News from the Downtown Alliance San Antonio

The Houston Street Mistake: An Off-key Melody

Thu, 15 Jan 2015 06:00:00 +0000

From my second story office at Houston Street and Broadway, I can hear the noise of jackhammers coming from across the street as the foundation for the new Hilton Garden Innbegins to take shape. The sound should be music to my ears, given that our organization,Centro San Antonio, is one whose mission in part is to advocate for and catalyze downtown development. Instead, I can’t help but feel that the “music” emanating from this particular project is off; like a symphony soloist playing in a different key than the rest of the musicians. No matter how much you try to tune out the soloist, you can’t hear anything else. Pat DiGiovanni

Centro Partnership CEO has grand plans for downtown

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 05:00:00 +0000

It’s taken roughly two years for Centro Partnership San Antonio to appoint a leader. But downtown stakeholders believe the organization’s new CEO, Pat DiGiovanni, can help bring monumental change to the center city.

City enticing Sigma to move

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

San Antonio-based Sigma Solutions Inc. is close to a deal to relocate its headquarters to the city's core. City Council approved an ordinance Thursday that awarded Sigma Solutions a $500,000 economic development grant to move downtown. The incentive comes as the city works to reinvigorate the urban core by getting more companies to locate in the area.

Centro Partnership Announces Hiring of Deputy City Manager

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

PAT DIGIOVANNI AS ORGANIZATION'S NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER SAN ANTONIO - Centro Partnership, the new entity comprised of local leadership from both the public and private sectors and tasked with downtown San Antonio redevelopment, announced today that Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovanni has been hired as the organization's new Chief Executive Officer.

Broadway changes take area in a new direction

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

From Rudy Ramirez's nearly 100-year-old bungalow along North Alamo Street, the sights and sounds of investment along Broadway near the Pearl Brewery are unavoidable. From his front porch, he can see the 1800 Broadway luxury development take shape. He's accustomed to the sounds of banging hammers and grinding machinery that have become background noise. “I see the development, and I think it's great,” he said. “It'll probably help the value of this property.”

More apartments are slated for San Antonio downtown

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 05:00:00 +0000

San Antonio’s plan to offer more financial incentives to spur the development of urban housing is attracting new investors. The latest is A.A. Seeligson Jr. River North Ltd., a partnership including San Antonio’s Hixon Properties, which has acquired prime real estate across from the San Antonio Museum of Art and plans to transform the site into a new riverfront residential complex.

Businesses are link to renaissance downtown

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Mayor Julián Castro wants to make downtown more exciting. I'd like to see him succeed, for reasons both selfish and selfless. First, I was born here and raised near downtown. To put it mildly, when I left in 1997, I didn't see any vibrant metropolis receding in my rearview mirror. Now I'm back, living closer to downtown than before. And I'm planning to stay.

Destination Downtown: San Antonio’s growth surge

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Our city is growing in many directions, but one aspect of the growth is not so obvious -- unless you spend a lot of time in and around Downtown. Living spaces Downtown are filling up as quickly as they can be built. As News 4 WOAI's Michael Garofalo reports, it's this internal growth that's making Downtown a destination not just for tourists anymore.For full story>>

Council backs incentives policy on housing

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

After a months-long debate, a revamped incentives policy for multifamily projects, intended to help add 7,500 housing units downtown by 2020, has gained the consensus of the City Council.

City of San Antonio Construction and Maintenance on Houston St.

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Between June 13 and July 2, the City of San Antonio’s Department of Public Works will be completing pedestrian ramp construction at the intersection of Houston St. and Losoya St. and bridge maintenance on the Houston St. bridge between St. Mary’s St. and Soledad St. The table below details the construction and traffic control plans for the planned work as well as contact information for City of San Antonio staff who can answer any questions or address any concerns before, during, or after this project’s construction.

Lexington business group learns how San Antonio changed

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

On Monday, the 185 Kentuckians visiting San Antonio with Commerce Lexington heard about what this city is doing to transform itself. On Tuesday, they heard more about how it is being done.

