New Outdoor Lighting At The Alamo

[neferetus]

The Alamo has recently received some new outdoor lighting, courtesy of Texas Outdoor Lighting, an Austin-based
company. The company installed the new LED lighting without charge. Several lighting manufacturers like Illuminix
were willing to donate the lighting fixtures to complete the project. The goal is to eventually light the entire
Alamo complex with LED lights for night functions in Alamo Hall , as well as other evening events on the grounds.

The jury is still out on the new lighting project, however. Some people love it; others hate it. Glenn Effler heard
from an Alamo Ranger that the project is far from completed and that it may take years to tweak it to some form of
perfection. For one thing, the facade lighting is still ongoing and they are very aware of the problem of the shadows
cast in and beside the statue niches, both upper and lower. (John Hinnant and Glen Effler said that the shadows reminded
them of tombstones. To me, the shadows are so pronounced that they actually look like they are darkened stones, rather
than shadows.) Anyhow, one remedy for dispelling them will be to set a bar of lights far back in the Campo Santo
(grassy plot in front of the facade) and then shine them directly at the shadows by the upper niches.

What's your opinion of the new lighting, vs the old lighting?

[neferetus]

[neferetus]

[neferetus]

The new Alamo lighting is seen in the top photo. The old Alamo lighting is seen in the bottom photo.
Which do you prefer?

[Rick]

I'm still making up my mind and would have to see the new lighting display in person. I know the front of the 'Mo is now much brighter, which will give photogs faster shutter speeds.

I've copied some of the photos of the 'Mo with its new lights, as well as some of your nighttime shots, Ned, and converted them to B & W. Then I darken them a bit and I admit I kind of like the way they look on my monitor.

But the jury's still out until I see it in person.