[miaht82]

Looks like the Springhill Suites on 411 Flores got final approval yesterday as seen on page 202 of the HDRC agenda (http://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/docs/HDRC_AGENDA.pdf).
It looks nice, and 6 floors will add nice height in that section.
also on page 145 is a cheesy motel near the Mission Power Plant redevelopment and on page 150 is the rendering of the new terminal at the airport.
Quoted myself to show link to hotel, drove by earlier and saw fence being put up at site of construction.
Hotel is by Alamo City Hotels (http://www.alamocityhotels.com/index.html).
http://www.alamocityhotels.com/SpringHillSuites-SM3.gif
I guess that area will be getting a facelift with this going up, the Justice Center expansion, parking lot expansion, and hopefully soon the Federal Courthouse and Police and Fire HQ's.

[jaga185]

http://photos-e.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-snc1/v342/241/26/25420165/n25420165_34386332_2129.jpg
posted on facebook by Eric Alonzo

I thought this pic looked really nice, I wish it was posted in color so we could at least see it.

[sakyle04]

...

[ydoc14]

Cool pic.

[oldmanshirt]

For those of you (including myself) wondering if Vistana is going to have an impact on the skyline, here's this pic from the transguide traffic cam page (http://www.transguide.dot.state.tx.us/Traffic/jscameras.php?CCTV-0035S-154.629_IH_35_at_San_Marcos.jpg):

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6513/vistanaskylineiv3.jpg

[ydoc14]

Maybe I missed it...but uh...what is COGSADCAJA?

[The Model]

Actually the transguide camera is not giving the Vistana justice.
I drove IH 10 w/IH 35 north last week, and the Vistana, really stands out.
The Vistana looks good from the Buena Vista street bridge, by the downtown campus also.

[ydoc14]

This may be old news, but I just discovered a little while ago that going south on Blanco Rd. toward 410 offers a nice view of the skyline at one point.

[sakyle04]

Maybe I missed it...but uh...what is COGSADCAJA?

That is the "Crusty Old Grumbling San Antonian Drinking Coffee at Jim's Association"...

You are welcome to join. We need a secretary and a Chief Flickr Officer (CFO). I think you would qualify for one of those roles. ;)

All you have to do is complain about some development issue in San Antonio or make a general statement about how great things "used to be". :yes:

oldmanshirt is our President at Large in KC.
miaht82 is the Treasurer.
I, sakyle04, am the Chief Grumbling Officer (CGO) after I railed on a northside parkway.
we're waiting on jaga, ksal, and sirkingwilliam to complain about something. then we'll get t-shirts and go to jim's together.

have i taken this too far? :haha:

[ydoc14]

That is the "Crusty Old Grumbling San Antonian Drinking Coffee at Jim's Association"...

You are welcome to join. We need a secretary and a Chief Flickr Officer (CFO). I think you would qualify for one of those roles. ;)

All you have to do is complain about some development issue in San Antonio or make a general statement about how great things "used to be". :yes:

oldmanshirt is our President at Large in KC.
miaht82 is the Treasurer.
I, sakyle04, am the Chief Grumbling Officer (CGO) after I railed on a northside parkway.
we're waiting on jaga, ksal, and sirkingwilliam to complain about something. then we'll get t-shirts and go to jim's together.

have i taken this too far? :haha:

HAHA, well I try not to complain about SA, but in the event that something serious and dire happens here, like a city resolution to demolish the Weston Centre, then I'll join ;)

[jaga185]

I hate that we don't have enough options on downtown living and we really don't have much culture downtown, contrary to popular belief!!! I'll be secretary, haha.

[oldmanshirt]

HAHA, well I try not to complain about SA, but in the event that something serious and dire happens here, like a city resolution to demolish the Weston Centre, then I'll join ;)

Maybe you can be Officer for Weston Center Preservation ;)

[sakyle04]

I hate that we don't have enough options on downtown living and we really don't have much culture downtown, contrary to popular belief!!! I'll be secretary, haha.

Jaga is in!! Secretary it is!! :haha: welcome to the club. (we're really going to have to meet at Jim's one day to grumble...)

I hate that we don't have a unified program to better downtown for residents.

I read the IDP report linked on MYSA's downtown blog and one thing I totally agree with it on is this:

San Antonio should be giving away downtown land (and exempting it from taxes) in order to lure developers to build another couple of downtown office towers. If the market doesn't demand them at current market rates (expensive land means hotels make the most financial sense), then screw up the market by giving away the land for a 30-40 story office tower. take an existing surface parking lot or garage and get the developer to agree to provide a few hundred spaces in their garage for public parking and then go nuts.

i know that someone approached NuStar with some land out I-10 for a potential HQ...and they wanted $22 MILLION. if the city is serious about luring people downtown (much less companies), they have to start by making it a commercial center again. imagine what a game-changer it would be...

[JACKinBeantown]

For those of you (including myself) wondering if Vistana is going to have an impact on the skyline, here's this pic from the transguide traffic cam page (http://www.transguide.dot.state.tx.us/Traffic/jscameras.php?CCTV-0035S-154.629_IH_35_at_San_Marcos.jpg):

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6513/vistanaskylineiv3.jpg

Minimal effect. I guessing (since I haven't seen it in person yet) that it's more of a building to admire up close than from a distance.

[adtobias]

would love to live d/t

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

That is the "Crusty Old Grumbling San Antonian Drinking Coffee at Jim's Association"...

You are welcome to join. We need a secretary and a Chief Flickr Officer (CFO). I think you would qualify for one of those roles. ;)

All you have to do is complain about some development issue in San Antonio or make a general statement about how great things "used to be". :yes:

oldmanshirt is our President at Large in KC.
miaht82 is the Treasurer.
I, sakyle04, am the Chief Grumbling Officer (CGO) after I railed on a northside parkway.
we're waiting on jaga, ksal, and sirkingwilliam to complain about something. then we'll get t-shirts and go to jim's together.

have i taken this too far? :haha:

I've already grumbled about The Broadway in another thread. Does that qualify me for Platinum Level membership?

[tgannaway89]

UTSA really needs to expand their downtown presence. A few mid-rise housing buildings would be a nice addition. If the LRT line from The Rim to downtown happens then it would be heavily used by UTSA students/faculty commuting between the two campuses.

[sakyle04]

I've already grumbled about The Broadway in another thread. Does that qualify me for Platinum Level membership?

Well, with a name like KeepSanAntonioLame, I think you qualify as "Publicist". Welcome to the club. See ya at Jim's.

COGSADCAJA!!

[sakyle04]

UTSA really needs to expand their downtown presence. A few mid-rise housing buildings would be a nice addition. If the LRT line from The Rim to downtown happens then it would be heavily used by UTSA students/faculty commuting between the two campuses.

have always agreed with this. they are just not interested. their master plan shows only a few 5-7 story buildings...

[ydoc14]

Well, with a name like KeepSanAntonioLame, I think you qualify as "Publicist".

nice one

[KevinFromTexas]

That is the "Crusty Old Grumbling San Antonian Drinking Coffee at Jim's Association"...

You are welcome to join. We need a secretary and a Chief Flickr Officer (CFO). I think you would qualify for one of those roles. ;)

All you have to do is complain about some development issue in San Antonio or make a general statement about how great things "used to be". :yes:

oldmanshirt is our President at Large in KC.
miaht82 is the Treasurer.
I, sakyle04, am the Chief Grumbling Officer (CGO) after I railed on a northside parkway.
we're waiting on jaga, ksal, and sirkingwilliam to complain about something. then we'll get t-shirts and go to jim's together.

have i taken this too far? :haha:

I nominate The Nano and Boquillas (they can both campaign for it) as ambassador to Austin. I'll of course be their Austinite counterpart. :D

By the way, Jim's rocks. I love their food, especially their steak or chicken strips. Good stuff.

[sakyle04]

The Nano and Boquillas are in. Kevin, as a native San Antonian, you're in too. You guys will form the base of the Austin Chapter of COGSADCAJA.
Fight amongst yourselves for titles. :)

[The Model]

Thursday, the Vidorra Crane came down.

That leaves us just with one crane in downtown.:(

Embassy Suites crane should be up soon.:tup:

[oldmanshirt]

It is pretty sad that cranes north of 1604 outnumber downtown cranes like 7 to 1 (3.5 to 1 if you count the Broadway as downtown).

The justice center and certainly the courthouse and police HQ should bump the downtown crane count back up a bit, tho :yes:

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

Well, with a name like KeepSanAntonioLame, I think you qualify as "Publicist". Welcome to the club. See ya at Jim's.

COGSADCAJA!!

:tup:

[miaht82]

Don't know too many details or exact dates but we might be seeing one go up soon at the 400 block of E. Houston

[Boquillas]

The Nano and Boquillas are in.

The who is in the what now?

J/K. I spent many nights of my formative years at the Jim's at I-10 and Huebner over a bowl of tortilla soup and a cup of joe, so I suppose I'm qualified. However, it seems I'm more qualified to be Ambassador of Spouting Obscure Spurs Trivia to Disinterested Montanans...

[sakyle04]

Don't know too many details or exact dates but we might be seeing one go up soon at the 400 block of E. Houston

do tell.

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

Don't know too many details or exact dates but we might be seeing one go up soon at the 400 block of E. Houston

One what? a sixty story ripleys believe it or not?

[alexjon]

Fifty story Ripley's. The demand is obviously there!

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

The only place on the 400 block that I see that would be a possible location is where the aloft hotel is going to be. The only other abandoned building on the block is former antique mall that is soon going to be yet another hotel.

[KevinFromTexas]

The Nano and Boquillas are in. Kevin, as a native San Antonian, you're in too. You guys will form the base of the Austin Chapter of COGSADCAJA.
Fight amongst yourselves for titles. :)

Well, I've never lived in San Antonio, but as The Nano and Boquillas put it, the've claimed me as a San Antonian. At least I was born there. :)

[sakyle04]

Picking up the great debate...MySA's downtown blog asserts the boundry lines of downtown SA. (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/2008/10/what_is_downtown.html#comments) There is also a great map that someone will take the time to post here to fuel the debate...

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/2008/10/what_is_downtown.html#comments

I think I all but agree with him. Let the debate begin.

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/20081009downtown440.jpg

I agree with him, except I think DT should be defined as all the way north to the Pearl.

[KevinFromTexas]

That's pretty much the area I've always thought as being "downtown". Of course all that doesn't really matter much. An area doesn't have to be "downtown" to be dense, have tall buildings, be fun, inviting and vibrant. Any area of a city can (and should be). For instance, two of the densest most vibrant and sought after areas of Austin aren't within downtown's borders. They do border it, but officially they aren't considered "downtown". But it doesn't matter much since the entire central core works together to create a vibrant place.

