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.
U.S. 90 UNDERPASS BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT (MISSION ROAD & STEVES AVENUE)
In 2018, the City of San Antonio World Heritage Office initiated a public input and design process for improvements for the U.S. Highway 90 Underpass Beautification Project. During this process, residents and community members voiced the need for benches, picnic tables, sidewalks, lighting, artwork, and landscaping. Additionally, participants requested that improvements be accessible for seniors, such as wider sidewalks for those that require walking assistance, as well as lighting to make the area more inviting and safer.
In summer 2020, the World Heritage Office was selected as an AARP 2020 Community Challenge Grant recipient for a component of the U.S. Highway 90 Underpass Beautification Project. The “quick action” project is located at U.S. Highway 90 Underpass at Mission Road (World Heritage Trail) and Steves Avenue. It will include a design enhancement and bench seating that complements the Windows to Our Heritage art project, as well as to help activate a new public space and beautify the underpass. The City is also making infrastructure investments to this underpass location, as well as S. Presa Street and Roosevelt Avenue that includes sidewalks, hardscape, landscaping, and lighting.
View details here about the U.S. Highway 90 Underpass Beautification Project at Mission Road and Steves Avenue and see a 360-degree view of the project area here.
We need your feedback! Please send comments to Rogelio.Munoz@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-6010 to provide your input by Monday, November 23, 2020.
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 of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture and World Heritage Office began collaborating with community partners and other City departments on a multi-site public art project.
The World Heritage Mural Trail is a series of functional murals 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 project includes installations at Stinson Municipal Airport; Villamain Road at the Loop 410 underpass; Mission Parkway at Southeast Military Road; and US 90 at Roosevelt Avenue, Steves Avenue, Mission Road, and Presa Street.
The first mural installation at Stinson Municipal Airport was dedicated in May 2017. The final installation, the US 90 underpasses, was dedicated in April 2018.