City of San Antonio Moves Forward with Eminent Domain Process

Published on May 10, 2023

Files condemnation petition for Moses Rose’s Hideout

SAN ANTONIO (May 10, 2023) – Today the City of San Antonio filed the condemnation petition on behalf of the General Land Office, signaling the next step in the process to acquire 516 E. Houston Street, the site of Moses Rose’s Hideout. The building location will be used to construct a world-class Visitors Center and Museum for the Alamo that will educate and illustrate the significance of the famous 1836 Battle and the Texas Revolution.

The City of San Antonio, in partnership with Alamo Trust, Inc. and the Texas General Land Office, issued the following statement: 

“After numerous attempts by Alamo Trust, Inc., the Texas General Land Office, and the City of San Antonio to negotiate a sales price for the property with Mr. Vincent Cantu, the City has taken action to move forward with the eminent domain process. The City filed a condemnation petition after Mr. Cantu’s rejection of the final offer of $5.26 million, well over double the appraised value of his building. A hearing will now be conducted before a court-appointed panel of three Special Commissioners who will assess the value of the property. Even with this process now moving forward, we still remain open to negotiating with Mr. Cantu outside of court proceedings.”

Background: 

• Mr. Cantu previously demanded $16 million for his property with an annual increase of $1 million per year.
• Property valuations conducted by CBRE place the current market value of the building at $2.1 million. 
• A best and final offer was delivered on 4/19/23, offering $5.26 million. 
• The Land Owners Bill of Rights details the eminent domain process.