Alamo Area Construction News - December 6

December 6, 2024
Map of Alamo area construction in December 2024

Traffic Restrictions in the Alamo District: 
As part of ongoing construction efforts, vehicle access remains restricted in the Alamo District. The affected areas include Commerce Street to Crockett Street, and along Crockett Street from Alamo Plaza to Losoya Street. Additionally, Houston Street between Losoya and Alamo Plaza is also impacted. These traffic limitations are essential to ensure the safe and efficient progress of construction activities in the area.

For pedestrian convenience and safety, we've implemented several enhancements:

  • A protective fence now surrounds the future Texas Cavalier Education Center, cordoning off the southern part of the Alamo Gardens and the passage between the Menger Hotel and the Alamo, while maintaining uninterrupted pedestrian flow.
  • Defined pedestrian lanes are in place from North to South on Alamo Plaza and East to West on Crockett St., marking the western boundary of the Alamo District.
  • Two pedestrian routes near the Menger Hotel stretches from North to South, providing a direct passage linking Alamo Plaza with the River Center Mall vicinity.
  • Dedicated pedestrian flow is established on the north side of Houston Street, between Alamo Street and Losoya Street.

Alamo Plz. Crossing Access Near Rivercenter Mall - Important Notice

To complete the Plaza de Valero project, west-east access across Alamo Plz. near the H&M at Rivercenter Mall and Pat O'Brien's will be closed until December 20. However, access remains available at Alamo Plaza and Commerce Street.

Plaza de Valero

We are happy to report that the Plaza de Valero project is on schedule to open on December 20, 2024.

Construction is progressing smoothly, with ongoing work on the pavilion, sub-slab pours, and the installation of pavers, irrigation systems, utilities, soil, and grass throughout the Plaza. These updates will contribute to creating a vibrant and welcoming space for visitors to enjoy.

Additionally, the construction fenceline in the southern area of Plaza de Valero was adjusted slightly to the south a few weeks ago. This minor shift does not impact pedestrian traffic on Blum St., and visitors continue to have safe and full access to navigate the area. We look forward to welcoming you to the completed Plaza de Valero soon!

Large grass area surrounded by trees in community park

Mission Gate & Lunette

The Mission Gate and Lunette interpretation debuted earlier this year, offering a new perspective on the Alamo’s historic grounds. Supplemental enhancements are still underway, including the installation of additional lighting, irrigation, new pavers, and landscaping to enrich the area. Excitingly, the corridor between the Mission Gate and Lunette and the Menger Hotel is permanently open, providing seamless access to this significant part of the Alamo!

Construction workers over pot holes in Mission Gate area

Visitor Center and Museum (VCM)

The demolition work for the Visitor Center and Museum (VCM), scheduled to open in 2027, is progressing and construction began on Oct. 1. As part of these efforts, Houston Street adjacent to the VCM has been closed to facilitate logistics. Additionally, the fenced parameter for this project has been extended into Alamo Plaza. Please refer to the updated stakeholder map at the top of this notice for further details.

Construction truck outside of museum building

Alamo Promenade

The Alamo Promenade, located just south of Plaza de Valero, will feature thoughtfully designed elements such as statues honoring key historical figures, shaded seating areas, and interpretive signage. This welcoming space will offer additional trees and commemorative features, creating a serene environment for relaxation and reflection while seamlessly connecting Commerce Street and Plaza de Valero. Visitors will be guided on an educational journey through Texas’s rich history.

The construction fence for the Alamo Promenade has shifted slightly westward, and early potholing investigations have begun in the area. Pedestrian access across Alamo Street from east to west remains available at both Blum Street and Commerce Street.

Rendering of Alamo Promenade with a family posing for a photo in front of a photographer

Paseo del Alamo

The Paseo del Alamo project, connecting the Riverwalk and the Alamo, has begun early construction. Since early this year, construction fencing has been erected to secure and define the construction area. New rendering windscreens were placed at this location to help show how the space will appear. Access to the Ripley's Believe It or Not! gift shop remains open to pedestrians.

