Among the monumental structures built on the cleared land was the Texas Pavilion, a $10 million state project created to tell the story of the many cultures and peoples that shaped Texas. After the fair closed, the building became the home of the Institute of Texan Cultures.
For more than fifty years, the iconic concrete building stood as one of Hemisfair's most visible permanent remnants. Designed by architect William M. Peña, it was eventually recognized as a State Antiquities Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But in 2024 the museum closed, and despite a preservation campaign and legal efforts to stop its destruction, demolition of the building began in 2025.
The land beneath it had once again become valuable to a new vision for downtown San Antonio.
The former ITC property is now part of the city's plans for a new San Antonio Spurs arena within the larger downtown development commonly known as Project Marvel. Current agreements call for the City of San Antonio to acquire the former ITC property, and city financing actions are moving forward toward that acquisition.
A neighborhood was demolished in the name of progress to make way for Hemisfair. More than half a century later, one of Hemisfair's own monuments was demolished as the same land was prepared for another vision of San Antonio's future.
