In the Loop ADA ramp is derived from a rhombus set on the Southern lawn of Military Plaza at San Antonio’s City Hall. Three ADA ramps lead one from the Plaza up a 6.5’ ascent to City Hall. A staircase occupies the fourth side of the rhombus, offering direct access to City Hall. Ramp and stair converge to touch the City Hall at a common landing, creating a grand entrance for all. Set within the rhombus is a circular clearing that can be activated for various community activities - in the tradition of the Plaza de Armas. Through research and site visits, we were struck by City Hall’s evolution over the century. Whereas its last major addition had resulted in the removal of its tower and corner turrets in 1927, the design for In the Loop does not remove a single existing stone. Per preservation guidelines such as the National Park Service Preservation Brief #32, we minimize the addition’s contact with City Hall’s limestone facade and differentiate it materially and visually through use of a lightweight metal structure. Constructed of metal grate surfaces on a structure of T-beams, the structure sits on 3” columns spaced 3’ apart. The metal grate lets in sunlight to the lawn below, and allows visitors continued visual access to the original staircase - of which less than 30% is partially covered.

The addition of an accessible approach to City Hall’s east entrance offers an opportunity to enliven the Plaza de Armas in its traditional role as the heart of San Antonio. In the Loop creates a new public space combining ADA accessibility with a strategy of universal design, augmenting the Plaza de Armas and City Hall as a public space for all to enjoy.