[sirkingwilliam]

Picking up the great debate...MySA's downtown blog asserts the boundry lines of downtown SA. (http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/2008/10/what_is_downtown.html#comments) There is also a great map that someone will take the time to post here to fuel the debate...

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/2008/10/what_is_downtown.html#comments

I think I all but agree with him. Let the debate begin.

I can agree with those boundaries expect I think he should have included more (to the north) of the eastern end he has.

It's the Central Loop.

Inside the Central Loop you have downtown, River North, Southtown, King William, Lavaca, South Flores and SoSo.

I don't like the emphasis being put squarely on a "downtown" name.

[oldmanshirt]

San Antonio's downtown really seems to defy being boxed in, maybe more than any city I've lived in (with the possible exception of Tampa). Is this because SA has never really had a recognized - much less defined - Midtown, Uptown, etc? Or is it because the hub of activity is dispersed to several different places that share proximity to each other but not much else?

Depending on on what criteria you use, you could say downtown goes from the CBD to Market Square to the county courthouse to Hemisfair Park to just north of those 70s era SBC buildings and back to the CBD, or you can throw Southtown, St. Paul Square, the old stockyards, SAC, and the Pearl Brewery in there if you want to. I'd really be hard-pressed to argue either way.

Heck, if you define downtown as something the majority of city residents sees only on the evening news, you might as well say everything inside 410 is downtown ;)

[sakyle04]

San Antonio's downtown really seems to defy being boxed in, maybe more than any city I've lived in (with the possible exception of Tampa). Is this because SA has never really had a recognized - much less defined - Midtown, Uptown, etc? Or is it because the hub of activity is dispersed to several different places that share proximity to each other but not much else?

i think you've nailed it.

this is fundamentally an identity issue. kevin is right that the "central core" works together and is a larger whole. it is in that sense that SKW is right about what all is included - those are all core neighborhoods.

from a strict identity perspective (and unique identities make for more attractive, more prosperous neighborhoods), downtown is limited to what the blogger originally selected.

southtown doesn't benefit from being lumped in. they are cool as "southtown". the vibe and the scene there is different than downtown proper, as it is in king william or river north (one day), or any of the enclaves that make up much of the "core" but not actually part of DT proper.

does this make any sense?

i live in the "deco district", right? well, the idea behind calling it that is that it helps to remove it from the bland "near nw-side" label and give it a distinctive draw of its own.

eventually, river north and the trinity/uiw area will be an "uptown" of sorts. how much more attractive is that (especially as a marketing tool to potential buyers and investors) than saying "near-northside" or "the area just south of alamo heights".

we have "five points" and "dignowity" and "lavaca" and all of these unique places - let's recognize them as such and let downtown be easily identified so as to keep it unique as well (high-rises in DT, mid and low just outside).

[alexjon]

Dignowity is trash.

[sakyle04]

Dignowity is trash.

it's only 10am in the emerald city...which means it's too early to be drinking... :rolleyes:

[sakyle04]

Andres Andujar's aLoft hotel on Houston Street goes before the HDRC on the 15th. it would be 15 stories - 182'4" tall. in the proposal (which was recommended for approval) there is talk of a "cathode light strip"...

there are color renderings if someone would like to post them (SKW)

page 268 - http://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/docs/HDRC_AGENDA.pdf

[verbl]

Okay that is really cool but damn that file is way to massive to just sift through lol:)

[alexjon]

it's only 10am in the emerald city...which means it's too early to be drinking... :rolleyes:

I'm from Government Hill, so I'm pretty sure I know what I'm talking about.

Er, maybe I should just say "I don't like Dignowity Hill".

[Schertz1]

That would be better, especially since Government Hill - for the most part - is seedy as well.

[alexjon]

Edit: Opinion.

[sirkingwilliam]

Aloft by W Hotels - 15 Stories - 200 Feet - Houston Street

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3147/2933085487_404798e840_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2933943632_65a7ba0c65_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3196/2933085711_705b9482a2_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/2933943872_790f18eb28_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3274/2933083283_dcc68a2d3b_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2933942574_2283ae57f8_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2933083757_c79bd814c3_o.png

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2045/2933942044_3db6f3a464_o.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/2933086783_93e72b717a_o.png

[sirkingwilliam]

Dignowity is trash.

Alex, when was the last time you drove through there?

Granted, I agree, 45 percent of Dignowity (http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/sat/dhna/map/) is trashy, that includes the large industrial area just east of 37, but that's slowly changing and I'd probably have said 90% a few years back if what I've heard was true. Now it's a semi-diverse and almost eclectic neighborhood that is becoming those two things every passing day. It's an ever changing neighborhood.

The first time I ever encountered the Dig was last spring during Fiesta when I dropped some friends off downtown. I posted about it, asking what the name of the neighborhood around Dignowity Park was called because after driving through that area because of traffic and road closures I saw a bunch of homes that had been renovated or were being renovated and the homes and newly revitalizing neighborhood reminded me of a King William in genesis.

Now over a year later, it's still transforming.

With the recent road work on Commerce, the proposal to turn that nearby area into an A&E District as well as the BRAC process can only help in that transformation.

Putting Art in the park:

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/sat/dhna/extrapage/img/217523483

There's also the Dignowity Pushcart Derby (http://www.myspace.com/dignowity) which has become quite popular the last couple of years within the neighborhood.

