Celebrating the Grand Opening of the World Heritage Center

We’re thrilled to mark a significant milestone in San Antonio’s cultural landscape with the grand opening of the World Heritage Center. Dunaway is proud to have provided Planning + Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Structural Engineering services, partnering with Alta Architects (formerly Munoz & Co. Architects) on the design, which showcases San Antonio’s ties to its historic missions and its designation as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), making it the 23rd World Heritage Site in the United States.

San Antonio’s World Heritage system encompasses five historic missions along the San Antonio River, stretching from downtown to the south. While the iconic Alamo Mission, located downtown, draws millions of visitors annually, access to the remaining missions has long been a challenge. The World Heritage Center aims to change that, transforming the visitor experience and connecting the missions in a way never before possible.

Dunaway’s staff members’ previous expertise in the Mission Reach Enhancement project, which introduced a new trail system linking the missions to the famed San Antonio Riverwalk, played a pivotal role in this project. With this knowledge, Dunaway was selected to design wayfinding and signage elements that guide visitors along existing trails and roadways to the missions, enhancing accessibility and providing a seamless journey.

To learn more, we sat down with the Project Manager on the World Heritage Center, Dunaway’s Senior Discipline Lead and Associate Principal, Tara Lindberg, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP to learn more about this exciting project and the deep-rooted partnership between Dunaway and the World Heritage Office.

Congratulations on the World Heritage Center’s Grand Opening! How did you keep the local community engaged during the project?

We made community involvement a priority. We hosted several public meetings to gather input from the residents while working closely with the Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association, which played an instrumental role in making this vision a reality. Their insights and passion for preserving the area’s heritage were invaluable.

What is the primary purpose of the World Heritage Center?

The World Heritage Center is the gateway to exploring the San Antonio Missions. It’s part of a vibrant campus that includes the YMCA, the Mission Library, and Mission Marquee Plaza – an important cultural hub in the city.

World Heritage Center | San Antonio, Texas

What was Dunaway’s role in this project?

We were honored to have our Planning + Landscape Architecture team serve as prime on the project, overseeing the collaboration of architects and engineers, which was a unique opportunity for us.

However, this was truly a team effort, and we could not have done it without the incredible talents of Alta Architects, Dunaway’s civil and structural engineers, and the dedicated contractors at Sabinal General Contractors. We also owe a debt of gratitude to the San Antonio River Authority, the World Heritage Office, and the City of San Antonio Public Works for their essential contributions.

Can you share some of the unique technical aspects of the project?

A key focus was seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. We introduced innovative landscape features like the bioswale to manage stormwater, incorporating native plants that thrive in the region’s climate.

Additionally, we collaborated with local artist Adriana Garcia to design the veranda panels, which reflect a nopal, water bird, and flower pattern. The water bird represents life and is important to many indigenous people. The Nopal represents the resilience of the people who made a life here in these lands. The tile pieces are inspired by some of the original fresco-painted flowers and embellishments on the missions, and the circles coming from the pistol represent the water coming forth from the springs that feed the San Antonio creekways and river.

What can you tell us about the drum circle feature of the project?

The drum circle is an exciting addition to the site. While it is still under construction, the space promises to be an educational and cultural gathering spot. We’ve already approved samples for the concrete, and the drum circle is expected to be completed in a few months.

What are some unique features of the drum circle?

The drum circle will be surrounded by newly planted trees to provide shade, without obstructing views of the Mission Marquee. The space will also incorporate educational elements and feature a distinctive design, including concrete with varying colors, sandblasted textures, and unique aggregates like green and black river rock borders. Concrete pads and steps will also enhance the functionality of the space, making it a true community gathering place.

Dunaway is proud to have played a pivotal role in bringing the World Heritage Center to life. As the center continues to evolve, it will serve as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s Mission Drive-In campus – an inspiring destination for locals and visitors alike to learn, connect, and immerse themselves in the rich history of the San Antonio Missions and the surrounding communities.

Ready to bring your project to life?

Dunaway’s multidiscipline team of planning and landscape architects, civil engineers, and structural engineers work together to create innovative, impactful spaces like the World Heritage Center. As the leading independent multidiscipline firm in Texas, we offer a wide range of services under one roof, providing seamless collaboration and exceptional results from concept to completion. Contact Dunaway’s design professionals today to learn how we can make your vision a reality.