Commerce Lexington group hopes to get ideas in San Antonio

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 05:00:00 +0000

More than 180 Central Kentucky business and civic leaders will board a chartered jet Monday morning for Commerce Lexington's 73rd annual Leadership Visit — three days of networking, gathering ideas and discussing strategies to improve Lexington. This year's destination: San Antonio.

Downtown Residents Again Discussing Their Number One Need

Tue, 22 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Once again, there is talk of bringing a grocery store to San Antonio’s increasingly cosmopolitan downtown area, 1200 WOAI’s Joshua Cook has learned. “We’re actually talking about it, and I think that is the most exciting thing,” Melissa Burnett with the Downtown Alliance told 1200 WOAI news.

Bond propositions pass easily

Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

San Antonio residents Saturday overwhelmingly approved all five propositions of the $596 million bond program, sending a vote of confidence to City Hall in an era when taxpayers are generally wary of major spending initiatives.

Methodist Healthcare plans $44 million expansion in Downtown San Antonio

Fri, 11 May 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Some of San Antonio’s largest hospital systems are playing a high-stakes game of chess, rolling out new development plans that could significantly reshape the delivery of care downtown.

$350 million may pave way for SA2020

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Build more housing units, and then downtown will attract more of the things that make a vibrant city: residents, workers, retail, recreation, and maybe even a grocery store.

Downtown San Antonio, TX Hotel Partners With Kellogg's for Children in Need

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

As mom said for years, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Yet, 1 in 5 children live in homes where breakfast is hard to come by. However, through a partnership with another of the world's most recognizable brands, TownePlace Suites San Antonio Downtown is ensuring that children in need get a filling start to their day.

Billionnaire Weston eyes major downtown revival in San Antonio

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The newest member of San Antonio’s billionaire’s club is ready to open his wallet over downtown. Rackspace Hosting Inc. founder and chairman Graham Weston says he will forge partnerships with a dozen or more real estate developers over the next two years to further develop the city center into a livable, walkable urban environment that will attract and retain young professionals.

Geeks get connected to S.A.'s tech scene

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

In San Antonio, geeks have created their own universe. It's a place where tech company execs can share ideas over a game of ping-pong. Where down the hall, a lawyer and public-relations specialist offer free advice. Where qualified tech talent is ripe for the picking and where some of the city's most successful entrepreneurs and tech aficionados are always available to talk shop.

Deputy city manager named Downtowner for 2012

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Downtown hearts San Antonio City Hall. For the third year in a row, the Downtowner of the Year is a city of San Antonio official. Deputy City Manager Pat DiGiovanni on Friday received the honor from the Downtown Alliance, following in the footsteps of previous winners Paula Stallcup, the city's director of downtown operations (who in 2011 shared the award with the deceased artist Chuck Ramirez), and Mayor Julián Castro in 2010.

City Eyeing Downtown Car Sharing Program

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

The City of San Antonio, which has for the past year operated a successful ‘bike sharing’ program downtown, is expected to move forward this week with an innovative ‘car sharing’ program, 1200 WOAI news reports.

How To Talk About Cities Without Ticking Off Folks Who Don't Live There

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Mitchell Silver spends a lot of time traveling the country in his role as the president of the American Planning Association. In that time, he has learned that there are certain words you just don’t use with audiences outside of the urban core. For instance: urban.

Alamo, shops, food highlight visit to downtown San Antonio

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

This city is known for the Alamo and the River Walk, and rightly so, but don't stop there. The small downtown is packed with interesting sites, and visitors can easily get around by trolley and river taxi. Beyond the city limits, Texas Hill Country beckons those with access to a car.

Museum events evoke cosmopolitan flair

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

On March 9, winter and rain returned. 'Twas a cozy night to stay home, but not for Kimberly Hall, who trolls the Internet for fun things to do on weekends, or for her fiancé, Vincent Goodwin, or Corrien Visscher, or friends Leticia and Hector Cavazos. Not for Olga and Bill Hickey and other consumers of culture who were enjoying the Second Friday Scene at SAMA Happy Hour.

Free parking initiative successful in its first month

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Downtown Tuesday, the popular initiative that brings locals Downtown during the week, continues this month. Free parking is available from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. in City-operated parking garages, parking lots and parking meters.

