Its
narrow footprint and imposing presence gives this
building the illusion that it is much taller than
13 stories. However, its Gothic Revival detailing
is what has made it a landmark in San Antonio and
a rarity in Texas and the western half of the United
States. Originally constructed as the Medical Arts
Building, its facade is made of ornately sculpted
stone and terra cotta. In 1976 it was turned into
office space, and then in 1985 became a hotel named
after Emily Morgan, the woman believed to be the inspiration
for the song "The Yellow Rose of Texas." History recalls
her as the 20-year-old who distracted Mexican general
Santa Ana at the battle of San Jacinto, enabling the
Texas revolutionaries to defeat the Mexican army.
To this day, the building belies its medical history.
The gargoyles don't wail outwardly into the night.
Rather, they suffer internally with various ailments,
including the toothaches that would be treated here.
There is a blank area between the 13th floor and the
observation tower. That area was intended for a clock
that was never installed.
Annette Rene Conaway - 31 December, 2002: