The Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas, is a historic landmark that has a fascinating history dating back to the late 19th century. Its story begins with the construction of the Pearl Brewery, which was founded by a German immigrant named Otto Koehler in 1881.
Under Koehler’s leadership, the Pearl Brewery became one of the largest and most successful breweries in Texas. In 1914, Otto Koehler passed away, leaving his wife, Emma Koehler, to take over the brewery operations during a challenging period in American history: Prohibition.
Emma Koehler, a remarkable and resilient woman, managed to keep the Pearl Brewery afloat by shifting production to non-alcoholic beverages, such as near beer and soda. She maintained the employment of workers throughout the Prohibition era, a feat that few breweries were able to achieve.
However, tragedy struck in 1914 when a boiler exploded in the brewery, killing several workers and causing extensive damage. Determined to rebuild and improve, Emma Koehler commissioned renowned architect August Maritzen to design a new brewery building that would be both functional and beautiful.
Maritzen’s design was inspired by the European castles and breweries Emma had admired during her travels. The result was a stunning structure featuring Romanesque Revival architecture, with intricate brickwork, grand arches, and towering smokestacks.
The new brewery building was completed in 1894 and quickly became a beloved symbol of San Antonio’s brewing heritage. It thrived under Emma’s leadership and the dedication of its employees. The Pearl Brewery produced a wide range of beers, including the popular “Pearl” brand, which became an icon in Texas.
Unfortunately, the Pearl Brewery faced challenges in the latter half of the 20th century, as competition from larger breweries and changing consumer preferences led to a decline in production. In 1985, the brewery ceased operations, marking the end of an era.
However, the story of the Pearl Brewery was far from over. The historic brewery building remained a cherished landmark in San Antonio, and its potential for redevelopment was recognized. In 2002, a group of visionary individuals formed Silver Ventures and embarked on a journey to transform the former brewery into a vibrant mixed-use development known as the Pearl.
As part of the redevelopment project, the iconic brewery building was meticulously restored and repurposed into the Hotel Emma, named in honor of Emma Koehler’s enduring legacy. The hotel opened its doors in 2015 and quickly became a crown jewel in the Pearl district.
Today, the Hotel Emma stands as a testament to San Antonio’s rich brewing history and the resilience of the Koehler family. It serves as a luxurious retreat for visitors from around the world, while preserving the architectural beauty and cultural heritage of the original Pearl Brewery. The hotel seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering guests an unforgettable experience steeped in history, elegance, and the spirit of Emma Koehler’s indomitable legacy.
We had the distinct honor of being selected by the design team at Roman & Williams, to supply two king size antique iron beds for their premier suites in the newly restored hotel.