SA Missions Making Push to Become UNESCO World Heritage Site

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

Bexar County Commissioners Court has approved a $10,000 grant to make a new push to get the San Antonio Spanish MIssions declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a rare honor reserved for only the most noteworthly places in the world.

Pearl’s evolution into a gem

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:00:00 +0000

They like a lot of things in San Antonio. Pabst isn't one of them. Many haven't forgiven the Illinois-based beer company for buying and closing San Antonio's famous Pearl Brewery, a local landmark and major employer since 1883.

San Antonio ranked among country's Top 10 Happiest Cities for Jobs

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The city of San Antonio was ranked the ninth Happiest City for Jobs in a recent list put out by Forbes.com. The list, developed by CareerBliss, was based on 10 factors that impact workplace happiness, including employee and boss relationships, opportunities for growth, compensation, resources, company culture and reputation, among others. The list reflects a compilation of more than 43,000 independent employee reviews.

San Antonio Síclovía: A Sunday peoplefest puts the magic back in a resurgent Broadway

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

For most of a perfect March day in San Antonio, Broadway from Mulberry to McCullough was car free and care free — completely in the hands of the people. Yes, the city’s premier surface street was closed and it wasn’t even parade day during Fiesta. Welcome to Síclovia San Antonio, the March 4, 2012 edition.

Siclovia

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

From Mahncke Park to Maverick Park, skateboarders, walkers, runners, hula hoopers, skaters, tricyclers, bicyclers, bubble-blowers, strollers, scooters and dog lovers were out enjoying the couldn’t-ask-for-any-better weather.

Crowds 'Remember the Alamo'

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Cannon fodder filled downtown San Antonio as many cried out to Remember the Alamo.

San Antonio should tout its offbeat delights

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

In case you didn't already know, there's a lot more to San Antonio than Shamu, the Alamo and mariachis on the River Walk.

"Top Chef" Wraps for Season, San Antonio Says Investment Has Paid Off

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The season of the hit Bravo show 'Top Chef' came to an end last night, with two Texans vying to win the top chef designation, and Paul Qui of Austin muscling out Sarah Gruneberg to win the crown. But it was a San Antonio heavy season, after the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau spent $200,000 in venue tax money to secure a major spot on the show. Bureau spokesman Ronnie Price told 1200 WOAI's Michael Board it paid off in a big way.

US Chaplains Corps finally booted from downtown area

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 06:00:00 +0000

They call themselves the United States Chaplains Corps and claimed they were collecting money for a worthy military cause.But News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooter Mireya Villarreal uncovered the money people donated was being used to pay their bills.And now – The act is over!

Burgers and bikes coexist peacefully in S.A.

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Today, I wish to extol two news items that both are occasions for great civic pride and excitement. The first: Men's Fitness magazine, in its upcoming March issue, has ranked San Antonio the 25th fittest city in the nation. We've previously been branded one of the “least fit” cities. The less politically correct would say one of the “fattest.” And granted, the magazine ranks us at the very bottom of its list of 25 cities. So it's a tenuous achievement, I suppose, but a mighty one nonetheless. The second news item: Whataburger is opening downtown on Monday.

Redevelopment is vital for downtown

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

HemisFair helped put San Antonio on the modern map in 1968. The World's Fair was a milestone in San Antonio's history. HemisFair '68 was a huge success. In the years since the World's Fair, however, HemisFair Park's 93 acres have been vastly underutilized. “Our biggest failure was in not coming up with a strategy with what to do with the property after the closing,” Bill Sinkin, one of the HemisFair '68 organizers, told the Express-News in 1993.

San Antonio Cocktail Conference Organizers Award Funds for Children’s Lifesaving Operations

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Executive Chef Mark Bohanan—owner of Bohanan’s Restaurant and Bar, and creator of the first San Antonio Cocktail Conference—presented a check for $57,000 to HeartGift San Antonio to support two lifesaving surgeries for children from disadvantaged countries seeking heart surgeries at Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital. Cocktail Conference supporting business members SoHo Wine & Martini Bar, Ocho Lounge at Hotel Havana, The Esquire Tavern and Rio San Antonio Cruises joined Bohanan in the presentation.

