Legal Battle Over Historic Institute of Texan Cultures Demolition
As the dismantling of the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) progresses, the Conservation Society of San Antonio is sounding an alarm. Less than a mile from the ongoing demolition site, the preservation group has taken its concerns to a Bexar County District judge, advocating for a halt to the process.
Preservation Society Files Legal Action
On April 2, the century-old Conservation Society filed for a restraining order and a temporary injunction to stop what they believe is an unjustified demolition of the distinctive 1968 World’s Fair building. This structure, which once housed cultural artifacts from Texas, spans 180,000 square feet and has been earmarked for potential use in a new sports and entertainment area in San Antonio.
The Society proposes that the ITC may be repurposed to align with the city’s vision for this district, accusing the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) of acting as a proxy for municipal interests, allegedly facilitating plans for a new arena for the San Antonio Spurs.
Allegations of Violation of Preservation Laws
In their case, the Conservation Society claims that the demolition process commenced without adherence to the regulations outlined in the Texas Antiquities Code and the National Historic Preservation Act. A court hearing was scheduled for April 15 to address these matters.
A spokesperson representing UTSA asserted that the work in progress focuses on abatement rather than full demolition. However, the removal of the building’s characteristic concrete wall panels, which began recently, prompted an urgent response from the Society’s legal team to seek immediate action from the court.
Court Proceedings and Claims of Sovereign Immunity
During the court appearance, the Society urged the judge to grant a temporary restraining order against further demolition activities. In response, UTSA invoked sovereign immunity, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter. This legal principle prevents governmental bodies from being sued without their consent.
“Today, UTSA and the city used lawyer tricks to avoid judicial review and public accountability of their actions,” stated Conservation Society President Lewis Vetter. He emphasized the need for public input, particularly since the city plans to invest $60 million in property acquisition following the demolition.
Public Sentiment and Historical Significance
The Conservation Society has been vocal about the need for public hearings regarding the ITC since 2022. According to Vetter, demolition is continuing in a manner that he described as “patently destructive,” claiming that panels are being removed ineffectively and with disregard for preservation.
The ITC’s historical relevance is considerable, as it is the only downtown landmark designed by a Mexican American architect and played a significant role during HemisFair ’68 and subsequent cultural events such as the Folklife Festival.
Efforts to Secure Historical Designations
Remarkably, the Conservation Society has garnered support in their preservation efforts, with over 2,000 individuals signing an online petition against the demolition. Last year, they successfully secured listings for the building on the National Register of Historic Places and attained the State Antiquities Landmark designation—efforts that UTSA had initially opposed.
As of now, the court has postponed any decisions until April 14, while the pressure mounts to preserve a significant part of San Antonio’s architectural and cultural landscape.
