DEPARTMENT: Center City Development and Operations Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City Council District 1
SUBJECT: Travis Park Monuments
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the following:
1. City to arrange for the removal and storage of the Confederate Soldier monument and two cannons located in Travis Park.
2. City Council allowing a modification to the process outlined in Chapter 35-640 and 35-803 of the Unified Development Code that provides the Historic and Design Review Commission review authority of changes to City Parks.
3. City Council appropriation of funds in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for the purpose of the following:
a. removing the monument and cannons;
b. transporting the monument and cannons to a storage facility; and
c. logistical support that is necessary for the removal and relocation of the monument and cannons.
4. City to execute professional services contract with a contractor for the purpose of removing and relocating the monument and cannons.
5. City to negotiate and execute a donation agreement with a non-profit involved in historic preservation or education for the acceptance of the Confederate Soldier monument and two cannons.
BACKGROUND:
Travis Park is one of San Antonio's oldest parks. The land originally belonged to Samuel Maverick who donated the property to the City for use as a park upon his death in 1870. By 1876, the City had made upgrades to the park, including planting grass, installing painted wooden benches, and installing a fence to enclose the area. In 1892, two cannons reportedly used during the Civil War battle at Val Verde, New Mexico, were given to the City by Major Teel and installed in the park.
Prior to 1899, Travis Park lacked a formal design and was densely vegetated. The development of Travis Park into a formal urban square was a result of the City Beautiful movement which sought to integrate beauty and order into the urban landscape during the 1890s and ear...
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