SAN ANTONIO | Urban Core Development Thread

[Restless 1]

A lot of the jobs created in this market have been in the Eagleford.

Yes, it will be in play for the foreseeable future, but there could well be layoffs and other cutbacks that affect the businesses servicing and supplying fracking companies.

That said, lower gas prices to help stimulate the economy, and I don't think we're over saturated with oilfield jobs, so any turndown might be mitigated by growth in other sectors.

BTW, SKW, the shale plays have little to do with current gas prices. Demand for oil is low worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is pumping like maniacs, some to combat shale plays in the US, but mostly as an economic cudgel against Russia. This is creating a glut of sweet crude on the market. Remember, oil is a worldwide commodity.

[UrbanTrance]

Well SA doesn't have the O&G presence that somewhere like Houston does. I know Eagleford has had a big impact, but as for now I don't think O&G has made it as a large part of the industry in town, has it?

[Restless 1]

Originally Posted by Alice93

Well SA doesn't have the O&G presence that somewhere like Houston does. I know Eagleford has had a big impact, but as for now I don't think O&G has made it as a large part of the industry in town, has it?

I don't know. It had a $25 billion impact in 2011, which mushroomed to $61 billion in 2012 and over $87 billion in 2013.

Over 51,000 directly employed in the shale play. Not Houston big, but pretty big.

Weatheford, Haliburton, Baker Hughes, and countless more have added their footprint to the SA economy in the last few years, both with construction, (indirect impact such as construction workers, and taxes paid...eventually), and jobs. And mostly on a side of town needing economic generators.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business...in-5774683.php

[Rynetwo]

Southtown Flats

The five-story project at 111 Probandt St. is being called Southtown Flats. The 2.3-acre project site is just across the street from Blue Star Brewing Company.

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantoni...tments-to.html

[jaga185]

Originally Posted by Rynetwo

Southtown Flats



http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantoni...tments-to.html

Found a rendering at http://www.amstar.com

[arkitekte]

Looking forward to construction starting next year on these. Much needed in Southtown.

[sirkingwilliam]

FULL RENDERING OF SOUTHTOWN FLATS

[jaga185]

I'm still trying to get a feel for what it will look like there. I can't quite visualize it on the property.

[sirkingwilliam]

Not sure how many of you guys remember this, but back in 2007/2008, the developer of 1800 Broadway planned to develop that same site with the Clay Street Flats.

The economy crashed and they delayed it then eventually sold the land but were able to thankfully build 1800 Broadway after the economy rebounded.

[sirkingwilliam]

URBAN CORE DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY

There are 23 residential developments, within the urban core, that are either under construction or will break ground in the next six months. These are those 23 developments.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

• City Vista - 142 units
  
• The Cellars - 102 units
  
• Tobin Lofts (Phase II) - 107 units
  
• East Quincy Townhomes - 25 units
  
• The River House - 261 units
  
• 1130 Broadway - 300 units
  
• McCullough Lofts - 107 units
  
• Henry Terrell Building - 10 units
  
• Eilan Riverwalk - 350 units
  
• Peanut Factory - 98 units
  
• Big Tex - 336 units
  
• The Park at Lone Star - 28

Total: 1,866 units under construction

UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITHIN SIX MONTHS

• The 840 - 47 units
  
• The vitre - 242 units
  
• 111 W Jones - 205 units
  
• Sojo Crossing - 27 units
  
• 307 Dwyer - 272 units
  
• Merchant Ice Lofts - 230 units
  
• Lavaca Townhomes - 4 units
  
• Water Street - 210-250 units
  
• Southtown Flats - 212 units
  
• St. John's redevelopment - 250 units
  
• Misson Park - 345 units

Total: 2,044 - 2,084 units under construction within six months

[arkitekte]

^Thanks for the map. A couple in the "under construction within 6 months" category might take a bit longer, but by all means they'll be under construction soon.

I'll try to take some update photos soon.

[sirkingwilliam]

So, while Alamo Heights get a new apartment development proposal, the older developer that had their proposal denied, Alamo Manhattan, decided to look south and are the developers of the 111 W. Jones Ave. development planned in River North.

MORE APARTMENTS PROPOSED FOR MUSEUM REACH

By Benjamin Olivo

The Dallas developer that backed out of a controversial Alamo Heights apartment project now is focused on riverfront property on the Museum Reach.

Alamo Manhattan has proposed a six-level apartment building at 111 W. Jones Ave., 1.3 acres owned by San Antonio developer James Lifshutz. The preliminary plans were approved without discussion by the Historic and Design Review Commission in early December.

The unnamed project near the San Antonio Museum of Art also would include two levels of underground parking, a leasing office, club room and fitness center, pool, courtyard and garden.

