Public Invited to Open House for Main Plaza Improvement Project
Published on February 19, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (February 19, 2026) – The City of San Antonio and Main Plaza Conservancy will introduce conceptual designs for the Main Plaza Improvement project on February 23, 2026, at the Central Library (600 Soledad). Residents can visit anytime from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. to preview the design concepts and chat with the design team.
The City’s Capital Delivery Department and Center City Development and Operations Department are collaborating with the Conservancy on this project to improve accessibility and enhance storytelling at the historic site. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2027.
The primary focus of the project is addressing existing accessibility barriers to the Plaza’s surface grading, restrooms, and seating. City funding allocated to the project is dedicated to improving safe access for people with mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, caregivers with strollers, and others navigating the Plaza.
Funding for the project combines City funds dedicated to accessibility improvements with additional private philanthropic support raised by Main Plaza Conservancy. Private contributions have been generously provided by the Ewing Halsell Foundation, Kronkosky Charitable Foundation, Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation, John R. and Greli N. Less Charitable Trust, and additional donors.
In addition to access improvements, the project also incorporates elements that support public use, including improved gathering areas, enhanced green space, expanded food and beverage options, and interpretive historic storytelling that educates visitors about the Plaza’s origins and its continued relevance in San Antonio’s cultural life.
Following the Open House, the conceptual designs will be presented to the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) in March. For more information and to sign up for updates, visit SASpeakUp.com/MainPlaza.
“We are excited to make these improvements to Main Plaza to ensure accessibility for all people,” said Molly Hall-Villarreal, Executive Director of Main Plaza Conservancy. “Since its founding nearly 300 years ago, Main Plaza has served as a hub for civic, commercial, social, and religious life. The Conservancy’s role is to steward this historic space so San Antonians and visitors can safely and meaningfully access the generational heart of our city, enjoy this public space, and learn about its legacy.”
“Great cities are defined by iconic public squares where people from all walks of life can gather, and San Antonio is no different,” said District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur. “Main Plaza’s stories are woven into the fabric of our city and investing in its future helps preserve our identity while creating a space everyone can enjoy. The new amenities reflect years of public input and community support, improving accessibility for both residents and visitors. I am proud to represent this cultural hub, and we look forward to continuing our work with the Main Plaza Conservancy to ensure its long‑term vibrancy.”
“I think about what the landscape looked like and what it meant to our ancestors when they arrived in 1731,” said Julia R. Lopez, President of the Canary Islander Descendant Association. “To walk in their footsteps around Plaza de las Islas Canarias and to share their story with both locals and visitors is deeply meaningful. It is a responsibility we feel called to uphold.”