Alamo Area Construction News - September 5

Crews are now installing pavers on both the north and south sides, trimming irrigation lines, planting new greenery, and preparing gateway marker walls. Benches will also begin to be set in place. Work is steadily progressing toward the planned November 2025 completion.

Additionally, the fence line to the southeast corner (near Chipotle) of the Promenade has been narrowed for the next few weeks as construction continues in this area. It will still be accessible for pedestrian traffic. 

The Alamo Promenade, located just south of Plaza de Valero, will soon transform into a thoughtfully designed space featuring statues honoring key historical figures, shaded seating areas, and interpretive signage. This welcoming area will include additional trees and commemorative elements, offering 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.

Plaza de Valero will soon feature a new flagpole, adding to the beauty of the grounds! This impressive addition will not only display large, vibrant flags year-round but will also transform into a Christmas tree during the holiday season.

The new flagpole installation, originally scheduled for late August, has been rescheduled to Oct. 1st. Once complete, the flagpole will display large flags year-round and transform into a Christmas tree during the holidays.

Visitor Center and Museum (VCM),  scheduled to open in 2027, is progressing and construction began on Oct. 1, 2024. As part of these efforts, Houston Street adjacent to the VCM has been closed to facilitate logistics. 

Progress continues at the Crockett, Woolworth, and Old Palace Theater areas. Crews are pouring new foundation walls, installing underground plumbing and electrical, and setting pier caps and grade beams. Work also continues at the 4D Theater with concrete column pours. The Visitor Center and Museum remains on track for opening in Fall 2027.

Construction on the Texas Cavaliers Education Center continues to show momentum with aluminum frames and glazing installed on the second floor, stone veneer work beginning on the north façade, and sheetrock work advancing on both levels and in the basement. The project remains on schedule for completion for March 6, 2026.

As part of the project, special care is being taken to preserve and integrate Alamo Hall into the new complex. Interior work inside Alamo Hall continues, with electrical systems being installed. Once complete, the education center will offer a dynamic space for students from across Texas and beyond to explore and engage with history.

The restoration of the Alamo Cenotaph is well underway. Restoration work remains active with ongoing stone patching and brick installation. This week, scaffolding is being adjusted and cranes are arriving on site to allow for movement of stones and work within the surrounding areaway. The project remains scheduled for completion in fall 2025.

Updates on the Cenotaph’s progress, as we preserve this monument in its historic location, will continue in our regular construction notices.

To follow the restoration live, visit the Cenotaph Live Cam.

The Paseo del Alamo project—designed to create a seamless connection between the River Walk and the Alamo—is moving steadily forward. Work continues with retaining wall construction near Ripley’s and the Hyatt, foundation work for stairwells, backfilling around the elevator, and pouring grade beams for the water feature. The project remains on track for completion in April 2026.

The former 18-Pounder interpretation has been removed to make way for a future version that will align with the redesigned visitor experience. The project is on track for completion in April 2026.

In 2018,  the San Antonio City Council approved the transformation of a key portion of Houston Street—which includes part of the original Alamo Mission and battlefield footprint—into a pedestrian-only zone. This initiative aims to enhance both visitor experience and public safety in one of the most historically significant areas of downtown.

To support accessibility and nearby businesses during this transition, wayfinding signage and updated pedestrian maps will be implemented in coordination with the City of San Antonio.

Pedestrian access along the north sidewalk of this corridor will remain open throughout construction of the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, scheduled for completion in 2027. However, fencing within the roadway will remain in place during this time to safely accommodate ongoing work.

As part of the ongoing progress on the Alamo Plan, we want to provide advance notice that Houston Street—from North Alamo Street to Avenue E, in front of the Garcia Federal Building is expected to close by late 2025. In preparation, temporary closures in this area will begin in early September for archaeology and potholing work. While the exact date for the full closure has not yet been finalized, we remain committed to providing timely updates and ensuring the community is well-informed every step of the way.

Once the timeline is finalized, we will share confirmed dates and provide as much advance notice as possible to ensure a smooth transition for all affected.

Thanks to the collaboration with Visit San Antonio, we have developed an updated 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. Additionally, a physical copy can be obtained by visitors at the Alamo Welcome Center.

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 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.

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.