Originally published by the City of San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO (July 16, 2018) — The Alameda Theater Conservancy (ATC) and Texas Public Radio (TPR) have engaged the team of Overland Partners and Martinez + Johnson Architecture for the full design of the Alameda Theater project. In addition, the ATC released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for construction management services for the Alameda Theater renovation project. The deadline for submissions is August 6, 2018. The RFQ can be downloaded at www.alamedatheaterconservancy.org.

The Alameda was completed in 1949 as a Mexican-American entertainment venue. The theater featured performances by major artists from throughout the United States, Spain, Mexico and other Latin American countries. At the time, it was the largest movie palace dedicated to Spanish language films and performing arts. In 1994, the City of San Antonio acquired the property, and in 2017, it entered into a long-term lease with the ATC.

The City of San Antonio, in partnership with Bexar County, TPR and La Familia Cortez created a conceptual plan to restore and reopen the historic theater as a multi-media live performing arts and film center featuring the American Latino-Multicultural story. TPR will relocate its headquarters to the newly constructed stage house behind the theater and construct a new black box theater within the TPR facility. The renovation and restoration of the entire complex is expected to take approximately two years.

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architectural Design Services for the Alameda Theater Complex was issued by the Alameda Theater Conservancy in October 2017, and 12 submittals were received in response to the RFQ. The ATC board members made the selection based on the selection criteria in the RFQ.

The project is funded by the City, County, and TPR. The City and County will provide $9 million each for the capital project through the Houston Street Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone and TPR will provide $5 million. ATC is committed to covering additional construction costs through fundraising efforts.

“I cannot stress enough how critical it is to preserve culturally significant spaces like the Alameda as they help tell the rich story of our city and serve as reminders and inspiration to future generations,” said District 1 City Councilman Roberto C. Treviño. “This joint investment would not be possible without the partnership between the La Familia Cortez, the City, the County, and Texas Public Radio.”

“This attention to detail is critical in preserving our history for future generations,” said Precinct 2 Bexar County Commissioner Paul Elizondo. “Our efforts on the San Pedro Creek project together with the envisioned renovation of this iconic theater will not only preserve our history but tell of the merging of our cultures and how we all came together. I applaud the efforts being extended and look forward to seeing this come to fruition.”

For more information, visit www.alamedatheaterconservancy.org.

For all media inquiries, please contact Kelly Kapaun Saunders, Office: (210) 207-8031
kelly.saunders@sanantonio.gov

The original story can be found here.