San Antonio, August 28, 2025
News Summary
The Texas General Land Office, in collaboration with Alamo Trust Inc. and Rockbridge, has acquired the historic Menger and Crockett Hotels in San Antonio. This strategic purchase encompasses 4.6 acres neighboring the Alamo, valued at approximately $55 million, to enhance visitor experiences and support the Alamo Plan, a $550 million redevelopment initiative. Specific renovation plans for the hotels have yet to be announced, but an Alamo Visitor Center and Museum is scheduled to open in fall 2027 as part of the project.
San Antonio
State acquires historic downtown hotels to expand Alamo visitor experience
The Texas General Land Office (GLO), in partnership with Alamo Trust Inc. and hospitality investor Rockbridge, has acquired the historic Menger Hotel and Crockett Hotel located adjacent to the Alamo in downtown San Antonio. The purchase secures a combined 4.6 acres of property surrounding the historic Alamo site and is intended to integrate the properties into a broader plan to enhance visitor access and interpretation at one of Texas’s most visited historic locations. The combined assessed value of the two hotels is approximately $55 million according to the Bexar Appraisal District; the exact purchase price has not been disclosed.
Key facts up front
- The properties are located at 320 Bonham Street (Menger) and 204 Alamo Plaza (Crockett).
- The acquisition was completed in partnership with Alamo Trust Inc. and Rockbridge.
- The move is part of the larger Alamo Plan, a redevelopment program budgeted at $550 million to expand educational and visitor facilities near the Alamo.
- An Alamo Visitor Center and Museum is planned and currently expected to open in fall 2027.
- Plans for specific renovations or modifications to the hotels have not been released.
Details and context
The Menger Hotel, which first opened in 1859, and the Crockett Hotel, opened in 1909, are long-standing elements of the Alamo’s built environment and are both listed as members of Historic Hotels of America. The Menger has historical associations with U.S. presidents and is known for its connection to the enlistment of a volunteer cavalry unit in the Spanish–American War era. The Crockett was established in part as a lodge and reflects local cultural and social history tied to the Alamo Plaza area.
The GLO’s acquisition is described by state officials as a protective measure to manage the immediate surroundings of the Alamo, preserve historic sightlines, and provide a coordinated visitor pathway between downtown properties and the Alamo site itself. Alamo Trust’s executive leadership has framed the purchase as an opportunity to create more immersive and integrated experiences for visitors, aligning the two hotel properties with the goals of the Alamo Plan redevelopment.
What is included and what remains undecided
The deal secures the hotel buildings and their footprint, totaling roughly 4.6 acres around the Alamo compound. The Bexar Appraisal District’s combined assessment for the properties is about $55 million; purchase terms have not been publicly released. While the acquisition signals intent to incorporate these buildings into the Alamo visitor network, there is no published timetable or detailed scope for renovations, adaptive reuse, or operational changes to the hotels.
Broader redevelopment project
The acquisition is part of the multi-phase Alamo Plan, which includes a proposed $550 millionAlamo Visitor Center and Museum included in that plan is expected to open in fall 2027. Work under the Alamo Plan covers museum design, visitor circulation improvements, and the management of surrounding properties to better convey the Alamo’s historical and cultural significance.
Next steps and public information
State and partner organizations have said that details regarding renovations, operational plans for the hotels, and specific visitor programming will be released as planning advances. Interested members of the public and stakeholders should expect phased planning documents, permitting steps, and project timelines to appear as the Alamo Plan moves from design into construction and implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What properties were acquired and where are they located?
The Texas General Land Office acquired the Menger Hotel at 320 Bonham Street and the Crockett Hotel at 204 Alamo Plaza in downtown San Antonio, adjacent to the Alamo.
Who partnered with the state on the purchase?
The purchase was made in partnership with Alamo Trust Inc. and hospitality investment firm Rockbridge.
What is the combined assessed value of the hotels?
The Bexar Appraisal District has assessed the combined value of the properties at approximately $55 million; the exact purchase price has not been disclosed.
How does this acquisition relate to the Alamo Plan?
The acquisition is part of the Alamo Plan, a $550 million redevelopment project intended to enhance educational, museum, and visitor facilities; the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum is expected to open in fall 2027.
Will the hotels be renovated or modified?
Specific plans for renovations, modifications, or operational changes to the hotels have not been released by the GLO or its partners.
Key features of the acquired properties
| Feature | Menger Hotel | Crockett Hotel | Combined / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Address | 320 Bonham Street | 204 Alamo Plaza | Adjacent to Alamo site |
| Year opened | 1859 | 1909 | Historic properties |
| Historic designation | Member, Historic Hotels of America | Member, Historic Hotels of America | Both listed |
| Assessed value | $55 million (combined assessment) | According to Bexar Appraisal District | |
| Land area | 4.6 acres (combined) | Surrounding Alamo compound | |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1859 | Opening of the Menger Hotel | Historic record |
| 1909 | Opening of the Crockett Hotel | Historic record |
| 2025 (announcement) | Acquisition of both hotels by the Texas GLO in partnership with Alamo Trust Inc. and Rockbridge | Purchase announced; exact price not disclosed |
| Fall 2027 (expected) | Planned opening of the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum under the Alamo Plan | Project schedule within Alamo Plan |
Simple visual statistics
Comparative funding and assessed value (relative scale)
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas General Land Office Acquires Historic Hotels Near Alamo
Texas General Land Office Acquires Historic Hotels in San Antonio
Texas General Land Office Acquires Historic Hotels in San Antonio
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: Texas General Land Office Acquires 2 Historic San Antonio Hotels
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- Express News: State Buys Historic Hotels Near Alamo
- Google Search: Menger Hotel History
- KSAT: Crockett and Menger Hotels Purchased by Texas GLO
- Google Scholar: Alamo Redevelopment Plan
- San Antonio Current: GLO Buying Historic Menger and Crockett Hotels
- Encyclopedia Britannica: The Alamo
- Fox San Antonio News: Texas Purchases the Menger and Crockett Hotels
- Google News: Alamo Plan
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
