Engineered Solutions: Cultural Resources Mitigation for SAISD’s Central Administration Office
Pape-Dawson archaeologists provided cultural resources services for the San Antonio Independent School District’s (SAISD) new 140,000-square foot Central Administration office. The 6-acre lot was formerly used as the Fox Tech High School football field and track complex, which was built over the location of the former home of María Jesusa Curbelo-Delgado Smith and John William Smith, a messenger at the Battle of Alamo and the first mayor of San Antonio after the establishment of the Republic of Texas.
Pape-Dawson used drone technology to create 3D models of archaeological features as an alternative preservation strategy, allowing construction to continue. Students across the state will learn about the property’s history through a virtual exhibit and lesson plan for students through Texas Beyond History.
The services provided by Pape-Dawson’s Cultural Resources team allowed for the consolidation of SAISD staff into a central location, digitally preserved Texas history in a format students can easily access, and coordinated the placement of a historical marker placed the Bexar County and Texas Historical Commissions.