Alamo Master Plan Thrown Into Disarray

Remember that $450 million plan to renovate The Alamo in time for the 300th anniversary of the battle? It's in trouble.

1 minute read

September 30, 2020, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


San Antonio, Texas

Eblis / Shutterstock

A decision by the Texas Historical Commission will block a key piece of the $450 million master plan to renovate The Alamo Plaza site in San Antonio.

"The Texas Historical Commission's vote to deny a request by city and state leaders to move the Alamo Cenotaph has thrown a $450 million plan to redevelop the site and its surrounding area into uncertainty," reports W. Scott Bailey.

"The plan was to move the Cenotaph south of the Alamo toward Commerce Street as part of a broader redesign of the area to include developing a new Alamo museum and visitors’ center," adds Bailey. 

The Cenotaph was erected in 1936 to honor those who died during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.

The article includes numerous soundbites from officials and elected officials representing the sity, the state, and The Alamo. The Associated Press also picked up the news of the Texas Historical Commission's vote.

For more background on the $450 million master plan for the revitalization of The Alamo, see previous earlier articles shared on Planetizen.

  • A First Look at the Alamo's $450 Million Master Plan (April 2017)
  • Alamo Plaza Revitalization Takes Small, Controversial Step Forward (September 2018)
  • Final Renovation Plan for the Alamo Plaza Approved (October 2018)

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 in San Antonio Business Journal

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Bird's eye view of manufactured home park.

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing

Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

March 25, 2025 - Shelterforce

U-Haul truck on road with blurred grassy roadside in background.

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?

Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

March 27, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of schoolyard in Oakland, California with newly planted trees, sports courts, and playground equipment.

Greening Oakland’s School Grounds

With help from community partners like the Trust for Public Land, Oakland Unified School District is turning barren, asphalt-covered schoolyards into vibrant, green spaces that support outdoor learning, play, and student well-being.

5 hours ago - FacilitiesNet

Power lines at golden hour with downtown Los Angeles in far background.

California Governor Suspends CEQA Reviews for Utilities in Fire Areas

Utility restoration efforts in areas affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles will be exempt from environmental regulations to speed up the rebuilding of essential infrastructure.

6 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

Green roadside sign with white text reading "Entering Nez Perce Indian Reservation" against grassy field and blue sky.

Native American Communities Prepare to Lead on Environmental Stewardship

In the face of federal threats to public lands and conservation efforts, indigenous groups continue to model nature-centered conservation efforts.

7 hours ago - The Conversation