ALAMO PLAZA

An archaeological dig will take place at the Alamo this month amid a major makeover of the plaza.

The owner of Moses Rose’s Hideout said Wednesday’s negotiations with the Texas General Land Office were “unsuccessful,” and the threat of eminent domain takeover is still a possibility.

The San Antonio City Council voted 9-2 on Thursday morning to authorize the use of eminent domain to acquire Moses Rose’s Hideout on East Houston Street, which sits in the footprint of a planned Alamo Visitor Center and Museum.

An archaeological dig is underway at the Alamo, and the excavation of part of the plaza started this week.

An archaeological dig will take place at the Alamo over the next several weeks amid a major makeover of the plaza.

The ride is over for three San Antonio tourist destinations at Alamo Plaza. Tomb Rider 3D, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and the Guinness World Records Museum were permanently closed to give way to the next step of the multimillion-dollar makeover at the Texas shrine.

Guinness World Records Museum, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure and Tomb Rider 3D Adventure Ride & Arcade have all been permanently closed to make room for the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum.

Three downtown tourist attractions will vacate their buildings early to make way for a major component in the Alamo Plaza makeover.

Gov. Greg Abbott appeared at Alamo Plaza Thursday to sign seven pieces of legislation related to firearms, including so-called constitutional carry.

San Antonio police have made an arrest in connection with a weekend shooing near Alamo Plaza.

Gunfire near Alamo Plaza overnight ended with multiple people shot and one suspect in custody, according to San Antonio police.

City Council members approved a revised ground lease and operating agreement for the Alamo Plan in a 10-1 vote on Thursday

SAN ANTONIO – Plans to redevelop the Alamo Plaza must move forward with a new design and leadership team, according to an announcement by San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “The position that Councilman Trevino has taken, which is that the Cenotaph can’t move -- then the Alamo Plan is dead, is not tenable. Last September, the Texas Historical Commission voted to deny the Cenotaph’s relocation, which the Alamo Trust said was necessary to make way for a museum. According to Viagran, her family lineage goes back to the Alamo with a member among the defenders. Any changes must be approved by the city council and the Alamo Trust and the General Land Office of the state.

SAN ANTONIO – Tejano heroes of the Texas Revolution were honored on Feb. 27 with a range of events for Tejano Day at the Alamo. “Tejanos at the Alamo” is a new addition to the annual Battle of the Alamo Commemoration lineup. The Alamo featured in-person activities throughout the day on Saturday to demonstrate Tejano life in the 1830s. There was also a virtual event, “The Alamo Addresses: Tejanos of the Texas Revolution” at 10 a.m., which you can watch in the video player above. “It’s important for people to know that this is a bigger story,” Alamo curator Ernesto Rodriguez said.

SAN ANTONIO – A man accused of defacing the Alamo Cenotaph last year has been formally charged in an indictment by a Bexar County grand jury. Noah Benjamin Escamilla, who was 25 years old when the alleged crime was committed on May 29, 2020, is accused of causing between $2,500 and $30,000 worth of damage to the Cenotaph, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s office. This case is being prosecuted by the Criminal Trial Division in the 290th District Court. Graffiti found in multiple places downtown, including cenotaph in Alamo PlazaThe Cenotaph was just one of several structures marked with graffitied messages against white supremacy and police on the same night. The indictment is just for the graffiti found on the Cenotaph.

SAN ANTONIO – Bracing for a possibly turbulent election night, city officials have decided to install temporary barriers around the Alamo “as a security precaution.”The barrier will be added around the perimeter of the Alamo Plaza until the end of the week, according to a tweet from The Alamo. The Alamo will still be free and open to the public during its regular operating hours. Temporary Fencing Going Up In Alamo Plaza Tomorrow As A Security PrecautionStarting tomorrow, the City of San Antonio will add temporary fencing around the perimeter of Alamo Plaza as a security precaution for the rest of this week. In June, temporary fencing was added around the plaza due to nights of protests. More than 300 polling locations, including schools, libraries, churches, city halls and community centers, will be open.

