San Antonio’s Downtown Construction Concerns Ahead of Final Four
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to host the Final Four basketball tournament in just a few months. However, this excitement is clouded by ongoing construction projects that have left drivers frustrated and local businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Three Major Construction Projects
There are three significant construction projects currently happening downtown, each affecting traffic flow and accessibility. The city is working diligently to get at least two of these projects completed by the tournament, but it looks like one will have to take a back seat.
- The first project is the lower Broadway closure, which stretches from north of downtown all the way to Alamo Plaza. The hope is to have this area “substantially completed” in time for the Final Four.
- The second project, the Zona Cultura construction, has caused closures on West Commerce and South Santa Rosa. Similar to Broadway, it is expected that Zona Cultura will also be ready come April.
- However, the South Alamo Street project, which is blocking a crucial section near the convention center, will not be finished. The city has announced plans to “pause” construction during the event.
What Does “Pause” Construction Mean?
This brings us to an interesting question: what exactly does it mean to “pause” construction? While we attempted to get clarity from city officials, they were unavailable for interviews. However, Public Works did provide an email indicating they are still figuring out the best approaches for South Alamo Street during the Final Four. Possible options include:
- Plating over the underground construction
- Installing temporary asphalt
- Adding adequate lighting
- Adjusting barricades and cleaning up the work site
Impact on Local Businesses
While these projects are essential for the future of the area, local businesses, particularly in the La Villita area, have taken a hard hit. Many shop owners and artists have reported a significant decrease in foot traffic, which has been tough on their sales. Flo Landsteiner, who operates the River Art Gallery, expressed her concerns, saying, “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.”
Landsteiner emphasized that the income they earn is crucial for covering rent and other expenses. The prolonged construction has already made it challenging for them to sustain their businesses.
She also raised concerns regarding the potential for temporary asphalt to be laid down merely to be ripped up after the tournament. “You’re going to end up spending more money to take that band aid off and fix it again, so it’s definitely a waste of money in my opinion,” she commented.
Budget Increases
Another concern that hangs in the air is how much this “pause” might add to the overall budget for the South Alamo Street project. While the city has remained tight-lipped about the exact figures, we do know that initial estimates when the work started in 2022 were around $41 million. The current budget has now climbed to about $44 million, with most of the expenses covered by funds borrowed during the 2017 bond, along with significant contributions from SAWS.
Looking Ahead
As San Antonio gears up for the Final Four, it’s clear that while the excitement is palpable, the challenges presented by construction are a significant hurdle. Hopefully, the city can find a solution that serves both the needs of the event and the local businesses that make downtown so vibrant.
