San Antonio, TX, August 29, 2025
News Summary
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) has announced the acquisition of the Menger and Crockett Hotels, two historic properties adjacent to the Alamo. This purchase, valued at $55 million, is part of the Alamo Plan aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and protecting the historical context of the site. The GLO partnered with Rockbridge and Alamo Trust, Inc. to integrate these hotels into a broader strategy for future development, including a Visitor Center, Museum, and educational spaces.
San Antonio — The Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced on Tuesday the acquisition of the historic Menger Hotel and Crockett Hotel, two century-old properties that overlook the Alamo. The purchase is part of the broader Alamo Plan, a multi-million dollar renovation effort intended to enhance the Alamo site, create a dedicated visitor experience, and protect the historic context around the mission.
What happened
The GLO completed a purchase of the properties at 320 Bonham and 204 Alamo Plaza, taking ownership of buildings long associated with the Alamo complex. The acquisition was made in partnership with an Ohio-based investment firm, Rockbridge, and with the nonprofit Alamo Trust, Inc. The combined assessed value of the two properties is reported at $55 million. The official purchase price has not been disclosed.
Why it matters
The acquisition is described as a strategic step within the Alamo Plan to improve the experience for visitors and preserve the immediate surroundings of the Alamo. Planned components of the project include an Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, an education center, and the creation of an outdoor gathering space called Plaza De Valero. State and local leaders view ownership of the adjacent hotel properties as a way to manage adjacent land use and integrate the hotels into an expanded visitor plan.
Key facts
- The Menger Hotel originally opened in 1859 and has hosted numerous notable guests across U.S. history.
- The Crockett Hotel was constructed in 1909 and was built as a fraternity lodge and hotel; it currently includes 138 rooms along with a coffee bar and a tavern.
- Both hotels are members of Historic Hotels of America, reflecting recognized historical significance and preservation status.
- The purchase involved a partnership between the state GLO, Rockbridge, and Alamo Trust, Inc.; the transaction is intended to support the Alamo Plan’s goals.
- The combined properties have an assessed value of approximately $55 million; the sale price has not been publicly disclosed.
Immediate effects for visitors and preservation
State officials characterize the move as protecting the setting around the Alamo while creating an immersive, historically focused visitor experience. The expectation is that future work under the Alamo Plan will tie the hotels and the plaza into a coordinated approach to interpretation, education, and public gatherings. The Alamo Trust’s leadership described the acquisition as aligning the properties with the site’s long history and offering opportunities to interpret several centuries of local history for guests and visitors.
Partners and governance
The transaction was executed in collaboration with private and nonprofit partners. The GLO led the acquisition effort while coordinating with Rockbridge and Alamo Trust, Inc. Future phases of the Alamo Plan are expected to involve project planning, design, and public outreach led by those same entities and additional stakeholders in preservation and tourism management.
Background and historical context
The Menger and Crockett properties have been part of the Alamo’s urban landscape since the 19th and early 20th centuries, respectively. Their proximity to the Alamo has contributed to their historical significance and to long-standing public interest in how surrounding properties are used and preserved. The Alamo Plan is a years-long initiative aimed at reconfiguring visitor facilities, increasing interpretive space, and improving public access while preserving historically sensitive areas around the mission.
Key features table
| Feature | Menger Hotel | Crockett Hotel | Combined / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | 320 Bonham (overlooking the Alamo) | 204 Alamo Plaza (adjacent to the Alamo) | Both directly adjacent to the Alamo site |
| Year opened / built | 1859 | 1909 | Historic properties spanning 19th–20th centuries |
| Rooms / amenities | Historic guest accommodations | 138 rooms, coffee bar, tavern | Combined hotel operations and guest services |
| Historic status | Member, Historic Hotels of America | Member, Historic Hotels of America | Recognized for historical significance |
| Assessed value | $55 million (combined, assessed) | Purchase price undisclosed | |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1859 | Menger Hotel opened | Historic record |
| 1909 | Crockett Hotel constructed (fraternity lodge and hotel) | Historic record |
| Tuesday (announcement) | GLO announced acquisition of Menger and Crockett Hotels | Texas General Land Office; partnership with Rockbridge and Alamo Trust, Inc. |
| Planned (Alamo Plan) | Development of visitor center, museum, education center, Plaza De Valero | Planned project under Alamo Plan |
Visual statistics
Combined assessed property value (illustrative bar, scale to $100M)
Single metric: Crockett Hotel room count (138 rooms, scale to 200)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which properties were acquired?
The state acquired the Menger Hotel at 320 Bonham and the Crockett Hotel at 204 Alamo Plaza, both adjacent to the Alamo.
Who participated in the purchase?
The acquisition was led by the Texas General Land Office in partnership with Rockbridge and Alamo Trust, Inc.
Why were the hotels purchased?
The acquisition is intended to protect the historical setting around the Alamo and to integrate the properties into the Alamo Plan, which aims to expand visitor services and interpretation.
What is the Alamo Plan?
The Alamo Plan is a multi-million dollar initiative to create an Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, an education center, and the Plaza De Valero outdoor gathering area while improving access and interpretation at the site.
What is the assessed value and purchase price?
The two properties have a combined assessed value of approximately $55 million; the purchase price has not been publicly disclosed.
When were the hotels originally established?
The Menger Hotel opened in 1859 and the Crockett Hotel was constructed in 1909.
Are the hotels recognized for their historic significance?
Yes. Both hotels are members of Historic Hotels of America, indicating recognized historical importance.
How will visitors be affected in the short term?
Officials indicate the acquisition is meant to support longer-term planning and preservation; specific short-term changes to visitor access or hotel operations have not been detailed publicly.
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Additional Resources
- FOX San Antonio
- Google Search: Alamo Plan
- KENS5
- Wikipedia: Alamo Mission in San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Menger Hotel San Antonio
- ConnectCRE
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crockett Hotel
- Express News
- Google News: Texas General Land Office Alamo Trust
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.
