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 UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undergoing a $550 million 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 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. She notes that people around the world plan travel around UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for many international visitors, the Alamo is not just a Texas story but an American and global story.
The long-term vision for the Alamo is guided by 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’s preservation and interpretation. Recent excavations uncovered more than 250,000 artifacts near the Long Barrack, including musket balls, weapon fragments, and Spanish mission-era flooring. These findings directly influence construction plans and deepen understanding of daily life at the site across centuries. Baucum shared that for many visitors, this is the only place they’ll ever see active archaeologists at work.
The transformation of Alamo Plaza into a walkable, educational public space includes the Mission Gate & Lunette, Plaza de Valero, and the Promenade. 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 opened in 2023 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.
As downtown San Antonio grows, the Alamo serves as a stabilizing anchor and economic catalyst. The full conversation with Emily Baucum is available on YouTube as part of The Building Texas Show. Viewers are encouraged to watch the episode, explore the evolving Alamo campus, and subscribe for more stories on projects shaping Texas’ future.
