[Keep-SA-Lame]

From the SAMA website:
http://www.samuseum.org/press/releasedetail.php?id=39

SAN ANTONIO – In conjunction with the San Antonio River Improvement Project, the San Antonio Museum of Art is currently engaged in one of the most significant campus improvements of its history, due for completion in May 2009. The new River Landing on the north side of the Museum’s property will comprise a River Pavilion, covered walkway and covered Terrace, creating an attractive and welcoming presence for SAMA along the river and providing the Museum with its first ever guest access to the Riverwalk.

“The San Antonio Museum of Art owns the longest stretch of riverfront property in town,” Marion Oettinger, Jr, the Betty and Bob Kelso Director of the Museum said. “To finally have pedestrian and barge access to the Riverwalk’s many visitors is an incredible opportunity for SAMA to increase access to our events and collections, and enhance SAMA’s visibility in the community.”

The River Pavilion, located behind the existing Cowden Gallery, will be a 3,464 square foot covered patio facing the River, open for both Museum and public events, such as festivals, receptions, lectures and meetings. The Pavilion will include men’s and women’s restrooms, a staging area for caterers and a ticket/security booth. The space can accommodate 300 people.

The River Pavilion will be linked to the existing Beretta Hops House and Luby Courtyard by an attractive 1,045 square foot covered walkway. A 1,473 square foot covered Terrace overlooking the River will be constructed along the north side of the Beretta Hops House. The Terrace will provide additional space for Hops House activities such as meetings and workshops.The new facilities and SAMA’s grounds along the river will be landscaped with native vines and flowering plants, adding to the aesthetic beauty of the area.

The design of the Pavilion is also environmentally sustainable, using the cool breeze from the River to support ventilation and capturing rainwater in cisterns to be used for irrigation. SAMA is working with Overland Partners, architects, on the River Landing and Zachry Construction is SAMA’s general contractor for River Development. Overland has a long history with SAMA, having designed the Lenora and Walter F. Brown Asian Art Wing and the Nelson A. Rockefeller Center for Latin American Art. “Both Overland and Zachry have been outstanding partners on this project,” noted Dan Walton, Director of Operations. “We couldn’t be more pleased.”

“Taking advantage of this public investment along SAMA’s riverfront property means we can coordinate our construction in tandem with the Museum Reach project and ensure maximum cost savings” added Oettinger, “but it also fulfills the Museum’s long-term goals to improve our campus and increase access to the Museum. We hope the increased visibility and access will not only boost annual attendance, but expand the Museum’s capacity to offer events and activities to our members and the general public.”