The center’s design had to be sensitively scaled, pay respect to the Alamo and recede into the garden. Features include high-density storage systems with extensive climate control, prefabricated clean rooms for conservation efforts, curated exhibition space that can accept daylight crossover and dark rooms for fragile documents.

During project development, the team produced a laser-scanned point cloud of the Alamo and surrounding buildings, then incorporated data into the design model to assist in design coordination and construction planning.

To protect the integrity of surrounding historical buildings, the contractor installed a vibration monitoring tool. At the same time, the existing perimeter stone wall was cataloged, then removed and stored for reinstallation. Locally sourced limestone blocks were chosen to remain faithful to the materials used at the Alamo church and long barracks, although the material was installed using contemporary methods.