Alamo Trust updates construction timeline; commission approves temporary openings in north perimeter wall

Hope Andrade, the Alamo Trust's new chief executive officer, told the Texas Historical Commission that the Alamo museum and related visitor infrastructure remain on the project schedule and that the Trust does not intend to change the previously approved plan.

"We expect the construction to be done by 2027 and the museum opening in 2028," Andrade said, introducing staff and consultants and emphasizing continuity with prior approvals.

Consultant Patrick Gallagher gave detailed construction and interpretation updates. He said work on site elements including the LaSoya House, Lower Paseo, a new welcome center and the museum fitout is well underway, with archaeology continuing to inform design choices. Gallagher described a completed cenotaph installation, new delivery and service infrastructure, and plans for off-site bus parking to manage visitor flows. On interpretation at the San Jacinto Monument, Gallagher described a conceptual underground visitor center (~12,000 sq. ft.), a five-chapter narrative and a theater focusing on the 18 minutes of battle.

THC staff and AAB members discussed a staff recommendation and application for historic buildings and structures antiquities permit number 1372 to remove two sections of the Alamo's north perimeter wall temporarily to allow construction equipment access for the Long Barrack and other work. Elizabeth Brummet, director of the Division of Architecture, described documentation measures, storage and reassembly of the wall stones, and earlier approval of acequia changes.

Pam Rosser, THC head conservator, described onsite coordination and invited commissioners to a construction hard-hat tour. Commissioners asked whether alternate access points could be used; site staff said the plan retains flexibility and that the East opening is preferred while a West opening would be used only as an alternative if necessary.

Motion and vote: The Antiquities Advisory Board moved to recommend that the commission authorize the executive director or his designee to issue historic permit #1372 for the Alamo north perimeter wall; the commission then moved, amended (clarifying the East opening as preferred and the West opening as an alternate), and approved the motion by voice vote.

Why it matters: The permit authorizes temporary removal of wall sections to facilitate construction of restoration and new facilities at one of Texas's most visited historic sites. The commission emphasized documentation, reassembly with original stone and coordination with archaeology staff to avoid below‑grade disturbance.

What's next: Permit issuance with the East opening preferred; THC and Alamo Trust staff will coordinate archaeology permits and site logistics as work continues.