SAN ANTONIO – BREAKING NEWS UPDATE:By a 12-2 vote, the Texas Historical Commission voted down the idea of moving the Alamo Cenotaph. ORIGINAL STORY:A decision on the relocation of the Alamo Cenotaph is expected to reach a vote as the modern-day battle over the plaza renovation rages on. The Texas Historical Commission on Tuesday is expected to discuss and vote on the empty tomb honoring the Alamo Defenders. Opponents of the Alamo Master Plan have continued to fire shots at the redesign, specifically Lt. Gov. 122, have argued the relocation of the cenotaph would be too far from the Alamo Mission building.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg has issued a temporary curfew for the downtown business district and Alamo Plaza that will last until June 7, according to a news release. The curfew for the downtown business district is between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly. The Alamo installing temporary fencing to ‘secure’ landmark during protestsThe mayor's curfew order includes all public spaces and streets within the downtown business district. The release also included the following information about the curfew:"During the hours of the temporary curfew all persons must not travel on any public street or in any public place within the designated area of San Antonio’s Downtown Business District. "A violation of the temporary curfew is a misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 180 days in jail."

SAN ANTONIO – For the fifth consecutive day, protesters took to the streets of downtown San Antonio protesting racial inequality and the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. "No trouble tonight, whatsoever,” San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said. Among those participating in Wednesday’s protest were San Antonio Spurs players Lonnie Walker and Bryn Forbes and former Spur Sean Elliott. A group of police dressed in riot gear were at Alamo Plaza to prevent anyone from entering the grounds surrounding the shrine. Alamo Plaza will close nightly between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to the city.

SAN ANTONIO Temporary fencing has been placed at Alamo Plaza as protests continue in San Antonio. Alamo Plaza, which has been closed off during nightly curfews, will now have the blockades to secure The Alamo, according to its Twitter account. There will be access points for pedestrians on Alamo and Houston streets, The Alamos Twitter account said Wednesday. A fence has been placed in Alamo Plaza in an effort to prevent any destruction during protests in San Antonio. City officials announced Tuesday the Alamo Plaza will be closed from 8:30 p.m.-6 a.m. daily until Sunday.

SAN ANTONIO Several officials are weighing in after a group that was protesting Tuesday night faced off with San Antonio police officers near Alamo Plaza. But a few hours after the curfew kicked in at the Alamo Plaza at 8:30 p.m., an incident occurred that ended with officers opening fire on a crowd with wooden and rubber projectiles. When questioned early Wednesday morning about the incident by a local reporter, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said that he would seek more information about the projectiles. San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle said he believes the mayor hadnt received the full story and that "officers acted appropriately with the circumstances they were facing.Several San Antonio journalists have suffered minor injuries during the first four days of protests, including some from KSAT. According to booking records, at least eight people were arrested on Tuesday -- six teenagers and one man in his 20 -- all from San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO What started as a peaceful protest in downtown San Antonio Tuesday night quickly erupted into disarray after police officers shot projectiles into a crowd. As he has his back to police officers, officers can be seen opening fire and protestors are seen running away. Streets of downtown San Antonio are now full of tear gas. The majority of the people taken into custody by San Antonio police were booked on charges related to evading arrest, according to booking records. Hundreds gather for fourth day of protests in San Antonio over George Floyds death

SAN ANTONIO Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he is inquiring about projectiles that were used by police on protesters and media members Tuesday night at the Alamo. For the fourth day in San Antonio, people marched through downtown protesting racial inequality and the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Spectrum San Antonio reporter Lena Blietz said she was hit in the leg while covering the protests. https://t.co/TCEEexVEXZ Mayor Ron Nirenberg (@Ron_Nirenberg) June 3, 2020Several journalists in San Antonio have suffered minor injuries in the four days of the protests, including from KSAT. READ MORE PROTEST COVERAGE FROM SAN ANTONIO:

