The ruins of the 80-room Hot Wells Hotel and Bathhouse in San Antonio, a popular destination in the area in the years prior to World War I, are currently undergoing a transformation into a public park.
Phase one of the project, which involved stabilizing the existing structures, creating a park entrance and signage, building public bathrooms, and extending utilities to the buildings, has recently completed. The second phase will create outdoor rental spaces and new landscaping and trails that connect the park to the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.
Phase two will also turn the hotel’s ruins into a community space. A demonstration kitchen, a mini museum that details the site’s past, a visitor center, and a gift shop will be included on the old bathhouse’s first floor. The second floor will include a classroom and computer lab and the third floor will house a meeting room and offices.
See Also: Notre Dame fire highlights danger of renovating historic structures
The completed park will host events such as black and white movie screenings, a farmers market, yoga, and art exhibitions.
Related Stories
Energy Efficiency | Jun 13, 2016
The nation’s largest net zero-plus commercial building retrofit opens in L.A.
The goal of the Net Zero Plus Electrical Training Institute is for this structure to become a model for emergency operations centers for communities.
Sustainability | Jun 8, 2016
New program certifies the performance of existing buildings in the U.S.
BREEAM USA, an offshoot of a program already in place in Europe, aims to ease the point of entry.
Drones | Apr 25, 2016
The Tremco SkyBEAM UAV is the first to be approved by the FAA for nighttime commercial operation
The SkyBEAM UAV is used for identifying energy leaks, rooftop damage, deteriorating façades, and safety issues without requiring scaffolding or cranes.
Adaptive Reuse | Apr 7, 2016
Redevelopment plan announced for Chicago’s historic Cook County Hospital
The century-old, Beaux Arts architecture-inspired hospital will transform into a mixed-use development.
High-rise Construction | Mar 3, 2016
LA's U.S. Bank Tower to build exterior glass slide leading from 70th to 69th floors
The glass slide, part of a $50 million renovation project, will stretch 45 feet along the exterior of the building.
Sponsored | Reconstruction & Renovation | Feb 16, 2016
Historic Building Gets New Life on Campus
The renovation of the historic Tobey Building provided one of the most state-of-the-art HVAC systems in the U.S.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Jan 29, 2016
Understanding the value of physical due diligence
Physical inspections can range widely by discipline, level of detail, and the resulting deliverable, leaving even seasoned industry veterans unsure of when assessments make sense. Wiss, Janney, Elstner’s Ross Smith sheds light on building condition assessments.
Mixed-Use | Jan 25, 2016
SOM unveils renderings of dual-tower Manhattan West development
The five million-sf project includes two office towers, a residential tower, retail space, and a new public square.
![What went wrong? Diagnosing building envelope distress [AIA course]](/sites/default/files/styles/list_big/public/Screen%20shot%202015-09-29%20at%209.46.33%20AM.png?itok=QDq8CQJv "What went wrong? Diagnosing building envelope distress [AIA course]")
Reconstruction & Renovation | Sep 29, 2015
What went wrong? Diagnosing building envelope distress [AIA course]
With so many diverse components contributing to building envelope assemblies, it can be challenging to determine which of these myriad elements was the likely cause of a failure.
Reconstruction & Renovation | Aug 12, 2015
Frank Gehry is working on master plan for the L.A. River
The architect is stressing water reclamation and greater public access
