In a new episode of The Building Texas Show, host Justin McKenzie sits down with Emily Baucum, communications leader at The Alamo, to discuss one of the most ambitious historic preservation projects in the United States. The Alamo, a 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing a $550 million public-private transformation to become a world-class cultural campus that preserves history while expanding education, accessibility, and economic impact in downtown San Antonio.
Baucum explains that the Alamo is owned by the people of Texas and managed by the Texas General Land Office, with daily operations led by Alamo Trust, Inc. This structure ensures statewide accountability and on-the-ground stewardship. As Baucum notes, people around the world plan travel around UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making the Alamo not just a Texas story but a global one. Visitors from Europe, Asia, and Australia are drawn to the site by generations of cultural storytelling and popular media.
The Alamo Plan rests on three pillars: preservation of the Alamo Church and Long Barrack, reclaiming the historic battlefield footprint, and building a world-class visitor center and museum set to open in late 2027. The visitor center will feature eight galleries telling the full 300-year story of Texas history, including Indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and modern chapters.
Ongoing archaeology continues to shape the site's interpretation. Recent excavations uncovered more than 250,000 artifacts near the Long Barrack, including musket balls, weapon fragments, and Spanish mission-era flooring. As Baucum shares, visitors can see active archaeologists at work, bringing history to life, especially for children.
The transformation of Alamo Plaza into a walkable public space includes the Mission Gate & Lunette, Plaza de Valero—a $20 million community park—and the Promenade, converting former streets into pedestrian pathways with interpretive panels and public art. Later this spring, the Paseo del Alamo will reopen, reconnecting the Alamo with the San Antonio River Walk.
Education remains central. The Ralston Family Collection Center, opened in 2023, displays over 500 artifacts. The Texas Cavaliers Education Center will open in 2025, providing dedicated space for student learning. The future visitor center will feature immersive exhibits and an event space for up to 700 people with panoramic views.
As downtown San Antonio grows, the Alamo acts as a stabilizing anchor—a cultural cornerstone and economic catalyst. As McKenzie notes, preserving the Alamo means making it accessible and meaningful for future generations. The full conversation is available on The Building Texas Show on YouTube.