Check out these videos from this years Derby:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5paJyOHsPVo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNb9U5kT_mo

Here's the On The Hill blog. Neat stuff.

I got these pictures from there.

http://img241.imageshack.us/img241/4341/img2099ib8.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/9788/img2102wm0.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/8023/img2057edited1hj8.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5920/img2058va9.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/7255/img2037az6.jpg

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4728/img2048edited1os3.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/3725/img2036edited2gt2.jpg

http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/7391/img2040uz4.jpg

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/9609/img2092edited1xt1.jpg

http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/3270/00050024mo7.jpg

Here's a story about three people, all well off, who moved from an affluent part of the city to Dignowity Hills. Not only did they move there, they also bought several homes in the neighborhood and fixed them up, some they practically saved from being tore down!

Here's the story by the On The Hill blogger:


Before:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/1232/03400008rc7.jpg

After:
http://img388.imageshack.us/img388/5890/img1980kx2.jpg

What the images don't tell is about the people, besides Gino, who saved Rose from winding up a pile of 100 yr old lumber. You see, Rose had been scheduled to be demolished by the city because they had decided that house was an unsafe structure and most likely she was.

But three people with a healthy dose of vision, guts and good business instincts thought that Rose was worth saving. Byron and Betty, who are married to each other and partner Bill had recently bought and restored several homes in the area. Some of these restored homes were former "crack" houses or had been used by the homeless to get out of the weather. They were in pretty bad shape.

But get this, they all moved into the neighborhood. They lifted stakes from what most folks in San Antonio would consider some of the most affluent parts of town to a neighborhood that real estate agents would say was "in transition".

What's even more amazing is that these folks were all in their 70's when they got into this! Talk about looking forward and taking on some pretty daunting risks at an age when most people are just coasting along waiting for the inevitable to happen.

So here I am, 55 yrs old, looking ahead to retirement and these people are out there trying to change the world at 75.....unbelievable! These guys are my heroes!

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/9008/img2016an6.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/518/img1194tr6.jpg

Now I know after posting all that, you still can't possibly have the same opinion?

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

I first became acquainted with D-Hill while driving down New Bruansfels looking for something. On my right I noticed that the street signs were different, and that they denoted a historic district. I found myself thinking "WOW thats a really nice old neighborhood for the East Side." Perhaps a mini King William in the making?

[KevinFromTexas]

There's a nice photo thread of downtown San Antonio in the main city photos section here:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=159118

[alexjon]

Alex, when was the last time you drove through there?

Granted, I agree, 45 percent of Dignowity (http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/sat/dhna/map/) is trashy, that includes the large industrial area just east of 37, but that's slowly changing and I'd probably have said 90% a few years back if what I've heard was true. Now it's a semi-diverse and almost eclectic neighborhood that is becoming those two things every passing day. It's an ever changing neighborhood.

Now I know after posting all that, you still can't possibly have the same opinion?

I do, and it's completely personal. It has everything to do with the phrase I heard often in my childhood "_____ was shot over there across the bridge."

It may be improving now, but like my own neighborhood, it'll still take years to erase the stain from it. Back in April, I went through my old neighborhood and had a peek around to see what had happened to everything and everyone-- it was quieter, but I still saw the same people. I even saw the same crowd of heroin addicts that have been coming up over the bridge during the day since I was a kid.

[miaht82]

Don't know too many details or exact dates but we might be seeing one go up soon at the 400 block of E. Houston

do tell.

Andres Andujar's aLoft hotel on Houston Street goes before the HDRC on the 15th. it would be 15 stories - 182'4" tall. in the proposal (which was recommended for approval) there is talk of a "cathode light strip"...

there are color renderings if someone would like to post them (SKW)

page 268 - http://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/docs/HDRC_AGENDA.pdf
Beat me to it.
Sorry guys, didn't know if it was going up for the 15th or Nov. 1st agenda.

[sirkingwilliam]

Miaht, what's the latest on the W Hotel on Houston Street?

[sakyle04]

http://thevistana.com/vistanacam/LVTheVistana20081014165700000N.jpg

found at: thevistana.com 10/14/08

[adtobias]

Would love to know the status of the W hotel

[miaht82]

The W is a scrapped deal right now; Austin is set to get one and that is all.
Had a direct email from the regional manager of development for Starwood Hotels.
We were looking at a few W Hotel opportunities in San Antonio, but nothing that has come to fruition. At this time we have no working deals for W in San Antonio.

[texboy]

:previous: sounds like its more on hold than "scrapped"....I have no doubt SA will get a W...I just hope it doesn't look cheap and dated like the one in Austin...:yuck:

[Raining Inside]

:previous: sounds like its more on hold than "scrapped"....I have no doubt SA will get a W...I just hope it doesn't look cheap and dated like the one in Austin...:yuck:

Cheap and dated is a matter of opinion. At least Austin is getting one.

[oldmanshirt]

Not a huge loss, IMO. I don't really see any reason to have one except for Dallas and Austin getting one. Frankly, I think those two cities having one is a good reason for SA not to get one ;)

And maybe its just me, but it doesn't seem like a W hotel would fit into SA's downtown landscape very well anyway.

[sakyle04]

i hear what people are saying about the W...

and i think that as long as the brand stays solid (which may require continued exclusivity) they will come here eventually. we are only beginning to tap into the market for the more upscale visitors. the tpc will help attract some of that, although the actual golfers will be staying at the jw marriott (per course rules no one can play who is not a member or guest at the hotel)...

i think we want anything that brings solid brands to the table. and frankly, at the end of the day, i don't so much care what the building looks like. as long as it will have glass and steel and it will fill in a surface lot, i am happy.