Staff with the Office of Historic Preservation said a more detailed proposal, showing the building’s façade, will land on the HDRC’s agenda in an upcoming meeting. The project’s cost was not disclosed in the agenda item.

Lifshutz’s office directed media questions on the project to Alamo Manhattan; Alamo Manhattan President Matt Segrest did not return requests for an interview.


The property is appraised at $1.2 million, according to Bexar County property records.

Lifshutz owns other key real estate in the area: a 1.3-acre property at 1001 Broadway, the former dealership that served as the local headquarters for Wendy Davis; and two properties behind it along Avenue B at 210 E. Jones Ave. and 1002 Avenue B.

I believe that block of property (1001 Broadway, 210 E. Jones Ave, 1002 Avenue B) is slated to be a 300-unit development.

Btw, Lifshutz is the also the man behind the, currently under construction, Big Tex mixed-use development in Southtown.

BIG TEX RENDERING

[jaga185]

Six stories, wow. They could easily turn the 1002 Avenue B property and 210 Jones property into one big development. I can't wait to see the renderings for 111 Jones.

[JACKinBeantown]

Is the ground level retail in ANY of these new mid-rises?

[WorldTexas]

Originally Posted by JACKinBeantown

Is the ground level retail in ANY of these new mid-rises?

A few of them have some space. I think BigTex, Vitre, 1130 Broadway, will each have 3-5k sft. That's enough for a couple of stores or a restaurant. The new builds at 307 Dwyer, and Hemisfair will be designed with most of their ground floor as retail. The rest are pure residential.

The number of units has gone up substantially (from where we started), but the density isn't quite there yet for it to be in every building. Things are trending in the right direction.

I do think Transwestern was short sighted with the Southtown Flats design. Considering how full Blue Star gets and the fact that this time next year there will be 1,000 units at that intersection, they could've included Something.

[trillhippy_210]

Is there any chance of this still happening? http://www.urbantonio.com/projects/p...ores-and-nueva

And the Alamo City Music Hall (previously Backstage Live) is supposed to be getting apartments on the same lot. Any info on those or when we'll get renderings/possible ground breaking date?

[sirkingwilliam]

200-UNIT DEVELOPMENT PLANNED FOR MUSEUM REACH IN RIVER NORTH
WILL BE ADJACENT TO THE OLDEST VFW POST IN TEXAS

An out-of-town developer has asked VFW Post 76, the oldest post in Texas, to consider letting it build on more than half its 1-acre property along the Museum Reach, the veterans group said Monday.

The inquiry, regarding the complex’s rental hall and parking lot, came from SCB Bodner Co. Inc. of Indianapolis, VFW Post 76 Commander Albert Mireles Jr. said.

“Some of the guys are pretty emotional about this whole thing,” Mireles Jr. said. “They think that we’re trying to sell the building. We just want to make sure they understand this is just a proposition, this is not a bid for sale.

“In my opinion, I don’t see the membership actually wanting to sell any part of the property,” Mireles Jr. said.

SCB Bodner, Mireles Jr. said, is looking to build roughly 200 apartment units on property next door — formerly Turner Club Inc., the bowling club that opened in 1940 but moved to Judson 2012 because of rising property taxes tied to the Museum Reach upgrades.

Among the propositions, Mireles Jr. said, is a partnership between SCB Bodner and VFW Post 76 in which part of the new development would include rental space and parking for the post.

“What they’re doing is making a proposition, not actually purchasing at this point, but saying listen would y’all be interested in trying something out with us, joining us in this venture,” Mireles Jr. said.

DETAILED MAP

The property in question takes up more than half of the VFW Post 76’s property — but doesn’t include the iconic Victorian-style house that overlooks the San Antonio River.

SCB Bodner told VFW Post 76 that even if it chooses not to sell, SCB Bodner said it would go ahead with the apartment project.

The former Turner Club Inc. currently is owned by the Texas General Land Office. Jim Suydam, press secretary for the GLO, confirmed Monday that the property was under contract with an unnamed buyer. He said the deal is expected to close in late March. No other details were released.

“None of that will be public until after the deal closes after March,” Suydam said in a voicemail.

Mireles Jr. said SCB Bodner approached the veterans group with the proposition in November. The post’s 1,700 members have been notified about a Jan. 13 meeting to discuss it.

Requests late Monday to SCB Bodner for an interview were not returned.

LOCATION

[Restless 1]

A long as the apartment building doesn't encroach too much on the post, this could be real good deal for both. Especially if the VFW post gets parking for their members, and could get revenue from the rental hall.

It really is a beautiful VFW post.

[Restless 1]

From the Rivard Report:

"The San Antonio Botanical Garden, the city’s urban oasis where people are connected to the plant world, is making plans for a dramatic expansion that will increase the Mahncke Park destination to 38 acres.

