SAN ANTONIO - The San Antonio City Council shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday voted to pass the Alamo expansion plan. The vote was 9-2.

The Alamo Management Committee passed the plan on September 5.

The plan includes the following:

  • Alamo Plaza, as reflected in the August 2018 Alamo Plan expands from 1.3-acres to 12.6-acres.
  • The historic site will include a new 2.5-acre Outdoor Museum
  • This historic mission space will have six access points and will be open to the public 24 hours a day for free
  • The Outdoor Museum/Historic Mission Footprint will be open via the six access points for the 16 hours when the Alamo Indoor Museum is closed to the public, generally, from 6:00 p.m. to 9 a.m.
  • The public will freely enter the Alamo, the Church, the new Museum and the Outdoor Museum/Historic Mission Footprint through a main entry when the museum is open
  • The Alamo Museum director can, at his/her discretion, open two additional access/exit points at any time during the Museum operating hours
  • At the request of the San Antonio city manager and/or the Alamo Museum director, the Alamo Indoor Museum and the Alamo Outdoor Museum/Historic Footprint hours of operation may be extended until 12:00 midnight for special events.

There has been significant opposition to the plan. In August, a group of protesters was kicked out of City Council chambers during an Alamo master plan meeting.

Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush issued the following statement following the vote Thursday:

“Texas has a rich and unique history defined by the valor of our defenders who gave their lives for a single idea: liberty. The effort to preserve and restore the Alamo battlefield began three years ago and has undergone intense debate and discussion. Today’s vote is a historic milestone, showcasing the State of Texas and City of San Antonio’s commitment to restoring the Alamo for generations of Texans to come. The story of the Alamo is world renowned and represents the core of Texas’ identity today.  I look forward to seeing restoration begin, ensuring the Alamo is around for another 300 years.”