Alamo Area Construction News - May 31

May 31, 2024
Map of Alamo area construction in June 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.
Construction of the pavilion stage in Plaza de Valero with a crane above it

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

While we've worked hard to stay on schedule, unforeseen challenges mean the July 5th opening of Plaza de Valero will be delayed. Portions of the Plaza will open later this summer, with full completion expected by early Fall 2024. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we ensure the highest quality for this project.

Our July 5th Stars and Stripes celebration will still take place, now in Alamo Plaza, featuring the Air Force Rock Band and a Drone Show over the Alamo Church.

Thank you for your continued understanding and support. We will keep you updated and look forward to welcoming you to Plaza de Valero later this year.

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.

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

Mission Gate & Lunette (MGL): The Mission Gate and Lunette interpretation is now available to view. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was May 10, 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. 

Paseo del Alamo Progress: The Paseo del Alamo 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.

Texas Cavaliers Education Center: The demolition of the Alamo Annex has been completed, clearing the way for the new construction of the Texas Cavaliers Education Center. With the site now clear, construction of the new center, scheduled to open in Fall 2025, has begun. This phase involves encapsulating the historic Alamo Hall within the new center, integrating it into the state-of-the-art facility. The construction process will ensure that the Alamo Hall is preserved and enhanced as part of the new center, providing a rich learning environment for students. (Rendering below)

Entrance to education center with wildflowers in the gardens

Visitor Center and Museum (VCM): The scaffolding and scrim (a rendering of the future center) 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
Alamo cenotaph with fencing around the perimeter

Cenotaph: As part of the ongoing supplemental Structural Integrity investigation preceding future restoration efforts, Clark Guido and ECHEM are scheduled to use a lift on next week to place a T&RH sensor inside the Alamo Cenotaph. This sensor aims to capture data on the monument's interior conditions. Following this, personnel from ECHEM, Clark Guido, Architexas, and ATI will access the base of the monument to gather essential data on the foundation's integrity.

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.

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