SAN ANTONIO A protest turned into chaos and confusion on Tuesday night after shots were heard as demonstrators and San Antonio police officers faced off near Alamo Plaza. A San Antonio resident, who asked to be identified as Ty, shared video of the incident with KSAT, which can be seen above. RELATED: San Antonio mayor questions police use of projectiles on protesters, media at AlamoIn the video, Tys friend could be seen telling demonstrators to put up their hands. The San Antonio Police Department has not released an official statement on the events of the evening. The majority of the people taken into custody by San Antonio police were booked on charges related to evading arrest, according to booking records.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio city officials have decided to extend the closure of Alamo Plaza to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Sunday daily, as a precautionary measure to minimize the possibility of civil unrest and damage to structures, a news release said. Alamo Plaza will be open during the day outside of the closure period. City officials will determine later this week if any closures beyond the weekend are necessary. The San Antonio Police Department will increase staffing in the downtown area to prevent any potential disturbances. Related Stories:Peaceful protest ends, agitators create chaos; leave three San Antonio officers injured SaturdayWATCH: After massive peaceful protest in San Antonio hijacked by ‘agitators,’ community turns out to clean upPeaceful protest held in New Braunfels in wake of George Floyd’s death

SAN ANTONIO – Alamo Plaza will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic beginning at 7 p.m. Monday through 6 a.m. Tuesday, as a precautionary measure to minimize the possibility of civil unrest and damage to structures, a news release said. This is the second consecutive night Alamo Plaza will be closed to the public. It was closed Sunday night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. followed by a curfew in the downtown business district from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The curfew was part of an amendment to the emergency declaration drafted after peaceful demonstrations intended to bring attention to police brutality were followed by violent riots Saturday night. Related Stories:Alamo Plaza, grounds close at 6 p.m. Sunday in effort to prevent more violent protests, vandalismWeekend violence in downtown San Antonio results in anything but business as usual Monday morningQ&A: Black downtown business owners weigh in on protests in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO – At least six people were arrested and formally charged overnight after a peaceful downtown San Antonio protest against police brutality and the killing of George Floyd morphed into destruction and violence, forcing city officials to issue a disaster declaration and curfew. People taken into custody by San Antonio police were booked on a wide range of criminal charges, according to booking records. Photos show evolution of San Antonio protest over police brutality, George Floyd’s killingAttendees in downtown San Antonio Saturday carried signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “No Justice, No Peace" as speakers led the crowd in “We can’t breathe” chants. City officials then issued a curfew for downtown San Antonio from 11:30 p.m. Saturday night to 6 a.m. Sunday. The actions of a few do not represent the majority of those who came out to peacefully demonstrate,” San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said during the late-night press conference.

SAN ANTONIO – Graffiti spray-painted on the Cenotaph on the grounds of The Alamo has some people seeing red. Graffiti found in multiple places downtown, including cenotaph in Alamo PlazaThe words there seemed to condemn white supremacy, capitalism and The Alamo, itself. The red paint caught his attention hours later as he paid a visit to a nearby post office. Police also found red paint spelling out an anti-policy brutality message on the sidewalk at Travis Park. As we condemn this vandalism, we salute the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) for its swift action to investigate.

Spray-painted messages on Alamo’s Cenotaph have people seeing redPublished: May 29, 2020, 12:32 pmGraffiti spray-painted on the Cenotaph on the grounds of The Alamo has some people seeing red.

Graffiti found in multiple places downtown, including cenotaph in Alamo PlazaPublished: May 29, 2020, 7:52 amA famous marble memorial at the Alamo has streaks of red paint after police say a tagger left a mark there on the cenotaph and in several other places downtown overnight.

SAN ANTONIO – A famous marble memorial at the Alamo has streaks of red paint after police say a tagger left a mark there on the cenotaph and in several other places downtown overnight. Officers were called around midnight to the Alamo Plaza after receiving reports of someone having written anti-white supremacy messages. When police arrived, they found graffiti on the cenotaph and more graffiti in the 100 block of Losoya, on the side of a parking structure that belongs to the Hyatt hotel. Another site is on a sidewalk at Travis Park, officials said. A third message, visibly seen on a Travis Park sidewalk, is just four letters, a known acronym for the hate of police officers.