[alexjon]

Cheap and dated is a matter of opinion. At least Austin is getting one.

I don't think Austin can really be considered when you talk about hotels, even if it has faux boutique brands.

And versus the decidedly more upscale W in Seattle, Austin's does indeed look dated.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3102/2766532587_6a27e5b885_o.jpg
Photo by Seattlein2011

San Antonio needs one that looks like this one!

[sirkingwilliam]

Had a direct email from the regional manager of development for Starwood Hotels.

Thanks for answering.

I can't quote your quote but I wonder what the "few" comment meant?

[sakyle04]

http://blogs.mysanantonio.com/weblogs/downtown/2008/10/the_vistanas_getting_there.html

New blog about the Vistana - quoted a move in date of December 1st. 47 of the 200+ units have been pre-leased.

My cousin who is working on the Sterling Bank portion of the project told me that they don't anticipate getting the CofO (cert of occupancy) til later in the month, possibly bleeding into 2009.

Keep your ears open...

[oldmanshirt]

Thanks Kyle.

I'm sure you would've mentioned this if you had heard something, but it would be so awesome if they could get a grocery store in the Vistana.

[jaga185]

^^^ I was think the exact same thing the other day! Where's the nearest Hippo's around there?

[sakyle04]

^^^ I was think the exact same thing the other day! Where's the nearest Hippo's around there?

hippos is at la cascada on dwyer south of market.

there is supposed to be a second hippos in the old geiss monstrosity at 35/281. cross and co and lake/flato are working that out.

[sakyle04]

Thanks Kyle.

I'm sure you would've mentioned this if you had heard something, but it would be so awesome if they could get a grocery store in the Vistana.

ya the delivery market on houston is pretty good. and the hippos down dwyer is nice.

some day there will be more... :yes:

[sirkingwilliam]

I believe there was something in a mysa.com article stating that they were considering placing an urban grocery store in the first flood of the Vistana, something like 20,000 square feet, which is a very nice sized grocery store.

Hopefully with Cross' partnering with Hippo's at the Broadway Lofts, it wouldn't be too difficult to put a bigger store in Vistana.

[KeepSanAntonioLame]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/Homicide_reported_at_Days_Inn.html

*cough*

[KevinFromTexas]

S.A. flagship hotel is back on track
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/SA_flagship_is_back_on_track.html

[texboy]

Web Posted: 10/21/2008 4:27 CDT

Planners to mull East Side district

Express-News - The San Antonio Planning Commission will discuss three items Wednesday important to a proposed arts and entertainment district along East Commerce Street. The meeting will be at 2 p.m. at 1901 S. Alamo.

The proposed changes to the city's Unified Development Code include zoning designations for the special district and also update the neighborhood and community plans on file for the area, senior planner Michael Taylor said.

If the panel approves the items, the City Council is tentatively set to discuss the issue on Jan. 15. The changes would not affect the land use currently designated for the area, Taylor said.

The proposal would replace existing zoning designations with a set of standards that would encourage cultural and entertainment venues and compatible functions such as restaurants, residential development and small boutiques.

The district would allow denser, more urban development in the St. Paul Square area and a differing range of uses as the street stretches toward the AT&T Center, Taylor said. Information is online here.

[miaht82]

Mobile crane behind the justice center where 10 story expansion is going, just saw it on Friday.

[The Model]

Does anyone know whats being built over by the old Union Stock Yards?
There is work being done right off Interstate 35 southbound. It used to be an old slaughter house in the corner, and it was demolished, and the land has sat empty for years until now.

[kornbread]

Does anyone know whats being built over by the old Union Stock Yards?
There is work being done right off Interstate 35 southbound. It used to be an old slaughter house in the corner, and it was demolished, and the land has sat empty for years until now.

I remember reading that a Staybridge Suites was to be built on the west side of downtown, but I thought their timeline was out a few more years. So, no, don't really know. That's the only thing I've heard of as a possibility.

[kornbread]

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2007/03/26/story1.html?q=construction%20staybridge%20hotel%20%20san%20antonio%20%20texas


Construction of the fourth Staybridge is slated to begin in late 2007. The 120-suite project will be located at Commerce and North Pecos streets, in Cattleman Square, just west of downtown. It is scheduled to open in early 2009, Radomski says.


I'm not quite sure where the old union stockyards are, but here is location for the Staybridge which, I believe, is much more north:
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=commerce+%26+north+pecos,+san+antonio,+tx&ie=UTF8&ll=29.426366,-98.501422&spn=0.00742,0.021715&t=h&z=16

[The Model]

The old Union Stock Yards are located off Interstate 35 and San Marcos, near Nogalitos, and US 90.

How tall is this Staybridge supposed to be?
Hopefully taller then the one at Sunset Station.

[sakyle04]

the HDRC meeting today looks pretty boring.
http://www.sanantonio.gov/historic/docs/HDRC_AGENDA.pdf

there are suburban-style apartments going in on the mission reach of the river, andres' aLoft hotel getting final approval...

and if any of you take the time to go over the pdf, check page 48 - by far my favorite page. nice to see someone having fun with the hdrc. if someone would post the picture for all to see...

