Museum Reach of River Improvements Project Takes Shape

Artist, Carlos Cortes, poses in front of his "Palapas" structure made of various metals and reinforced concrete. Related Links: San Antonio River Improvements Project San Antonio River Foundation Studio Cortés

November 20, 2008 ·  The 1.2 mile portion of the River Improvements Project is the first section to be renovated by the San Antonio River Authority.  The River Foundation is in charge of beautifying the project and is combining art with functionality.

One highlight of this portion connecting the San Antonio Museum of Art and the Pearl Brewery, is the construction of the faux bois palapas tree by Carlos Cortes along with a towering waterfall grotto, which will create shade and cooling waters as well as a piece of public art.

 "This is a signature piece  from my family's work.  The Palapas — they're scattered from Mexico all the way to Detroit."

Now, San Antonio will be a piece of the trail of faux-tree art.  And it will be the largest of Cortes' works to date.  So large, in fact, he's hired a team to help wit the construction of the twenty by sixteen foot tree.

"These projects are getting bigger, so I have to delegate; I wouldn't be able to build it without them. It would just take forever."

They only have until the end of May before the area is schedule to be open.  And according to Art and Architecture Project Manager, Mike Addkison, it all be worth it in the end.

"Not only is this for the residents, but I think also tourists are especially going to be drawn to this area, for a variety of things that are happening.  The Carlos Cortes grotto project, the amenities up at Pearl Brewery and all of the arts projects that are taking pale on each of the bridges, as well."