Plans to give San Antonio’s Main Plaza a new look are raising questions about whether the project will stay on budget after the last major renovation ended up costing taxpayers millions more than expected.

Artist renderings for the proposed improvements show a smoother surface, trees for shade, and grassy areas for children to play. The project also calls for an elevated dining area with more tables and staging for music and events.

Molly Hall-Villarreal of the Main Plaza Conservancy said the design includes accessibility improvements, describing it this way: “So it’s just going to be a really gentle slope up towards the church, so it’s going to be a beautiful view, super accessible.”

The total project is currently estimated to cost $15 million. The city plans to pay $10 million in taxpayer funds, while the Main Plaza Conservancy is expected to raise another $5 million.

Some visitors said they have mixed feelings about the improvements. “I’m going to be honest with you, whenever the city gets involved, I don’t like it because they never stay on budget,” said Robert Fiol, a Main Plaza visitor.

Concerns about overruns stem in part from the previous remodel in 2008, which went over budget by more than $5 million.

News 4 San Antonio I-Team reporter Jaie Avila asked Michael Shannon, who oversees capital projects for the city, how the city plans to prevent the new project from exceeding its budget.

“Well, every project we try to keep within budget, and certainly that’s a main focus not only with this one but all of our projects now,” Shannon said.

Downtown businesses have grown weary of construction after numerous street projects. Shannon said the city has learned lessons from past construction delays and believes the Main Plaza work will go smoothly.

“Not only the accessibility upgrades and leveling those to make it easier to get around, but when you see the project and how we’re going to slope it, from the river to the cathedral, it really enhances the plaza and helps tell the history of the plaza,” Shannon said.

Questions remain about the project, including whether any streets will be blocked during construction, who will be asked to contribute to the Main Plaza Conservancy’s $5 million fundraising goal, and what happens if the money cannot be raised.