[oldmanshirt]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/Pearl_welcomes_tenants_expansion.html

Web Posted: 11/05/2008 12:00 CST
Pearl welcomes tenants, expansion

By Creighton A. Welch - Express-News

The Pearl Brewery, an up-and-coming destination spot for food and events, continues down those paths with its latest tenants and construction plans for the 22-acre mixed-use development.

The Culinary Institute of America, already a tenant at the Pearl Brewery, is getting ready to more than triple its space there. And the first tenants of the Full Goods Building, a cookbook author and marketing company, are moving in this week.

“Now that we've tested out the market, we're confident that there's a lot of interest in Texas,” said Tim Ryan, president of the CIA. “We've been very, very pleased with the support we've received from San Antonio. The city has been welcoming, supportive and excited we're here.”

Construction will begin around December on a new six-story building that will house additional CIA space, as well as a 500-car parking garage and some apartment and retail space. The CIA space will be mostly kitchens and classrooms.

“The fact that we've chosen San Antonio automatically puts it on the culinary map,” Ryan said. “San Antonio is already a wonderful food city, but we're going to continue to burnish the reputation.”

After the expansion, the school will have about 150 students, but Ryan said it could grow over time.

The new building will take about a year to build and will be between the brew house and the new Full Goods Building, which is nearly complete.

The CE Group, a local marketing company, has started moving its corporate headquarters to the Full Good Building. More than 30 employees will move into the company's 7,000-square-foot space.

“This was a natural evolution for us,” said Janet Holliday, president and CEO of the CE Group. “Our ongoing role in marketing and managing the Pearl Stable, coupled with our need for more space, made this a logical next step. As a creative firm, we're excited to be part of such an artistic, vibrant and evolving environment.”

The 67,000-square-foot Full Goods Building is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification for green building. It will have a 200-kilowatt solar array — the largest in the state — and rainwater collection systems. The CE Group is using recycled carpet, recycled vinyl tiles and linoleum made from linseed.

“Adding the CE Group and its creative staff brings another type of energy and life to Pearl,” said Paul Beard, managing director of the Pearl Brewery.

Cookbook author Melissa Guerra, who has a PBS cooking show, a retail store in McAllen, and a cookware catalog and Web site also opened a store this week in the Full Goods Building.

Guerra's latest cookbook, “Dishes from the Wild Horse Desert,” was nominated for a James Beard Award.

Initially, her store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

“My vision is to bring the country-casual, yet sophisticated lifestyle of South Texas, provincial Mexico and various regions of Latin America to Pearl,” Guerra said in a news release. “We will offer access to products from south of the border and help educate people about the cuisine and culture of that part of the world. At the same time, we'll offer what's new and best in terms of kitchen implements to help ensure success in creating Latin American cuisine.”

The store will have kitchenware such as corn grinders and specialty food products such as Latin American chocolate and wine.

“Melissa Guerra will provide perfect synergy not only with the CIA-San Antonio, but also with the focus on food and culture that is so important to our vision for Pearl,” Ken Halliday, chief operating officer for Silver Ventures, the project's developer, said in a news release. “The store will be a resource for culinary professionals studying Latin American cuisine, as well as for anyone visiting Pearl and looking for a special ingredient or kitchen item, for information or just for a special experience.”

The Full Goods Building also will house Il Sogno, a new Italian restaurant from chef Andrew Weissman, owner of Le Rêve. Office tenants at the building will include the American Institute of Architects San Antonio Chapter and the Nature Conservancy's Texas headquarters.

[miaht82]

Hemisfair park was a hot topic at the council meeting yesterday, there was even a news story on KSAT about it.
Here is link to agenda document (http://epay.sanantonio.gov/agendabuilder/RFCAMemo.aspx?RId=4139).

[sakyle04]

^^ saw that story. it mentioned a "residential component".

[sirkingwilliam]

In a few years the Lower Broadway/Pearl area is going to be one hot and purely bad ass neighborhood!

[miaht82]

I hope it is,
Broadway and other streets leading in/out of DT need to look like this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&g=georgetown,+dc&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=38.909268,-77.061045&spn=0.008115,0.021887&t=h&z=16&cbll=38.905201,-77.062016&panoid=w7npLGtBuSh7o03a6uRVuA&cbp=2,441.3750743329889,,0,1.8744827416684668)
or this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&g=georgetown,+dc&layer=c&ie=UTF8&ll=38.903307,-77.020962&spn=0.007548,0.021887&t=h&z=16&cbll=38.899422,-77.021921&panoid=01pgxK82bi9Mr_EG_zyQ_w&cbp=2,178.72041189105266,,0,-7.244201694610108)
more than this (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=&ie=UTF8&ll=29.435486,-98.483419&spn=0.008447,0.021887&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=29.431132,-98.484376&panoid=-sj5UcEitsKRlLIWg2tdag&cbp=2,42.23687924012313,,0,-8.255190825357745).
downtown arteries and veins need to bleed and feed SA to the "heart" of the city.

[sakyle04]

^^
ouch. great little post. painful to see how much work is left to do there.

one day...

[oldmanshirt]

At least the power lines are buried in that area of Broadway, unlike what you see farther north (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=29.453967,-98.47445&spn=0.010388,0.019312&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=29.449269,-98.474532&panoid=RDes4PNRZxSRXWX_A3EcXQ&cbp=1,0,,0,5)

[sakyle04]

Complaining about power lines, oldmanshirt?

