Live Oaks find permanent home in historic Main Plaza

Two live oak trees will find a permanent home in the City’s newly renovated Main Plaza. The nearly 40 year-old trees are currently located at the Briscoe Western Museum on the River Walk and are scheduled to make their way to the city’s historic center of downtown tonight through Market Street.

The trees are estimated to be 25 to 30 feet high with 20-foot canopies and approximately 13 to 17 inches in diameter. With the Briscoe Western Museum’s future plans for expansion, which include a new pavilion, the relocation of the live oaks ensure that they will continue to mature in a natural environment. In addition, the City will plant 30 new trees to add to the plaza’s new landscape.
 
The funds for the relocation of the trees are provided by the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund, which earmarks funds to maintain and expand the city’s tree canopy.

Temporary street closures are as follows:
• Market Street will be reduced to one lane from Main Street to Navarro Street beginning tonight from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.

• Market Street will be closed entirely from Navarro Street to Alamo Street with the exception of two-way traffic to access the parking lot at the intersection of Market Street and Alamo Street; entrance through Alamo Street beginning from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.

• Presa Street between Nueva Street and Commerce Street will be entirely closed beginning tonight from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12 with the exceptions of two-way traffic to have access to the parking lot at Presa Street and Nueva Street; entrance through Nueva Street and the City parking garage at Presa Street and Commerce Street; entrance through Presa Street.

• Commerce Street between Soledad Street and Flores Street will be closed entirely from midnight to 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12.

• Main Street between Commerce Street and Houston Street will be closed entirely from midnight to 5:30 a.m. with the exception of two-way traffic to have access to the Rand Parking Garage on Main Street; entrance through Houston Street.

(See attached maps for trees route and recommended detours.)

Main Plaza is scheduled to open this spring and will feature modern architectural elements while embracing the City’s rich history and culture.