Background
The need for an assessment of existing conditions and recommendations for improvements within the World Heritage Buffer and along the World Heritage Trail was identified as part of the community process. A beautification assessment was completed in June of 2016. The World Heritage Beautification Assessment identifies potential strategies and opportunities to improve the visual character and perceived safety, comfort, and function of spaces within the World Heritage Trail corridor. Residents and visitors alike will benefit from the recommended improvements outlined in the document.
Branded Banners
The Assessment identified developing standard banner graphics for use along vehicular routes mounted on existing light poles as a way to reinforce wayfinding. In 2016, branded banners were installed along the World Heritage Trail.
Photo Banners
In 2016 and 2017, banners with historic photos, gathered as part of the Office of Historic Preservation’s cultural mapping project were installed. Photos banners were installed to serve not only as wayfinding, but also to exhibit the rich historical and cultural heritage of the area. View the map to find locations and see the online image gallery.
Public Art Opportunities
Another of the physical improvements recommended was to identify and develop public art opportunities along the World Heritage Trail. As a result, in fiscal year 2017 the City is working in collaborative partnerships with local arts organizations to create a series of public art murals along the World Heritage Trail. The functional murals are to be placed in key areas along the route, in order to reinforce and enhance the visitor experience, while also providing an aesthetic vision that reflects the rich history and culture of the missions, people and neighborhoods within the area. The plan includes 10 proposed sites along the trail for murals.
On Wednesday, January 25 from 6:00-8:00 at Stinson Municipal Airport, over 50 people gathered to review the sites proposed by the Department of Arts & Culture and the World Heritage Office and share feedback and ideas for pubic artworks along the World Heritage trail. The meeting was hosted by City Councilwoman Rebecca J. Viagran, and attended by City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzalez.
Input was gathered at stations featuring maps and images of the ten proposed sites. Images of murals and artworks in San Antonio and abroad created by local and international artists were displayed alongside historical photos related to the proposed sites. By having attendees write ideas on post-it notes, and through conversation with Public Art San Antonio and World Heritage Office staff, ideas and feedback ranging from long term public art priorities to sketches of artworks, personal recollections, and neighborhood histories were collected.
As a result of the meeting the ten locations were identified as: