Where Connection Happens
People come for Mahjong. They return for connection. The Polished Tile exists to create intentional environments where conversation happens naturally, strangers become familiar, and people feel both stimulated and at ease.
San Antonio newspaper clipping, December 1909, reporting the completion of the McGown residence.
History
Established in 1909
In 1908, prominent San Antonio attorney Floyd McGown commissioned architect Alfred Giles, the same architect behind the historic Menger Hotel, to design a French Renaissance residence at 511 West French Place. Completed in 1909, the home became one of Laurel Heights' architectural landmarks and, for nearly two decades, one of San Antonio's most active social addresses. The McGown family filled it with musicales, teas, receptions, and the kind of gatherings that shaped the city's cultural life, hosting names like the Brackenridge, Maverick, and Onderdonk families along the way.
While designing the McGown residence, architect Alfred Giles was also looking toward San Antonio's future. In 1911, he publicly advocated for cleaning, beautifying, and improving the San Antonio River, proposing it become a scenic destination for residents and visitors alike. Decades before the River Walk existed, Giles recognized the river's potential, a vision that, alongside his work on the McGown residence and the Menger Hotel, shaped San Antonio's architectural and cultural identity.
The McGown family's influence extended well beyond their years at 511 West French Place. Marjorie McGown later served as Executive Director of St. Mary's Hall, helping guide one of San Antonio's oldest schools for more than a decade. Through law, architecture, philanthropy, the arts, and civic leadership, and through friendships with families like the Onderdonks, Brackenridges, Mavericks, Terrells, and Guenthers, the McGowns helped shape San Antonio during a period of extraordinary growth.
The house changed hands in 1926, but the spirit of those rooms never really left. Today, that same residence is home to The Polished Tile, where gathering, conversation, and connection carry on more than a century later.
With thanks to Misty Eve Duncan for the historical research behind this story.
Art & Design
Carefully Curated
This historic Monte Vista mansion was not built to be renovated. It was built to last. Original woodwork, soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, and architectural details that have stood for over a century. Every room was restored with intention, honoring what was already there while creating something entirely new. The result is a gathering place that feels both timeless and alive.
OUR FOUNDER
Erika Gonzales is the founder of The Polished Tile, where she brings people together through meaningful, table-based experiences blending connection, strategy, and community.
Before launching The Polished Tile, Erika spent 14 years as a C-suite Operations executive at Physician Life Care Planning (PLCP), a damages valuation provider. She led Operations, Production, Accounting, and Human Resources, building strong systems, developing high-performing teams, and helping guide the company's long-term growth. Along the way, she also planned and hosted dozens of corporate programs, leadership meetings, and private events, discovering that some of the best conversations and biggest breakthroughs happen around a table.
Today, Erika combines her executive experience with passion for creating spaces where people genuinely connect. Through Mahjong, she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations strengthen communication, sharpen decision-making, practice diplomacy, and slow down long enough to think strategically. To Erika, Mahjong is much more than a game; it's a powerful framework for leadership, etiquette, collaboration, and well-being.
Outside of work, Erika is a real estate investor, an enthusiastic traveler, and someone who is always planning her next adventure. She's on a mission to cross off an ever-growing bucket list, loves getting lost in a good book, and treasures time spent with family and friends. At home, she's kept happily entertained by four dogs, one cat, and an African Sulcata tortoise who keeps life just as interesting as the people around her.
Grounded in the belief that people are every organization's greatest asset, Erika's work is centered on one simple idea: when people gather around a table with intention, remarkable things happen. Trust is built, ideas emerge, relationships deepen, and better decisions follow.
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SUN-MON: Closed
TUE-THU: 10AM - 8PM
FRI - SAT: 10AM - 10PM
511 W French Pl,
San Antonio, TX 78212
Call Us At: 726-265-8453