The historical Kress-Grant buildings in downtown San Antonio are set to house a new museum and cultural center dedicated to celebrating the city's African American heritage. As the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) takes a major leap in upgrading its facilities, it aims to preserve and share stories that are both deeply personal and nationally significant. The City Council is on board with its plans to infuse $6.25 million from the Houston Street Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone into the project, earmarked for property acquisition and some renovations, according to an article by the San Antonio Express-News.
Originally a symbol of segregation, the Kress building's lunch counter saw its first Black customers in 1960, marking a significant moment in the civil rights movement. Now, it is expected that the newly acquired spaces will paint a different picture—one where past discriminations are acknowledged and the cultural fabric of African Americans is celebrated. According to a report by the San Antonio Report, CEO and director of SAAACAM Deborah Omowale Jarmon expressed her excitement saying, “That’s so exciting” about the opportunity to share African American history in a space where once full access was denied.
Bexar County has already committed an additional $5 million to the initiative, further propelling the nonprofit organization closer to its $50 million redevelopment fundraising goal. The SAAACAM plans to embark on this capital campaign starting January 12th. While the museum prepares to close on the property this month, it carries the historical significance of being one of seven downtown lunch counters that willingly desegregated in 1960 following negotiations with local religious leaders and pressure from the NAACP.
Before transforming into a comprehensive museum complete with auditoriums, classrooms, and galleries, the building requires some repairs. A water damage issue, said to be resolved by February 2024, stands as one of the immediate concerns. "It’s definitely outstanding for us," said J. Maurice Gibbs, president and chairman of the museum’s board of directors, to the San Antonio Express-News, underlining the museum's mission and taking pride in owning a part of the building that was a testament to past discrimination.
The museum's design, expected to be completed by early 2026, is in the capable hands of the local architecture firm Overland Partners. According to the San Antonio Report, one of the key features will be a modern cafe that both serves as a recreational space and educates visitors on the building's historical importance. The total projected cost for the redevelopment, including construction, furnishings, and repairs, is estimated at approximately $89 million. The museum hopes to showcase its progress with an exhibit from the Smithsonian in October 2024, offering a glimpse into the future space dedicated to the narratives of Black San Antonians.