The Viceroy on the way to King William area

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Historically, every king needed a viceroy. So it's appropriate that the King William area welcomes The Viceroy, a mixed-used development in the Southtown neighborhood that broke ground on Tuesday at the corner of West Guenther and South Flores streets.

City bond proposal includes changes for downtown

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The city of San Antonio's $596 million bond project is packed full of projects city-wide. Around 80 percent of the proposed bond money would go to projects consisting of streets, bridges, and sidewalk improvements.

HNTB moves to location in the heart of downtown San Antonio

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

On Thursday, Feb. 16, HNTB Corporation held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new office located at 130 East Travis St. The office will house the firm’s 41 professional engineers, environmental scientists, planners, public involvement representatives and support staff. The firm has an option to lease additional space in the future as the firm continues to grow.

San Antonio’s culinary scene: So much more than Tex-Mex and Riverwalk chains

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

In the not-so-distant past, most people thought dining in San Antonio meant either Tex-Mex restaurants or tourist traps on the Riverwalk. But today, while remaining ground zero for the culturally-relevant Tex-Mex cuisine, the culinary map in the Alamo City started to change a few years back, becoming more adventurous, diversified and eclectic thanks to a growing number of forward-thinking chefs and restaurateurs. That’s why those of us familiar with the scene were not surprised to learn that it had captured the attention of StarChefs.com, who bestowed 2012 Rising Stars Awards upon four of the city’s brightest.

Free parking on Downtown Tuesday a big hit for San Antonio romance

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Scott and Mandy Earle decided to spend Valentine’s evening doing something they have not done in years. They celebrated the night in downtown San Antonio.

Why love matters: A Valentine to a sustainable future

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Lovability, a concept deeply distrusted by architects of most stripes, is actually the gateway to sustainable architecture because if a building can't be loved, it will not last. And lovability is a better standard than beauty, as we shall see.

Urban Renaissance for San Antonio? Keeping Score in a Fast-Changing City

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Don’t blink or you’ll miss a lot that is changing for the better in this city. The redevelopment of San Antonio’s central city is gaining impressive momentum as anyone who has pedaled a bicycle down Broadway, through Southtown or along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River can testify. Put another way, a whole lot of vision seems to be reaching the actualization stage.

Rooftop farms, millennials and the joys of all things urban

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Brad Segal, president of Denver-based Progressive Urban Management Associates, spoke about global trends affecting downtowns at Monday's Urban Renaissance Luncheon, organized by the Downtown Alliance.

Free parking: Valentine's Day just got sweeter downtown

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio City Council members said they think they've come up with a way to generate more traffic from locals to the downtown area. "Downtown Tuesday" is the new program they’re promoting by offering free parking at city lots, garages and meters.

Apartment construction boom under way in San Antonio

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Rents are up, apartments are full, and developers are responding. More than 4,000 new apartment units should hit the market in the San Antonio area this year, many of them with upscale amenities, as developers and investors respond to demographic trends and the difficulty that would-be first-time homebuyers are having qualifying for a mortgage loan.

Commissioners enthused by downtown housing

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The nearly 1,000 apartments being built around Pearl Brewery are just the kind of progress that Bexar County commissioners like to see.

Tuesday night is park-for-free night

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

What better way to say “I love you” this Valentine's Day than surprising your honey with a prime downtown parking space?

San Antonio unveils downtown parking initiative

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The city of San Antonio is asking locals to park it — downtown, that is. On Feb. 8, city leaders — including Mayor Julian Castro; District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal; and Jim Mery, interim director for the downtown operations department — will unveil a new plan to bring locals back to the center city, called Downtown Tuesday.

Homeless Haven In San Antonio An Example For Local Leaders

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

As we've reported, city leaders are considering the idea of building a major new facility for the homeless in Corpus Christi. It would be patterned after Haven For Hope in San Antonio.

San Antonio Transforms Into "City of Yellow Roses"

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Already one of the world's most romantic destinations, San Antonio is going all out for this year's Valentine's Week by transforming into the "City of Yellow Roses." Roses mean romance, but in San Antonio it's only natural that the color of romance be yellow, not red.

HNTB moves to downtown San Antonio

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Engineering and architecture firm HNTB has relocated to a new downtown office location that has enough room to expand, if necessary.

