Release Date: September 17, 2009
City of San Antonio Communications and Public Affairs Department: 207-7234

Luminaria and Main Plaza receive international recognition

The redevelopment of the "heart of the city" and an event that celebrated the local arts garnered the City of San Antonio two prestigious international awards. Through projects submitted by the Downtown Operations Department, the City was recognized by the International Downtown Association (IDA) with two 2009 Downtown Achievement awards for the Main Plaza: The Heart of the City Redevelopment Project and Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio. The awards were presented during the IDA's 55th Annual Conference held September 11-15, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Main Plaza: The Heart of the City received IDA's Award of Distinction in the Public Spaces category out of 77 award submissions. Main Plaza was recognized by IDA for creating open spaces that pay tribute to the community's culture and history while incorporating modern, urban design schemes.

Luminaria: Arts Night in San Antonio was awarded the Pinnacle Award, the association's highest honor. Luminaria provides a comprehensive showcase of talent and creativity on a larger scale than any other city in the United States. San Antonio is the only city in Texas and second in the U.S. to have a day-long celebration of the arts.

"I am pleased that the City was recognized by IDA for these two projects that celebrate the history and vibrancy of San Antonio," said Paula Stallcup, director of Downtown Operations. "This international recognition speaks volumes to the City's efforts to highlight downtown’s assets and our work to provide a friendly and inviting environment for residents and visitors to enjoy."

The International Downtown Association has more than 650 member organizations worldwide including: North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. Through our network of committed individuals, rich body of knowledge and unique capacity to nurture community-building partnerships, IDA is a guiding force in creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well being of towns, cities and regions of the world.