Quote:
Originally Posted by Restless 1
Just thought I'd post a thread on the Decade of Downtown. Looking for comments that appraise its success. Where has it succeeded, and where has it failed?
I'm sure we can all agree there has been some success, but has it been enough?
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What I regard as the most significant and positive steps taken (or on the verge of being taken) are the following:
River North - This has been an amazing success in terms of the returns seen for the original investment made by the city. It promises to keep on delivering for the foreseeable future, as well. It has delivered big time on the retail, commercial and residential scenes and there is more yet to come.
San Pedro Creek Restoration - What an incredible way to revitalize the near west end of DT. With the delivery of contiguous projects like the Frost HQ, Zona Cultural complex and the new Federal Courthouse this is going to spawn so much more additional development it will make our heads spin.
Alamo Plaza Upgrade - I always thought what a shame it was that the Alamo chapel and it's immediate surroundings are all we have left of the original mission complex. What a great defining centerpiece we could have had for our DT if it were arranged around a completely restored Mission San Antonio de Valero as it appeared on the day of the engagement, complete with a first-rate museum and visitor's center. Too late for that now, but we can certainly hope the area is improved to eliminate or greatly reduce what I presently regard as a wholly inappropriate, carnival-like atmosphere that is not at all in keeping with what is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
WestSide Multi-Modal Transit Center - Another great step forward, to become even better when Greyhound relocates to the site, freeing up that prime real estate on N. St. Mary's St for something I have a feeling will be really exciting. As far as the recently-posted plans for light-rail go, they are quite ambitious and admirable. Out of the projected 1.1 million new arrivals to the city over the next 20-25 years, I do believe about 700,000 of them would have to vote for this to become a reality.
Hemisfair Plaza Redevelopment - Once we can get past the funding suspense for the Civic Park, then we are on our way. I feel pretty certain that Andres and his moving-shaking colleagues can pry loose the necessary scratch for this to get over the hump. Regarding the moaning contest over the proposed Boutique Hotel, I would merely remind those opposed that recent studies show we are clearly being outpaced and outspent by Dallas and Austin (who knows who else) in the competition for tourist dollars. Plus, the CVB reminds us that we are still unable to compete for the "super" conventions for a lack of available rooms. A mid-size (250 rms) hotel at the corner of the park would not spoil the grandeur/scenic value/nature appeal of this project.
H.B. Gonzalez Center Expansion - A very important step forward in maintaining the city's competitive posture in the convention industry. If anyone doubts how critical this is, just try chatting with some of the CVB staff.
On the "loss" side of the ledger:
Notwithstanding the relevant argument over how it was to be funded, I was really bummed about the demise of the downtown trolley/streetcar/whatever connecting the outer margins of the CBD with vital transit points like the AlamoDome and the WestSide Multi-Modal Center. That would have been an incredible spur and incentive for residential development in several areas. I hope it has not been irretrievably reconciled to the dustbin.
The cancellation of the Joske's Tower was a real setback in the drive to establish more residential space downtown, especially given it's nice height and not too shabby looks. And all for a non-existent shadow it was going to cast on the Alamo. Give me a practical break... I do remember that Sculley was on record as still supporting a new high-rise structure at what used to be called RiverCenter and that the Mall owners (still Ashkenazy?) were supposedly still cogitating on it. How long can it take?
Does anyone remember the 27-story condo tower at 319 E. Houston St.? Another jewel gone with the wind. Or the Presidio Tower on the Paseo del Rio? I even remember that the Chicoms were going to build a 50-story hotel for Hemisfair before someone shot that one down. I leave it to those in the know to opine on what forces led to the demise of those projects, whether the '08 recession, interest rates, cold feet, barometric pressure, zombie virus outbreaks, etc.
A final word on the debate re urban sprawl. In my humble opinion, as long as there are parents who want a back yard for their kids, and developers who can continue to snap up large tracts of undeveloped land (and keep certain public officials well-greased), it will endure ad nauseum.
AFFIANT FURTHER SAYETH NOT
Keep San Antonio Comatose...
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