The Inaugural San Antonio Cocktail Conference: A toast to the future of Texas' spirits

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The buzz about the inaugural San Antonio Cocktail Conference started weeks before the actual event. While seated at the bar at Peché on a recent weekend night, the gentlemen to our left were talking about the conference and mentioning the media buzz. “But why in San Antonio?” asked one. Our informed bartender chimed in, “Why not? San Antonio is up and coming and is making a mark for itself on the map.”

S.A. Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Matej secures national honor

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The Event Services Professionals Association has named Casandra Matej, executive director of the San Antonio Convention and Visitors Bureau, as the recipient of its Executive Excellence Award.

Study: San Antonio Workers Among Happiest in USA

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The web site 'Careerbliss.com' ranked all major cities on the basis of how much people like their work place, and like going to work, based on some 43,000 independent employee reviews conducted in cities nationwide.

Grocery store eyed for Lavaca neighborhood

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A grocery store and additional housing are being envisioned for the area of the Lavaca neighborhood, just east of downtown, known as Victoria Commons. Land owner San Antonio Housing Authority has gathered input from nearby residents, and was planning to complete a master plan by this month. But SAHA is close to hiring L.A./St. Louis-based McCormack Baron Salazar as the project’s master developer, and therefore is giving the firm an opportunity to weigh in on the master plan before proceeding to the SAHA board and City Council for approval.

San Antonio Mayor in State of the Union Spotlight

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Castro confirmed to the Tribune on Monday that he received a formal invitation to attend President Obama’s State of the Union address, with a coveted seat in first lady Michelle Obama’s box — an area reserved for VIPs and other high-profile citizens.

HemisFair Park meeting to focus on streets

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

In 2011, professional urban designers, and regular folk like you and I, took a broad approach toward envisioning a better HemisFair Park. Now it’s time to get down to brass tacks. The public is invited to a workshop early next week which focuses on the streets around and within the park.

Building San Antonio: Highland Park is an urban neighborhood that offers great value

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Development at the Pearl Brewery, less than two miles from the Alamo, is seemingly one of the city's best examples of a mixed-use project done right. Its great history, proximity to the heart of downtown and a diverse urban fabric makes this area both unique and desirable.

CPS Energy to partner with OCI Solar Power

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

CPS Energy of San Antonio, the largest power and gas municipal utility in the nation, is negotiating with OCI Solar Power to develop 400 megawatts of solar power over the next five years as part of a larger economic development effort.

Convention Center expansion unveiled

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

A Convention Center expansion that would add 100,000 square feet of space, give the facility a new entrance and keep San Antonio competitive for major conventions is on the drawing board.

An Estimated 100,000 Marchers in San Antonio Honor Legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. in One of Nation's Largest Events

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio, home to one of the nation's largest marches commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr., once again showcased a remarkable turnout of participants for an annual event that began in 1978 with 50 individuals and that has now grown to attract more than 100,000 people annually.

More B-cycle kiosks, bike racks in the works

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Bike share program San Antonio B-cycle is poised to gain more stations in the coming months; and new bike parking is in the works for downtown and Southtown.

San Antonio tapped as the best performing city in the nation

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro on why the city had the best performing economy of 2011.

Moments from One of The Country's Largest ML King March Celebrations in San Antonio

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Peppered throughout the masses were a beautiful diversity of people. There were a dynamic blend of religions, cultures, races and creeds walking shoulder to shoulder through the streets of the city's east-side.

New Mission Reach on River unites San Antonio from Alamo to National Parks

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

U.S. Department of Transportation announced this week that the City of San Antonio will receive $324,000 to expand the Bike Share program to connect the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to the Museum Reach and the Alamo.

San Antonio Cocktail Conference raises the bar

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

If you think San Antonio's cocktail culture ended with Prohibition, guess again. Cocktails will take center stage when some of the rock stars of the craft descend upon the city for the San Antonio Cocktail Conference.

Optical company brings its vision to downtown San Antonio

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Some downtown office space left empty when AT&T moved out of San Antonio is now filled with a new headquarters. It’s a move that will boost the downtown economy and create jobs.

