Downtown San Antonio is poised for change with the approval of a major development project in Hemisfair. The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission has approved the Santa Rita, a 10-story residential building with 304 units and ground-level retail on 2.14 acres along Market Street. Plans also include a three-story retail building that will connect with the River Walk, Civic Park, and Market Street.
According to KENS5, this initiative is a partnership between the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation and Trube Corp. "I am thrilled to be a part of the transformation happening at Hemisfair. The Santa Rita is not just an apartment building; it's a vibrant community that will enhance the urban fabric of downtown San Antonio," according to John Trube, founder of Trube Corp. He emphasized the project's commitment to fostering connection, supporting local businesses, and celebrating the area's rich history. The design, by FitzGerald Associate Architects, honors the neighborhood's cultural heritage, featuring materials like brick and stone along with modern elements such as awnings and arcades.
Hemisfair officials have set ambitious goals for the Santa Rita project. CEO Andres Andujar stated, "Hemisfair’s mixed-use development is a pivotal step in restoring the neighborhood’s density, as it once was before the 1968 World’s Fair." He expressed confidence that the project, similar to the changes seen with Yanaguana Garden, will strengthen the urban core, support local businesses, and enhance public spaces. The focus on sustainable development aims to make the city center more resilient and economically strong, as per KENS5.
The apartment complex is named after St. Rita of Cascia. While the construction start date for Santa Rita hasn't been announced, anticipation for its impact on revitalizing downtown San Antonio is growing, as noted in a report by KSAT.