SAN ANTONIO – Within an hour, an Alamo Plaza icon was gone. The hat of the famous bandstand in front of the Menger Hotel was removed Friday morning and hauled to its relocation site. Last week, crews began dismantling the city-owned bandstand — a gathering place for both locals and tourists — as the city plans to restore and redesign the plaza. A camera showing updates on construction on Alamo Plaza will be shown online. The relocation of the bandstand is in line with a plan to redesign and restore the Alamo Plaza, which has garnered controversy in recent years.

Starting this week, crews will begin dismantling the city-owned bandstand in front of the Menger Hotel. A camera showing updates on construction on Alamo Plaza will be shown online. The roof consists of two separate parts: the upper top roof, or hat, and the surrounding lower canopy, according to The Alamo’s website. But since its erection in 1976, it has seen excessive water damage, The Alamo’s website states. The relocation of the bandstand is in line with a plan to redesign and restore the Alamo Plaza, which has garnered controversy in recent years.

Family of homeless man shot in Alamo Plaza says victim suffers from mental illnessPublished: March 22, 2020, 10:12 pmThe wife and sister of a homeless man who was shot three times in Alamo Plaza Saturday afternoon are speaking out against gun violence while raising awareness for mental health.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police are investigating a shooting in Alamo Plaza that happened just after noon on Saturday. Police said a driver shot a panhandler after the man kicked his car. The driver, in his 60s, told police he was stopped at a light when a man approached his car and tried to panhandle for money. The driver told police he ignored the man when he first banged on his window, but after the man kicked his car, the driver pulled out his gun, rolled down the window and fired three shots at the man’s chest, police said. The panhandler, believed to be in his early 30s, was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in critical condition.

San Antonio – Dozens of demonstrators took to Alamo Plaza on Friday in an attempt to protest the planned relocation of the Cenotaph. The monument, which was commissioned in 1936, 100 years after the Texas Revolution, bears the name of fallen Alamo defenders. Its relocation to a spot a few hundred feet south is part of a larger plan by officials to redesign Alamo Plaza. Brandon Burkhart, the president of This Is Texas Freedom Force, which organized the demonstration, said the demonstrators planned to be out for 24 hours. Why not let Texans vote on it?

SAN ANTONIO – The city’s Historic and Design Review Commission approved the first phase of the Alamo Plaza redesign Wednesday after it was tabled two weeks ago. The commission voted 7-4 to approve a new location for the Cenotaph. The commission had tabled the item two weeks ago because of concerns over a pending lawsuit between a local indigenous group and the state and city. I’m all for that,” said Forrest Byas, a supporter of the redesign plan. San Antonio will soon see tangible elements restored and taking shape as the plaza follows the master plan.” District 1 Councilman Roberto TrevinoTo see a copy of the Alamo Plaza redesign that was approved by the city, click here.

San Antonio – The city’s Historic and Design Review Commission tabled an item involving the first phase of the Alamo Plaza redesign this week, which includes the relocation of the Cenotaph. Tap Pilam believes the Alamo site is a cemetery where American Indians are buried, so it should be officially recognized as such. “The plan includes reclaiming the site, closing Alamo Street, closing portions of Crockett Street. The HDRC is scheduled to meet on December 18 to discuss the Alamo plan once again. Click here to learn more about the Alamo Plan.

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio's largest free fitness event is expected to draw big crowds this weekend. Síclovía turns city streets into a safe place for families to play, ride bikes and take part in exercise classes. The modern day event in Colombia features 70 miles of car-free streets. A 3rd-annual 5K run/walk will be held before Síclovía at 8 a.m. at Alamo Plaza. The team with the largest number of registrants to finish the race will receive free Síclovía prizes.