San Antonio Faces Construction Challenges Ahead of Final Four
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to host the Final Four basketball championship this coming April. However, the city is also grappling with major construction projects that have caused quite a bit of disruption for both drivers and local businesses. As we take a closer look at the situation, it’s clear that the upcoming event has put pressure on city officials to find quick solutions.
Three Major Projects at Play
In total, there are three significant construction projects taking place downtown, which have been frustrating many residents and tourists alike. The first one includes the lower Broadway closure, extending from the north part of downtown all the way to Alamo Plaza. The city has committed to having this project “substantially completed” before the Final Four, which is a relief for those who want to experience the vibrant atmosphere during the championship.
Then there’s the Zona Cultura project, which has resulted in closures on West Commerce and South Santa Rosa. City officials are also counting on this project being “substantially” finished in time for the big event. Both of these projects show promising signs of progress, but it’s the third project that has everyone feeling a bit uneasy.
South Alamo Street Project
The South Alamo Street project, which is blocking a busy area near the convention center, has fallen behind schedule. Unfortunately, this project will not be completed before the Final Four, leading city officials to announce that they will need to “pause” construction during the event. But what does that really mean for the area and for the visitors coming to cheer on their teams?
While efforts to reach the City of San Antonio for further clarification on this “pause” proved unfruitful, public works did send out an email outlining some potential options. These include things like plating over the underground construction, laying down temporary asphalt, adding lighting, adjusting barricades, and cleaning up the work site. The city is clearly trying to find ways to make the area functional during a time when they expect a heavy influx of visitors.
Local Businesses Feeling the Impact
As one can imagine, local businesses in the La Villita area are feeling the effects of the construction. For many, the drop in foot traffic has hit their bottom line hard. A local artist and gallery owner, Flo Landsteiner, expressed the challenges the construction has brought. “We don’t have the foot traffic like we used to, the art is not moving like it used to, and it just doesn’t seem like the tourists are here,” she lamented.
With many of these artists depending on the sale of their work to cover rents and everyday expenses, the prolonged construction has raised concerns. Landsteiner is not thrilled about the idea of placing temporary asphalt just to tear it up again shortly after. “You’re going to end up spending more money to take that Band-Aid off and fix it again. It’s definitely a waste of money in my opinion,” she commented.
Budget Concerns
Another important aspect is the budget for the South Alamo Street project. Initially estimated at $41 million when work began in 2022, the budget has since ballooned to roughly $44 million. The funding for these projects primarily comes from borrowing from the 2017 bond, with additional financial support from the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
Moving Forward
As the Final Four approaches, the city is faced with the challenge of minimizing disruption while meeting the needs of both residents and businesses. Whether they can effectively implement temporary solutions during the event remains to be seen, but there is certainly hope that the upcoming championship will still bring excitement and visitors to San Antonio. In the meantime, let’s cheer on the teams and support our local businesses through these challenging times!