Fiesta Commission welcomes new Chief Executive Officer

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The Fiesta® San Antonio Commission, which coordinates all planning activities to create Fiesta® San Antonio, one of the nation's premier festivals, announced the appointment of John R. Melleky, CFRE, as its new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 17.

CPS Energy Installing EV Charging Stations Around the City

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Maybe you’ve seen them---CPS Energy has begun seeding the community with electric car charges, many have begun popping up in the parking lots of H-E-B stores, shopping malls, and hospitals...places where people might be busy for some time and may want their electric vehicle to be recharging while they are doing their business.

Alamo Bowl's breaking records prove football is king in San Antonio

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Football is good for San Antonio. This year’s Valero Alamo Bowl was viewed by over 5 million households giving it a 5.1 rating. This was the fifth most-watched non-BCS bowl game in ESPN history.

Cheers to 30 Years: Hyatt Regency San Antonio Hotel Celebrates Three Decades of Success

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

On Dec. 18, 1981, the Hyatt Regency San Antonio hotel opened its doors to 700 eager and talented candidates who were anxious to join the Hyatt Regency team. Thirty years later, the San Antonio Riverwalk hotel’s success is a true testament to the staff’s continued dedication, passion for hospitality, superb customer service and love of San Antonio.

Councilman Diego Bernal announces San Antonio Bus Pass Meal

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Councilman Diego Bernal, in conjunction with Haven for Hope, VIA and the San Antonio Tourism Council, announces the San Antonio Bus Meal Pass.

Los Angeles group is planning to buy Nix Health System

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio's Nix Health is slated to be acquired by a Los Angeles private health care company this quarter. Prospect Medical Holdings Inc. has entered into an agreement to buy Nix from a subsidiary of Merit Health Systems LLC of Louisville, Ky. Terms weren't disclosed.

Twin Sisters to close downtown location

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

After serving downtown for about 15 years, Twin Sisters Bakery & Cafe will be closing its doors in late March

Boeing to shift defense work to San Antonio

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

The Boeing Co. has announced plans to close its Wichita, Kan. defense plant by the end of 2013 and shift that work to facilities in San Antonio and Oklahoma City.

Eager House restoration begins massive HemisFair Park overhaul

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Baby steps. Actually, relative to what is envisioned for all of HemisFair Park, these steps are small even by baby measurements. But you have to start somewhere.

River Walk lights draw praise, criticism

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

This fall, San Antonio city officials moved ahead with a plan to renovate the River Walk holiday lights, replacing 85,000 old incandescent bulbs with nearly 2 million LED lights.

Experiencing The Kindness Of Strangers In San Antonio

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:00:00 +0000

Every year around this time, I remember a brief encounter I had in 1973 with a ticket agent at the main bus station in San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio Conservation Society names recipients of 2011 Community Grants Program

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Using the proceeds from its 2011 presentation of “A Night In Old San Antonio®” (NIOSA®), the San Antonio Conservation Society has awarded $85,000 this year in grants to 13 historic preservation and educational projects that fulfill its purpose to “preserve and to encourage the preservation of historic buildings, objects, places and customs relating to the history of Texas, its natural beauty and all that is admirably distinctive to our State.”

Free, discounted cab rides offered New Year's Eve

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Whether you've had so many drinks you can't remember the lyrics to “Auld Lang Syne,” or if you've consumed just a small amount of alcohol, New Year's Eve revelers are encouraged to take advantage of free and discounted cab rides that will be offered in downtown San Antonio.

Alamo Bowl fever: S.A. economy set for surge of visitors' dollars

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Bowl fever has once again hit San Antonio, and local officials believe it will lead to a big economic impact for the city.

¡Bienvenido, 2012! - Music's the thing at the annual Celebrate S.A. New Year's bash

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

As 2011 comes to an end, the city is gearing up for Celebrate San Antonio, when 250,000 people are expected to fill the streets of downtown.

Say Sí Students Collaborate with Visiting Decorative Concrete Artisans To Craft River Mural Project

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Concrete artisans are collaborating with young and aspiring artists to produce a creative mural at the entry to SAY Sí. An ambitious river-themed mural will replace existing concrete that will be creatively resurfaced by local contractors and leading national trainers. Work will take place the week of January 2, 2012 in advance of the Concrete Decor Show, which comes to San Antonio February 20-24 for its international trade show and training program.