That is why you are the at-large president of COGSADCAJA!! ;)

Head down to your local Denny's immediately. Get a cup of decaf and make an ugly comment about either politics or "young people". :)

[JAM]

Went down to SA last Wed. Came in from Austin, headed west on 410 and exited Nacagdoches Rd and made our way down to Broadway and then finally to D.T. What a beautiful drive it was. Glad we got lost!

[miaht82]

At least the power lines are buried in that area of Broadway, unlike what you see farther north (http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=29.453967,-98.47445&spn=0.010388,0.019312&t=h&z=16&layer=c&cbll=29.449269,-98.474532&panoid=RDes4PNRZxSRXWX_A3EcXQ&cbp=1,0,,0,5)

thats a good start; hopefully the rest fills in and river north brings the proper amount of residents to encourage the appropriate growth that follows.
I wonder if Cavender will get lifts like this to minimize their footprint DT?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2181/2256685517_b26f6dafd6.jpg?v=0
I took a look at the progress on River North and its looking good. :tup:

[oldmanshirt]

Complaining about power lines, oldmanshirt?

That is why you are the at-large president of COGSADCAJA!! ;)

Head down to your local Denny's immediately. Get a cup of decaf and make an ugly comment about either politics or "young people". :)

I can't help it, its a big time pet-peeve :D

At least Alamo Heights voted themselves a tax hike to fix their power lines, so hopefully SA will follow suit on that stretch of Broadway.

[sakyle04]

Lifshutz is one step closer to another new Blue Star-area project getting off the ground...

Feds target Big Tex dirt danger
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/Feds_target_Big_Tex_dirt_danger.html

Federal crews will begin removing toxic soil Monday from the old Big Tex site, potentially clearing the way for the redevelopment of the rundown collection of industrial buildings on the banks of the San Antonio River.

The cleanup should eliminate the last vestiges of asbestos contamination that has lingered for decades and blocked plans to turn the dilapidated site into an artsy mixed-use development similar to the nearby Blue Star Arts Complex.

Area residents got their first look at the cleanup plan Wednesday night at a meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency, and were happy with what they saw.

Neighbors who live in nearby King William have been lobbying for better testing and cleanup at Big Tex since the San Antonio Express-News first reported in 2005 the link between the site and W.R. Grace & Co., which is known to have shipped millions of tons of asbestos-contaminated ore throughout the country.

“I think they should have done this a long time ago,” resident Ellen Garza said. “The sooner the better.”

EPA crews in full protective gear will begin removing at least 1,100 cubic yards of contaminated soil Monday, scraping off at least 6 inches of ground in multiple areas of the 7.5-acre site. The hazardous soil will be buried at a landfill.

EPA Site Coordinator Eric Delgado said workers will constantly spray the area with water to keep down dust and set up a system of air quality monitors to ensure no airborne asbestos fibers escape the site.

“The minute anyone sees dust, we will stop work. Even if it is just a poof,” he said. “That's just what we have to do. We realize we're not in the middle of nowhere. We're in people's backyards.”

Crews also will decontaminate two buildings on the site that tested positive for asbestos.

Sitting adjacent to the Blue Star Arts Complex and across the river from King William, the Big Tex site is named after the grain company whose logo still can be seen on one of the buildings. But it's the area's link with W.R. Grace that has caused trouble.

The company is known to have sent millions of tons of vermiculite ore from its mine in Libby, Mont., to 200 locations throughout the country despite, according to federal court documents, company officials' knowledge that the ore was tainted with tremolite, or amphibole asbestos.

The San Antonio site was one of the company's largest plants, processing more than 100,000 tons of the tainted ore from 1961 to 1989.Asbestos can cause lung cancer and other deadly illnesses, and the W.R. Grace asbestos is a particularly hazardous form. In Libby, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found the rate of deaths from asbestosis, a lung disease caused by exposure to asbestos, was about 60 times higher than the national average.

Delgado said there are no known health problems linked to the San Antonio site, but he said state health officials are attempting to find people who worked at the site. Health officials have said anyone who worked or played near the site when W.R. Grace operated in the area should notify their family physician.

Soil and air testing conducted at Big Tex earlier this year showed asbestos contamination in 26 50-by-50 foot grids, as well as two buildings.

“No asbestos risk was detected offsite,” Delgado said. “That's a good thing.”

The cleanup will cost about $500,000. The EPA initially will pay the costs and then try to collect from any of the site's former or current owners judged responsible.

Owner James Lifshutz, who bought the site long after the asbestos operation shut down, didn't know whether the federal government would judge him responsible for the cleanup.

“That's yet to be worked out,” he said.

Lifshutz still wants to tear down the old facilities and replace them with his planned mixed-use development, but wouldn't hazard a timeline for the project. He was happy with the EPA's cleanup plans.

“I'm pleased that it appears this is finally going to happen, and that when it does happen there will be no questions left about he safety of the site,” Lifshutz said. “That's what I've been asking for all along.”

[sakyle04]

Big Tex rendering...

http://www.lifshutz.com/images/bigtexnewlarge.jpg

Big Tex
San Antonio, Texas

Under development, owner and developer of this mixed-use residential & retail development on a 7-acre site on the San Antonio River in the Southtown/King William Historic District of San Antonio.

The site adjoins the Blue Star Complex immediately to the north.

source: http://www.lifshutz.com/bigtex.html

[miaht82]

You beat me to it kyle.
from alamoarchitects.com (http://alamoarchitects.com/projects/urban/BigTex/)
http://alamoarchitects.com/projects/urban/BigTex/BigTexSitePlan.jpg
Looking good on the end of Southtown.

