Alamo Guardians To Launch Sweeping Renovation Of Shrine Grounds

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – The Alamo’s guardians reportedly will announce a massive effort to renovate the grounds of the Shrine of Texas Independence in downtown San Antonio.

The Daughters of the Texas Revolution are scheduled to announce the project tomorrow. Alamo Director David Stewart tells WOAI Radio in San Antonio that the $60 (M) million, five-year restoration effort will be privately funded.

He says the project would include the permanent closing of a part of East Houston Street east of the Emily Morgan Hotel. That bounds the north wall of the Alamo grounds.

Stewart says the project would include a new library and an auditorium with modern video and Internet facilities. Also included are an Alamo summer camp for children and a living history program including costumed re-enactors.

The appearance of the Alamo, itself, will remain unchanged.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-05-01-07 1232EDT