S.A.'s panhandling law working on streets but not in stairwells

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

With a busy weekend coming up in downtown San Antonio, police are clearing out panhandlers and saying the anti-panhandling ordinance works. But visitors are still having run-ins.

Recall: Decade of Downtown, Year One

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

To be sure, downtown needs some love. The most recent U.S. Census data shows residents fled the city center in droves over the past decade. Housing's scarce, storefronts sit empty, and a glut of downtown office space sits dejectedly on the market. To turn the urban core around, Mayor Julián Castro made the "Decade of Downtown" a cornerstone of the SA 2020 plan gleaned from months of community input.

Congratulations to the winners of Light Up Downtown

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Mayor Julian Castro's inaugural Light Up Downtown Holiday Contest is underway! Buildings throughout downtown are illuminated and the winners are: People's Choice Best Lighting Display of a Storefront: San Antonio Children's Museum Critic's Choice Best Lighting Display of a Storefront: Greater Chamber of San Antonio People's Choice Best Lighting Display of a Building: Marriott Rivercenter Critic's Choice Best Lighting Display of a Building: Vidorra Condominiums Hospitality Award Best Lighting Display of a Hotel: Hilton Paseo del Rio CPS Energy Award Greenest Lighting Display: Riverwalk Plaza Hotel & Suites This contest created an opportunity to showcase the downtown area to our locals and visitors and to create a new holiday experience throughout downtown. The contest is sponsored by CPS Energy. Over 30 businesses participated in the inaugural lighting contest. Holiday lighting displays will be up through January 10, 2012. For a complete list of all lighting displays, visit www.lightupdowntownsa.com.

San Antonio agencies awarded $6.6 million to fight homelessness

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio and Bexar County will receive $6.6 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the administration’s Continuum of Care programs.

A turning point for San Antonio film?

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

If you were at Sunset Station’s Depot two weeks ago for the Film Commission’s holiday party, where the 48 Hour winners were announced, you likely felt the excitement.

San Antonio Leads Texas-Heavy List Of Best U.S. Economies

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

It turns out “Don’t Mess With Texas,” is more than just a slogan. At least judging by the state’s ability to rebound from the Great Recession, and its dominance over the rankings in a new report highlighting the best-performing U.S. cities.

Successful Final Four has S.A. looking ahead

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

A crowd of 13,747 — the fourth-largest ever for a final — watched UCLA defeat Illinois in four sets.

Texas Cities Top List of Best Performing Metro Areas

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

After weathering the recession better than anywhere else in the country, cities in the Lone Star State are holding strong and improving faster as the United States shows signs of growth.

S.A. is named nation's top-performing city

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

We're No. 1! Not that we're bragging or anything, but this list has nothing to do with tacos, most-visited tourism spots or expansive waistlines.

Best Performing Cities: Don't Mess with Texas

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

This year, San Antonio leaped 13 spots to rank number one on the survey of 200 large metros.

San Antonio burned 4 million calories first year of bike share program

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

San Antonio’s B-Cycle program will complete its inaugural year with 1,000 members who have burned almost 4 million calories in 2011.

Downtown Alliance going for the youths

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

In a new effort, the Downtown Alliance is trying to keep the kids from the leaving the party. And it launches this via its Young Professional Holiday Happy Hour Mixer, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Esquire Tavern, 155 E. Commerce St.

Apathy makes the powerful more so

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Bold words were spoken Saturday at the unveiling of a Citizen's Bill of Rights and Responsibilities at the University of Texas San Antonio's downtown campus.

VIA to proceed with development of multi-modal center in West San Antonio

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded VIA Metropolitan Transit a $15 million grant to fund the development of San Antonio’s first multi-modal transportation hub in the Cattleman Square area.

City unveils car charging stations

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Mayor Julián Castro ceremoniously plugged an electric vehicle into the city's new charging station at the downtown library Monday, one of six built by the city through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.

City gets federal transit grant

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Two years ago, on a visit to San Antonio, United States Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood looked around at a room of San Antonio political and transit officials and gave them a command: get your act together if you want federal money for major transit projects.

