927, when the building was altered with elements of the popular Spanish revival style.
The City brought in architects Ford, Powell & Carson (FPC) to undergo a massive restoration project, both indoors and out. Interior work was extensive, featuring a more organized floor plan, improved accessibility, and the uncovering of original 1927 ornate plaster ceilings and moldings. On the exterior, the limestone and cast stone cladding were restored along with the historic windows.
City Hall is located in a unique spot: it sits in the center of the historic Military Plaza and can be viewed in the round. While the original exterior illumination consisted of some general area lighting, the project team saw the opportunity to use dedicated facade lighting to showcase the stunning historical building. Hydrel’s 4750L RGBW linear floodlights were selected.
“Overall, we were looking to highlight the entire facade in a wash of light,” said Allison Chambers, principal and preservation specialist at FPC. “And we wanted luminaires that changed colors, so the City could light up the building to promote various events, such as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebration, or even a Spurs victory.”
Nine sets of 3 linear floodlights are placed strategically around the perimeter of the building. Ground-mounted, the 4-foot lengths are arranged together in a tiered formation. Each cluster consists of a wall wash, aimed at the bottom of the building, a wide flood aimed at the middle, and a very narrow spotlight aimed at the top. Together, they provide even illumination to the full four-floor height and perimeter of the building.
One of the challenges of getting the lighting right was a “moat” type space that surrounds the building. Intended to allow natural light into the basement windows, the team had to consider this as they positioned each luminaire cluster.
The luminaires offer a full range of RGBW colors as well as static white, at a 4000K color temperature. And because the 4750L integrates with DMX controls, it provides precise and flexible lighting management. City Hall staff can easily manipulate the controls to create the desired colors.
City Hall’s dynamic and colorful illumination has made it a much more active space at night.
“What color is City Hall tonight?” said Chambers. “The community is engaged! The lighting really draws people in and encourages them to come by and check it out. It’s been a very positive addition to the downtown’s west side.”
Project Completion: 2021
Architect: Ford, Powell & Carson
Landscape Architect: Rialto Studio Landscape Architecture
Agent: Spectrum Lighting
Photography: Brian Vogles Photography
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