Downtown and around
It’s finally official or at least after signing more papers than I can count it should be. I’m moving downtown after many years in the suburbs. After touring The Vistana, the new mid-rise across from Milam Park, I decided to take the plunge and become a true urban core resident. What better way to figure out how livable downtown really is than to experience it. The move doesn’t happen until mid-July but I’m already scoping things out to see how it will work. It’s also a chance for me to watch the growth of downtown firsthand as River North and many other developments happen in San Antonio’s inner city. So what would ever drive me to do such a thing? Well, I’ve written so much about downtown that maybe it’s time I joined the crowd.
The building is really an incredible place, rising 14 stories above the street and over Milam Park. It’s also an impressive site if you’re traveling down IH-10 past the Market Square area. Look to the left and you see it spread across the entire block. The design is art deco so it seems to fit into the cultural and historic aspect of downtown much more than buildings like Alteza which sits above the Grand Hyatt or the Vidarri. Don’t get me wrong. Both provide a unique flavor to downtown San Antonio but the location of The Vistana required something different, sitting next to Market Square and beside the Alameda Theater. I think they achieved it.
My first impression was the view I’m going to have from the 12th floor looking towards downtown. It looks right down Commerce Street and has the Alameda Theater with it’s colorful neon right at the foot of the building. From there downtown opens up in front of the building. The views are pretty much unobstructed since it’s the tallest structure from Main Street to Milam Park. After that was the interior of the apartments which are reall well designed. Moving from two bedrooms to one I thought I’d be losing space but in reality that’s all I really need. Besides simplicity is much better these days. Time to bundle up clothes for Goodwill and books for other places.
The commute won’t be bad since IH-10 has been widened and I’m flowing away from traffic to and from the Northwest side. As things progress I’m going to also try out public transportation a couple days a week to see how that goes. On the subject of transportation the VIA Red Line trolley runs right beside the building up and down Houston and two other trolleys operate on Commerce. If I need to get somewhere downtown I’m set if I don’t want to walk.
Today I learned that VIA and the Downtown Alliance is exploring the concept of street cars on rails to run throughout the downtown area and the new River North development. Both the San Antonio Express-News and San Antonio Business Journal write about the potential development of such a venture including the hiring of a consulting firm to study the concept. One such system they are looking at is the Portland Streetcar Inc. which operates a very successful venture throughout downtown Portland. Another is the San Diego Trolley that runs through many of the populated areas of San Diego.
Food and other amenties are my other concern and have been an issue voiced many times over regarding downtown living. Rumor has it that a grocery store may be one of the uses for the ground level retail area of The Vistana. That would be incredible if it happens. But you know the path of rumors, very few actually come to fruition. Actually a grocery store is really not an issue since there is a Dollar General Store a half block from the building on Commerce. It stocks almost everything an HEB, albeit in limited quantity and variety. Besides, I can always drive to an HEB if needed. HEB really should be investigating this concept and explore the option. It could really help build their brand and provide a great experiment for urban living just blocks from the corporate headquarters. HEB, you listening?
Then there’s just the cool aspect of living in downtown San Antonio. Now I can just walk to many of the events that occur throughout the year in the downtown area. Eating out is a breeze since the Riverwalk is within walking distance. Besides, there’s always Mi Tierra which is right across the street in Market Square. I’m already eyeing breakfast tacos and good Mexican coffee on Saturday there. There’s also Cafe Alameda for breakfast or lunch if I’m not up to standing in line with the tourists.
Finally there’s Milam Park right across the street in case I just want to get out and enjoy the fresh air. The park has a walking trail and many, many benches to just sit and relax. For art there’s Museo Alameda in the corner of Market Square. I plan to become an American Dreams member so I can take advantage of the previews and exhibits in the museum. First I have to move in so the address is correct. If I want to just bump shoulders with the tourists a quick stroll through Market Square will take care of that fix, on the very odd chance that I get the urge.
So, downtown living. Here I come. Let’s see what you have to offer.
Update 5/22/2009 5:20 a.m. – The Express-News did an article about the building timed with the grand opening this morning. Alan Weinkrantz also shot a video interview with developer Ed Cross that provides a great tour of the building and some of the factors in the design.