Heisman-studded Alamo Bowl a gift to San Antonio

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Would you pay for a ticket to the 2011 Alamo Bowl even if you don't follow Baylor or Washington? Well, as a sports fan, I sure would -- the Heisman Trophy winner is coming to San Antonio!

Las Casas Foundation - Open Call for Scholarships

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Las Casas—the non-profit organization that restored the Majestic and Empire Theatres—recently announced its Open Call for scholarships, which are available to San Antonio-area, college-bound high school seniors who sing, dance or act. Applications are due by January 31, with $60,000 in awards available. Charline McCombs, Joci Straus, and Frank Ruttenberg are just a few of the board members who are very involved in the awards program. In the three years since the scholarship’s inception, more than $200,000 has been awarded to area student-performers, helping to make their dreams of pursuing further education in the performing arts possible. It is one of the largest scholarship programs of its kind in the country—a distinction that puts San Antonio’s performing arts community on the national stage. For more information and to apply>>

Guide Dog school needs more volunteers

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Guide Dogs of Texas needs volunteers to help socialize puppies and to support clients, as well as monetary donations.

Building San Antonio: More opportunities to live downtown

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

In San Antonio, as in many other Texas cities, housing opportunities have spread further and further from downtown.

San Antonio 'Citizens Bill of Rights and Responsibilities' to be presented

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

A San Antonio Citizens Bill of Rights and Responsibilities, an initiative which is part of the SA 2020 initiative unveiled by Mayor Castro earlier this year, will be presented to the mayor and city council tomorrow.

Social Studies: Reconnecting with downtown

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The mantra for making cities more appealing is walkability, implying the need for interesting parks, shops and attractions to walk to.

SAMA boss builds networks

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Katie Luber is a newcomer to San Antonio, but the recently appointed director of the San Antonio Museum of Art talks about “our city” with the ease and conviction of a lifer.

ARTS San Antonio brings home global culture

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Behind the twirling ballerinas in this month's performance of “The Nutcracker” at the Lila Cockrell Theatre lies a nonprofit organization dedicated to showcasing performing arts — ARTS San Antonio.

Wolff says hospital, stadium proposals viable

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Though the goals have proved elusive, proposals to bolster children's health care in Bexar County and build a downtown baseball stadium are still on track.

South San Antonio continues to grow

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Thanks to a private/public partnership, there is a new complex of lofts ready to open its doors to residents in South San Antonio in January.

Baseball legend Ripken may invest in SA baseball complex

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken was in San Antonio on Wednesday to talk about how baseball can help kids avoid a life of crime. And while Ripken, who was in San Antonio to discuss the topic with the National Association of Attorneys General, which is holding its annual convention here, his company has been in touch with local officials about the possibility of building a sports park in San Antonio.

Bond committees zeroing in on final recommendations

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The committees hold their last round of public meetings next week as they prepare to craft final proposals to present to City Council the second week of January. According to an Express-News’ article from a couple of weeks ago, downtown will get its share.

Webcast: San Antonio downtown transportation open house

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

Did you miss the downtown transportation open house? Watch the webcast, courtesy of nowcastsa.com.

AAEP Convention Attracts 6,400 to San Antonio

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The 57th Annual Convention of the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP), held Nov. 18-22 in San Antonio, Texas, attracted nearly 6,400 veterinary professionals, guests, and exhibitors, ranking the meeting among the top five conventions by attendance sponsored by the association. The AAEP Convention continues as the world's largest education event for equine veterinarians.

Downtown baseball stadium may no longer be a field of dreams

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

A baseball stadium in downtown San Antonio may no longer be just a field of dreams. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said in recent months the idea of relocating Wolff Stadium, the home of the AA minor league team San Antonio Missions, has been gaining traction.

Smoking to be banned at two big Fiesta parades

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 06:00:00 +0000

The 'smoke free workplace' law, which was approved by San Antonio City Council in 2010 and which went into effect in August of this year, is now moving beyond the workplace, and Council tomorrow is expected to approve an ordinance which will ban smoking at the two big Fiesta street parades.

Playing with blocks