City Council Approves Redesign of Alamo Plaza

On Thursday, October 18, Chamber President and CEO, Richard Perez, testified in support of the interpretive design for the Alamo grounds, which City Council approved after hours of public testimony. The Chamber Board of Directors approved the position at our August 23, 2018, board meeting in order to create an atmosphere of reverence, a more holistic visitor experience, and to honor those who gave their lives at the Alamo while considering the needs of tourists, local citizens, downtown employers, and local organizations. This action follows previous advocacy at the State in 2017, when we advocated for funding during the legislative session, and testified at Council in support of the overarching Master Plan which was the precursor to last week’s vote. The charge facing the interpretive design team was to develop a comprehensive analysis and strategic design for an improved public experience of the Alamo – physical approaches to the historic site and immersive educational experiences that engender powerful emotional connections.   The 2017 approved Master Plan includes the following elements:

• Preserve the Alamo Church and the Long Barracks
• Eventual removal of entertainment attractions from the 1836 battlefield
• Eventual closure of Alamo Street
• Create an Alamo museum
• Restore and preserve the Alamo Cenotaph

The vision of the Interpretive Plan is to change the understanding of the Alamo as a building to the Alamo as a place; transform the Alamo into a place for reverence and learning; and improve the Alamo district to be a world-class, pedestrian-friendly, and comfortable civic space. The plan is estimated to cost $450 million, most of which will be funded through private donations raised by the Alamo Endowment. Officials’ timeline for completion of the redesign is in time for the 300-year anniversary of the establishment of The Alamo in 2024. Click here for the presentation given to Council by staff. All items presented to Council are listed on the City’s page.