Construction truck and workers in outdoor area

Texas Cavaliers Education Center

The demolition of the Alamo Annex has been completed, paving the way for the new Texas Cavaliers Education Center. Structural steel framing work is continuing to the west side of the Alamo Hall building. With the site now clear, construction of the new center, scheduled to open in late 2025, has begun. This phase involves integrating the historic Alamo Hall into the state-of-the-art facility.

The construction process will ensure that Alamo Hall is preserved and enhanced as part of the new center, providing a rich learning environment for students.

Construction crane and materials outside the future education center

Houston North Streetscape

Red brick sidewalk area with tree planters

In 2018, the San Antonio City Council voted to transform this section of Houston Street, which includes part of the Alamo Mission and battlefield footprint, into a pedestrian-only zone after construction, enhancing both visitor experience and safety. To support local businesses, wayfinding signage will be installed and updated maps will be established in coordination with the City of San Antonio, ensuring smooth traffic flow and accessibility during this transition. Pedestrian access through this corridor will remain available throughout the construction of the Visitor Center and Museum.

Clark/Guido Neighbor Letter

Our General Contractor, Clark Guido, who is managing many of the projects related to the Alamo Plan, has prepared a letter for the Alamo's surrounding neighbors. This letter includes important information and points of contact should you wish to reach out directly to Clark Guido during the ongoing construction.

We want to ensure that you feel informed and supported throughout this process. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Alamo directly. We are here to assist you and appreciate your understanding as we work to enhance this historic site.

Wayfinding

Red fence wrap noting pedestrians welcome and businesses open

Wayfinding Signage: In partnership with the City of San Antonio, signs are being placed to promote local businesses in the affected area, ensuring visitors remain informed that these establishments are still operational and accessible. Wayfinding signs have been strategically placed to navigate around the Alamo District efficiently.

Signage for the area around the future Alamo Promenade and Commerce St. area are being printed and will be installed soon. 

Wayfinding Map: Thanks to the collaboration with Visit San Antonio, we have developed an Alamo Plaza Wayfinding Map. This resource is designed to enhance your visit by providing clear and comprehensive navigation through the area. You can download a copy of the map here.

Please note that this map is also in the process of being updated soon.

Map of Alamo Plaza wayfinding

Extended Hours for Greater Access: The pathway through the Alamo Arcade is open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring continuous access from near the Alamo Church to the Menger Hotel.

Safety and Accessibility
The safety of our community, visitors, and team members remains our top priority. We sincerely thank you for respecting these safety measures and refraining from entering restricted zones. 
 
Your Valued Input
Your insights and suggestions have proven invaluable to us. We're dedicated to keeping you informed every step of the way, and we welcome your input in refining our communication process. If you know of any additional contacts who should receive our weekly updates, please don't hesitate to let us know. Your support in keeping our community well-informed is greatly appreciated.
 
Staying Connected
As we move forward with our construction endeavors, we encourage you to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you might have. We're here to address any inquiries and provide you with the information you need. Your enthusiasm and patience inspire us, and we're excited to continue this journey together.

In addition to these weekly construction updates, the Alamo Trust, Inc. also hosts quarterly breakfast updates, bi-weekly calls, and joins the City of San Antonio downtown construction updates. If you would like to be added to the distribution listings for the quarterly in person breakfast meetings or virtual bi-weekly calls, please reach out to JHuhn@theAlamo.org.
 
Thank you once again for being part of our community's progress. We look forward to the day when these enhancements will further enrich the Alamo and downtown San Antonio experience for generations to come.

Jonathan Huhn 
Communications Director
Alamo Trust, Inc.
(210) 293-6064
JHuhn@TheAlamo.Org

Emily Baucum
Public Relations Manager
Alamo Trust, Inc. 
(210) 669-0282
EBaucum@TheAlamo.Org