Plans for a new downtown baseball stadium in San Antonio received a significant boost Tuesday with initial approval from the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC). The commission voted unanimously, without discussion, to grant “conceptual approval” to the designs for the 7,500-person ballpark and three accompanying private development projects.

Ballpark and Development Overview

The proposed ballpark will be located between Camaron Street and North Flores Street, along San Pedro Creek. It is designed to accommodate 4,500 seated spectators, with the capacity to expand to 7,500.

Related Development Projects

  • Residential Tower (309 West Travis Street): A 27-story building featuring 410 residential units and a parking garage, built on the site of a demolished portion of the Soap Factory Apartments. This project includes the rehabilitation of a historic gymnasium.
  • Residential Tower (327 West Martin Street): A 14-story residential tower with 271 units, accompanied by a six-story parking garage offering 389 spaces.
  • Hotel (West Martin Street & North Flores Street): An eight-story hotel with approximately 160 rooms, situated at the intersection of West Martin Street and North Flores Street.

Funding and Timeline

The Double-A baseball team, owned by Designated Bidders LLC, is investing $34 million in the $160 million stadium project. The San Pedro Creek Development Authority is expected to contribute $126 million in bonds, to be repaid through lease payments, ticket fees, and property tax revenue from the Houston Street Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.

The project is structured in four phases, with the first phase of private development needing to be ready before bond issuance. The second phase of development must also have begun before the bonds are issued.

Next Steps

Weston Urban, the development firm working with the team, is currently securing financing for the private development projects. Mark Jensen, Weston Urban Vice President of Multifamily, stated they hope to begin construction this year. Final approval from the HDRC and the acquisition of building permits are still required.

The Missions ownership has deferred further comment, referencing a March 26th news release. City staff plan to update the city council on the project in late April or early May, with bond issuance potentially approved in June and the bond sale in July.