The seven-acre expansion will give the Botanical Garden even more green space, and a new main entrance and welcome center. A 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden will include an acequia, and other water learning features for children. Nearby classrooms will be used for community and school programs. An outdoor events pavilion will include a professional kitchen and culinary garden."



“We are so excited about our work at the Garden, there’s going to be a beautiful entrance welcoming visitors, and there will be amazing ways to connect urban kids with the aquifer and nature,” said Ten Eyck. “The Family Adventure experience will allow kids to really frolic and play, but at the same time they’ll be learning the story of water and the South Texas landscape."

[sirkingwilliam]

SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDENS TO UNDERGO MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION

The San Antonio Botanical Garden, the city’s urban oasis where people are connected to the plant world, is making plans for a dramatic expansion that will increase the Mahncke Park destination to 38 acres.

The seven-acre expansion will give the Botanical Garden even more green space, and a new main entrance and welcome center. A 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden will include an acequia, and other water learning features for children. Nearby classrooms will be used for community and school programs. An outdoor events pavilion will include a professional kitchen and culinary garden.

“These Funston properties were acquired by the non-profit San Antonio Botanical Garden Society over the past 20 years and deeded to the City for future growth of the Garden.” said Bob Brackman, the Botanical Garden’s executive director. “The City’s 2012 bond appropriated $1.2 million toward the project. Right now we are still in the ‘quiet phase’ of fundraising. The capital campaign is focusing on foundations and private donors, and meeting goals to initiate the first phase of the project.”

RENDERING OF THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN'S FUTURE ENTRANCE

The San Antonio Botanical Garden, the city’s urban oasis where people are connected to the plant world, is making plans for a dramatic expansion that will increase the Mahncke Park destination to 38 acres.

The seven-acre expansion will give the Botanical Garden even more green space, and a new main entrance and welcome center. A 2.5-acre Family Adventure Garden will include an acequia, and other water learning features for children. Nearby classrooms will be used for community and school programs. An outdoor events pavilion will include a professional kitchen and culinary garden.

“These Funston properties were acquired by the non-profit San Antonio Botanical Garden Society over the past 20 years and deeded to the City for future growth of the Garden.” said Bob Brackman, the Botanical Garden’s executive director. “The City’s 2012 bond appropriated $1.2 million toward the project. Right now we are still in the ‘quiet phase’ of fundraising. The capital campaign is focusing on foundations and private donors, and meeting goals to initiate the first phase of the project.”

RENDERING OF THE COURTYARD EXPANSION OF THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN

Finding seven available acres in the urban core would not be possible in most cities the size of San Antonio, but Funston Place ends in an empty block with no residences or street activity with Fort Sam Houston bordering it. The expanded Botanical Garden will become one more public amenity located on or near the Broadway Corridor. Patrons and visitors will enter the grounds on Funston, while the existing entrances will be integrated into the landscape.

Brackman didn’t put a price tag on the planned expansion, but a formidable professional team has been assembled, led by Christy Ten Eyck of Ten Eyck Landscape Architects, with offices in Austin and Phoenix. Ten Eyck’s portfolio of work includes the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Here in San Antonio, the firm is working on the six-acres of grounds at the Do-Seum on Broadway across from Brackenridge Park, which is slated to open this summer, and on the green space that will front the Emma Hotel at the Pearl, also slated to open later this year.

“We are so excited about our work at the Garden, there’s going to be a beautiful entrance welcoming visitors, and there will be amazing ways to connect urban kids with the aquifer and nature,” said Ten Eyck. “The Family Adventure experience will allow kids to really frolic and play, but at the same time they’ll be learning the story of water and the South Texas landscape.

RENDERING OF THE SAN ANTONIO BOTANICAL GARDEN'S FUTURE WELCOME CENTER VIEW

It’s a remarkable assembly of experience and talent. Brackman said a groundbreaking date will be announced soon. In the meantime, the Botanical Garden offers a very different South Texas winter experience for those who have visited only during warmer months.

“Our hilltop setting offers dramatic vistas, with views to downtown and west toward the Hill Country because the trees have shed their leaves,” Brackman said. “Now is the time to enjoy the details of the Garden – a handsome succulent garden at the entrance, sleeping bluebonnets getting ready for spring bloom, plants that thrive in cold and drought conditions, and the fallow beds of the children’s vegetable garden waiting for February planting.”

On chilly days, of course, there is always the Lucile Halsell Conservatory, which offers five glasshouses filled with exotic plants from around the world. The Kleberg Desert Pavilion features succulent plants from Mexico and South Africa. And the 65-foot Palm and Cycad Pavilion offers bi-level views of the Conservatory’s architecture.

Like many of San Antonio’s unique places, the Botanical Garden is built on the site of a former limestone quarry. It opened in 1980, but its roots date back to the 19th century. Your can read about the area history here. It also happens to be one of the most affordable destinations for families with children, couples, and seniors.

LOCATION