About The Project
Located on the banks of the San Antonio River, the Witte Museum is a leading repository for the history, science and culture of South Texas. Lake|Flato Architects hired CCS to work on a $29 million Phase II of the Witte Museum master plan, featuring the expansion and renovation of the main building, newly renamed the Susan Naylor Center.
To update the 100-year-old institution, our advisory and cost estimating work included:
- The new 10,000-square-foot Valero Great Hall features a new lobby/receiving area, featuring a glassed-in entryway and a permanent dinosaur exhibition space with a life-size pterosaurs model.
- The new 9,000-square-foot exhibit and special events center features several riverside porches. This phase also included renovation of the 85-year-old main building and new state-of-the-art galleries such as the McLean Family Texas Wild Gallery, dinosaur and archeology/anthropology rooms, all featuring collection-based, interactive components.
- The facade of a new main building features arches that form an aqueduct to carry water from the San Antonio River, through the grand entry, out over the walkways, driveways and lawns into a pool with a splashing fountain.
- A new entry court, lobby, museum store, and exhibit spaces.
This project also includes the renovation of the Pioneer Museum, a new 350-car parking garage; and a water resource center, located on the river, which includes a wetlands area that will help educate patrons about water conservation.
This project has a goal of a LEED Gold certification.
