Alamo Area Construction News - May 10

May 10, 2024
Map of Alamo area construction week of May 3, 2024

Traffic Restrictions in the Alamo District: Since November 1, 2023, vehicle access has been limited in the Alamo District, especially on Commerce St. to Crockett St., and along Crockett St. from Alamo Plz. to Losoya St. These restrictions have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth continuation of construction activities.

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

  • A protective fence parameter 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, maintaining uninterrupted pedestrian flow.
  • Defined pedestrian lanes are now in place from North to South on Alamo Plaza and East to West on Crockett St., marking the western boundary of the Alamo District.
  • An alternative pedestrian route near the Menger Hotel stretches from North to South, providing a direct passage through the Alamo Arcade and linking Alamo Plaza with the River Center Mall vicinity.

Mission Gate & Lunette (MGL): The Mission Gate and Lunette interpretation is now available to view. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was today, and you can see a video of the gathering here. This update pertains solely to the MGL, with the Plaza de Valero (PdV) expected to open later this Summer. 

Letters Mission San Antonio de Valero on concrete gate outside of Alamo Church

Plaza de Valero area - **IMPORTANT UPDATES**:

  • Overnight Water Service Connection: Initially discussed in March, the project to connect water service to businesses on the west side of Alamo Plaza is now scheduled to commence on Monday, May 6th. This work will necessitate the overnight closure of the sidewalk for five consecutive days. However, the sidewalk will be reopened each morning to minimize disruption. During these closures, clear signage will guide pedestrians, and the Alamo Arcade will remain accessible, providing an alternative north-south route. Businesses from 307 to 207 Alamo Plaza will experience temporary water service interruptions, expected to last a few hours overnight on a one-time basis per business. The Alamo Rangers will ensure that the Alamo Arcade remains open throughout the night to facilitate pedestrian movement.
  • Fencing Adjustment on Alamo Street: Contractors have recently adjusted the fencing at the southern end of Plaza de Valero, extending it approximately 50 feet southward. This modification is designed to provide additional storage space for construction materials. Despite this change, a designated pedestrian pathway will be maintained between the fenced areas, ensuring safe passage. Furthermore, the parking of construction vehicles south of the new fencing will be considerably reduced to alleviate congestion and maintain orderly traffic flow in the area.

Lower Paseo Progress: The Lower Paseo project, connecting the Riverwalk and the Alamo, is moving forward. Since January 15, 2024, construction fencing has been erected to secure and define the construction area. Access to the Ripley's Believe It or Not! gift shop remains open to pedestrians.

Visitor Center and Museum (VCM): The scaffolding and scrim (rendering of the future center - see below) for the VCM on the sidewalk front have been erected, concealing the ongoing construction efforts. The new Visitor Center and Museum is on track to open in 2027.

Scrim of future Alamo Visitor Center and Museum
Map of Alamo Plaza wayfinding

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.

Alamo cenotaph with fencing around the perimeter

Cenotaph: On Monday, May 13th, the Alamo Cenotaph will undergo additional investigation work. This includes the removal of a marble stone near the base of the monument to assess structural integrity at that location. Further activities during this supplemental testing phase include removing brick, conducting a Ground penetrating radar scan, and extracting concrete samples for testing purposes.

Red banner with arrow to show direction of Alamo Plaza Shops and Restaurants

 

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.

Wayfinding Signage: Wayfinding signs have been strategically placed to navigate around the Alamo District efficiently, with additional signage near the Rivercenter mall to facilitate indoor navigation.

Supporting Local Businesses:
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.
 
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.
 
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