Tonight the City of San Antonio’s Planning and Developments Services Department revealed the vision for River North and started a rezoning process that will involve a series of public meetings and hearings. Early in 2010 City Council will vote to rezone the area to prepare for the expected redevelopment of the area into mixed use that will hopefully spark a collection of condos, shops, restaurants, and offices. It is a part of the goal of many to help rebuild the urban core of San Antonio and bring more people to live in the area. Tonight the proposed zoning map was shown to about 40 people who showed up for a public hearing at the Central Library. It’s the beginning of a process but from what I saw I’m pretty much pleased where this is going. Read more…
Last night I met a friend from Austin who came down to explore the newly opened section of the San Antonio River. To explore the stretch to the fullest we decided to meet at the Pearl Brewery and ride the River Taxi down to the Riverwalk for dinner. That started what turned into quite a unique experience as we discovered and rediscovered parts of the river and downtown. My friend is originally from San Antonio and attended Central Catholic High School so riding through the new section brought back quite a few memories for him. It also brought back memories to me why many San Antonians avoid the Riverwalk during high tourist season. Finally we discovered that even the wildlife have adapted to the new stretch of river in a very unique way. Read more…
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. Read more…
Today I spent the morning wandering around the urban core of San Antonio. I contemplating moving downtown into The Vistana and decided to check things out some more while going through the application process. It’s a big move for someone like me who was born and raised in the rural area and suburbs of Arkansas and who has lived outside the loop my entire life in San Antonio. What I found was surprising and enlightening. The journey took me around the Market Square area, along the Museum Reach of the San Antonio River and ending up at the Pearl Brewery Farmer’s Market. San Antonio is at the verge of a renaissance of sorts, as my good friend Alan Weinkrantz likes to put it. Read more…
Today I dropped by the soft opening of the Pearl Brewery Farmers Market. It’s located in the parking lot behind the brewery complex on Grayson Street overlooking the river. The grand opening is scheduled for May 16th with soft openings happening every Saturday between now and then. It’s billed as a “producers only, rain or shine, year-round market.” While down there I walked around the Pearl Brewery complex and was impressed with how it’s come along. As I left the area and pulled onto Broadway I couldn’t help but notice my outlook on that area changing. I think we’re on the cusp of a new era in San Antonio with regards to the urban core. Read more…
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