[sakyle04]

one more:

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z83/theburkholders/BigTexSketch1.jpg

alamoarchitects.com

[miaht82]

Looks like work will begin on Monday at the BIG Tex site.
Does anyone know whats being built over by the old Union Stock Yards?
There is work being done right off Interstate 35 southbound. It used to be an old slaughter house in the corner, and it was demolished, and the land has sat empty for years until now.

Saw the "notice to public," its going to be multi-family housing.
something like this
from planning.org website
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture6.jpg?t=1226097652
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture5.jpg?t=1226097739
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture4.jpg?t=1226097804
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture13.jpg?t=1226103090
From 2006 proposal:
Our proposed 2020 Vision for the Union
Stockyard District is the creation of a transit-oriented
development zoning overlay that will focus on mixed -
use development and urban housing around a
planned commuter rail. This will function both as a
centerpiece of the district and as an integrated link
with the rest of the community.
The blocks north of Pendelton Street will be
redeveloped to create a pedestrian friendly
neighborhood pattern by provid ing store front retail
with housing above , landscaping and paving
improvements, on-street parking, and a Town Square
at the intersection of Saltillo and Frio City.
The focus of the Town Square is the commuter
rail station and bus transfer which connects this
urban district to Downtown San Antonio, UTSA
Downtown Campus, the San Antonio International
Airport , the Toyota plant, and the City of Austin and
surrounding towns.
Our proposal emphasizes the following objectives:
•Create a monumental gateway at the intersection of
Frio City Road, Laredo Street, and San Marcos
Street.
•Convert Frio City Road and Saltillo into a two - way
street with a commuter rail system running through
the center, as well as providing bicycl e and
pedestrian paths connecting to Apache Creek and
other parts of the district.
•Creat e two to three stories mixed-use buildings that
will contain housing , offices and retail that
compliment the Transit Oriented Development.
•Create a Town Center that combines a transit plaza
for outdoor even ts and accommodates a variety of
uses that include retail and office uses as well as
residential on the second and/or third floor with a
parking structure on the opposite side of the transit
station.
•Create a produce market to serve both the
Stockyard District and the rest of the City of San
Antonio.
•Improve Brazos Street with landscaping, lighting,
and paving to link Collins Garden Park to the Center
as well as to other parts of the district.


http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture12.jpg?t=1226103178

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture14.jpg
by the looks of the master plan, it looks like the entire development will go up past Laredo St. which will link with Southtown/SoFlo to the East, and includes the area down Frio City Rd. which will hopefully one day make a nice connector to the Kelly Town Center development. I like how the "transit/commuter rail is mentioned quite a few times.
I have the entire pdf and link if someone wants to read through the whole thing.

[kennedyxpaige]

Taken by kennedyxpaige @ Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2576578015_6749d77f9f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2576580605_2ffb100bd8_b.jpg

I'm KennedyxPaige :jester:

[Raining Inside]

Yeah, if you post SA pics on flickr, ydoc14 will find them.

[KevinFromTexas]

^Haha, yep, that's at least the 2nd time ydoc14 has posted a forumers flickr photos.

[ydoc14]

Yeah, if you post SA pics on flickr, ydoc14 will find them.

Yes, so be careful what you put on there!

[alexjon]

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f330/miaht82/Picture14.jpg

Portland!

[jaga185]

You know its a good thing that those streets are already well connected. I love the description of this revitalization, I hope it comes into full fruition.

Which creek is that one off the top of the render?

[miaht82]

There was an article in the EN about light rail and the comparison made the entire time was Portland.
Is SA ready for light rail? (http://www.mysanantonio.com/livinggreensa/Is_San_Antonio_ready_for_light_rail.html)
By Patrick Driscoll and John Tedesco
- Express-News PORTLAND, Ore. — ...............................
Built for walking

The ability of light rail to shape a neighborhood into a walker's haven has been closely watched at Portland's Orenco Station, which opened in 1977.

The development turned farmland into a town square and light-rail stop surrounded by brownstone condos with shops on the ground floor, cottages, parks, a clubhouse and a grocery store all within a 15-minute walk.

Five years later, 85 percent of residents relied less on cars, according to a Lewis and Clark College study. Many commuters still drove solo to work — three of four — but 69 percent used transit more than they did in their old neighborhoods.

A majority surveyed also said their new community was friendlier and more cohesive.

“We love it,” said John Irving, 68, who moved near Orenco Station four years ago.

He and his wife used to own two cars but downsized to one thanks to light rail. As seniors, they also pay cheaper fares.

“We like being able to get on the light rail, like we're doing now,” Irving said as a MAX train pulled up to Orenco Station. Moments later, he and his family were on their way.

Tedesco reported from Portland.

http://media.mysanantonio.com/images/massdesign110908.jpg

Now if they can put this idea to the Union Stockyards and show how great this walkable community design is.
In asking people from here; of course most would oppose it, you never really know what you're missing until you've tried it.

[miaht82]

You know its a good thing that those streets are already well connected. I love the description of this revitalization, I hope it comes into full fruition.

Which creek is that one off the top of the render?
If you're talking of the one of the map, then that is Apache Creek; it comes from Elmendorf "Lake" and runs parallel to Laredo St. from Zarzamora to 35.