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
| Apr 12, 2013
Chicago rail conversion puts local twist on High Line strategy
Plans are moving forward to convert an unused, century-old Chicago rail artery to a 2.7 mile, 13 acre recreational facility and transit corridor.
| Mar 15, 2013
7 most endangered buildings in Chicago
The Chicago Preservation Society released its annual list of the buildings at high risk for demolition.
