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. More than a symbol of a single battle, the Alamo is a 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site that is being reimagined through a $550 million public-private investment as 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 State through the Texas General Land Office, with daily operations led by Alamo Trust, Inc. This structure ensures statewide accountability and on-the-ground stewardship. "People around the world plan travel around UNESCO World Heritage Sites," Baucum noted. "For many international visitors, the Alamo isn't just a Texas story—it's an American story and a global story." Visitors arrive from across Europe, Asia, and Australia, drawn by generations of cultural storytelling and popular media.
The Alamo Plan is built 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. This vision reframes the Alamo as a complete historical landscape shaped by Indigenous peoples, Spanish colonists, Mexican history, the Texas Revolution, and modern preservation efforts.
Ongoing archaeology continues to shape the site. Recent excavations uncovered more than 250,000 artifacts near the Long Barrack, including musket balls and Spanish mission-era flooring. "For many visitors, this is the only place they'll ever see active archaeologists at work," Baucum shared. "It brings history to life, especially for kids." These findings directly influence construction plans and deepen understanding of daily life across centuries.
The transformation of Alamo Plaza includes Mission Gate & Lunette, Plaza de Valero—a $20 million community park—and the Promenade, converting former vehicle 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, with the Ralston Family Collection Center displaying over 500 artifacts and the Texas Cavaliers Education Center opening in 2025. The forthcoming Visitor Center and Museum will feature immersive exhibits and an event space for up to 700 people with panoramic views.
As downtown San Antonio grows with new sports, convention, and cultural investments, the Alamo serves as a stabilizing anchor and economic catalyst. "The Alamo represents many cultures, many chapters, and many lessons," McKenzie noted. "Preserving it well means making it accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for future generations." The full conversation is available on YouTube as part of The Building Texas Show.
