Quote:
Originally Posted by Spoiler
An article long on hope, short on details.
SA-based Zachry Hospitality close to finalizing plans for major Hemisfair project
"While Zachry’s finalized plan for the downtown site may be somewhat different from what it initially envisioned, given new post-pandemic realities, it’s possible the company’s level of investment in Hemisfair will remain “substantially similar,” Andujar said.
“This project will be San Antonio’s shining jewel,” Snowden said."
https://www.bizjournals.com/sananton...Pos=0#cxrecs_s
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More than five years after San Antonio’s City Council approved a mixed-use development plan expected to funnel some $200 million in private investment into Hemisfair, Zachry Hospitality is moving closer to a finalizing a new deal for the former World’s Fair site.
The scope of what is ultimately constructed on the center city acreage could differ from what was initially envisioned.
“We're in active negotiations with Zachary and the city, “Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corp. CEO Andres Andujar said.
Zachry Vice President Tara Snowden confirmed that those talks are progressing.
“We are close to finalizing agreements,” she said.
Zachry had pursued a plan to include the development of a 200-room hotel and a 150,000-square-foot office tower. At one point, it had hoped to complete construction by 2021.
But in June 2020, Zachry officials said, in light of the pandemic, stakeholders needed to step back and take a fresh look at what made the most sense for the property in a post-pandemic environment.
Andujar cautioned then that the pandemic could have an effect on real estate deals, including project development financing.
The jury is still out on how Covid-19 will affect office demand and development long term. Similarly, the hotel industry still hasn’t fully recovered from the crisis, and properties especially dependent on business and convention bookings may face more challenges.
Yet, work continues on the redevelopment of Hemisfair, including the first phase of construction on Civic Park near where Zachry plans to plant its flag.
While Zachry’s finalized plan for the downtown site may be somewhat different from what it initially envisioned, given new post-pandemic realities, it’s possible the company’s level of investment in Hemisfair will remain “substantially similar,” Andujar said.
“This project will be San Antonio’s shining jewel,” Snowden said.
The site of the 1968 World’s Fair, Hemisfair is an expansive park that's home to Tower of the Americas and Institute of Texan Cultures, as well as shops, restaurants and a playground.