Serving as the Executive Director of the Conservation Society of San Antonio for almost a decade, Dr. Michael worked to maintain the organization’s longstanding commitment and pioneering approach to heritage. Since 1924 the Conservation Society has been concerned not only with buildings and landscapes, but areas of natural beauty and the customs – the “intangible heritage” of its richly diverse populace.

Vincent was involved in the ongoing discussions about the future of Alamo Plaza, issues surrounding the development around the World Heritage San Antonio Missions, advocacy for Brackenridge and Hemisfair Parks, and working with communities trying to preserve the elements of their heritage they value most, including gas stations, the Hays Street Bridge, and legacy businesses.  He helped assemble the Coalition for the Woolworth Building in late 2018, including the Conservation Society, San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, local chapter of the NAACP, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, West Side Preservation Alliance and San Antonio Growth on the East Side.  The effort included the Woolworth Building being included on the World Monuments Watch List 2020, one of only three sites in the United States.

Dr. Michael and The Conservation Society have approached preservation as a future-oriented proposition, frequently involving architects in the preparation of drawings that demonstrate the potential for re-use of important landmark structures.

The drawing above prepared in 2019 bears many similarities to the design chosen by the Alamo in 2022.  Thanks to the efforts of the Coalition for the Woolworth Building, a Civil Rights exhibit will be included in the new Alamo museum at the site of the Woolworth lunch counter and Dr. Michael serves on the Civil Rights Subcommittee for the Alamo Citizens Advisory Committee.

In 2021 Dr. Michael worked with community advocates to help preserve the 1912 Hughes House, a Prairie style home where internationally known dancer La Meri was raised.  The building was landmarked by the city and a zoning change approved for a wine bar. After that, it was sold again in 2023.

In March, 2024 Dr. Michael toured Michel Picaud of Friends of Notre Dame de Paris to the World Heritage San Antonio Missions when he arrived in town to celebrate 100 years of the Conservation Society of San Antonio.

Dr. Michael worked with Conservation Society Staff and Board to secure National Register listing for the Texas Pavilion/Institute of Texan Cultures building in April, 2024 and State Antiquities Landmark listing in October 2024.  The building received a demolition permit in December 2024 from the Texas Historical Commission and the Conservation Society sued to stop the demolition in March, 2025.  Case is still pending, but demolition has continued.

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