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hOLIDAYS ON HOUSTON ST. 2023

NOVEMBER 24, 2023 – JANUARY 2, 2024

HOlidays on houston st

Downtown San Antonio came alive this past season with the launch of what will no doubt become atime-honored holiday tradition for residents and visitors. Set against the backdrop of one ofthe city’smost historicand charming promenades inSan Antonio Holidays on Houston Street launched November 24 and ran through January 2. 
 
More than five blocks of Houston Street (from Legacy Parkall the way to the Alamo) glistened with twinkling lights and oversized décor elements,bustled with entertainers and themedofferings from restaurants,shops,and partners along the way. Activities included a Fun Run 5k, Communal Dinner, weekend holiday market and evening drone show.  
 
The nostalgia of San Antonioholidaysunfolded under thesoft glow ofHouston Streetlampposts, recalling memories of Christmas’ past, and inspiring the making of new holiday tradition with endless memories for all.  
 

by the numbers

VISITATION

The Holiday on Houston Street initiative breathed new life into downtown during the festive season, drawing a larger crowd than the previous year with a range of events, activations, and illuminations. 

EVENTS
0
VISITS
30000 K
AVG. DWELL TIME
30000
YOY INCREASE IN VISITS
0 %

ART

Centro’s Art Everywhere Project joyfully marked the Holidays on Houston St. by installing new works of art, adding to the festive atmosphere and magic with vibrant projects that tell the stories of our community and culture

NEW WORKS OF ART
0

MARKETING HIGHLIGHTS 

The reach of Holidays on Houston Street extended well beyond the Houston St. Corridor, reaching all San Antonians and beyond, heightening anticipation for next years festivities. 

NEW MENTIONS
50
TOTAL POTENTIAL NEWS REACH
0 M
NEWS SENTIMENTS
0
SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS
0 K
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS REACH
0 K

LIGHTING

Over a million lights adorned Historic Houston Street, the Riverwalk and Downtown and Plazas

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN TOTAL
500000 +
Houston St. Tree Lights:
TREES
0
LED MINI-COLOR LIGHTS DRAPED
0 K
Travis Park Lighting:
TREES
0
LED MINI-COLOR LIGHTS DRAPED
0 K

Stars and Stripes on Houston Street Parade

July 4th, 2024

  • Travis Park Visits: 15.6K
  • Houston St. Corridor Visits: 28.2K
  • 21% increase in Travis Park visitation from pre-COVID levels

Paletas & Popsicles Pop Ups

July 2nd, 2024, 12pm-4pm

  • 6 pop-up locations
  • 1000 Paletas given out

Movies by Moonlight: The Sandlot

July 2nd, 2024

  • Travis Park Visitors: 368

Stars and Stripes on Houston Street Parade

July 4th, 2024

  • Houston St. Corridor Visits: 18.7K, 16% YOY increase
  • Dwell Time: 221 minutes
  • Top Zip Codes in Attendance: 78223, 78230, 78221, 77479, 74212

Stars & Stripes Salute Drone Show

July 5th,  2024

  • The Alamo Plaza Visits: 10.7K, 152% YOY ncrease
  • Dwell Time: 58 minutes
  • Top Zip Codes in Attendance: 78245, 78251, 78245, 78212


Thank you to our sponsors

INTERESTED IN DELIVERING JOY & PRICELESS MEMORIES THIS SEASON?

Holiday on Houston St. Interest Form

EVENTS

Monthly Weekly List Tile

October 2024

Celebrate The Season

Downtown is home to a season’s worth of special holiday traditions + experiences for the whole familia to enjoy. From ice skating and markets to holiday lighting and religious services, celebrate the season by creating new memories or honoring vintage ones.

Do you have a favorite holiday tradition or memory in Downtown? We’d love to hear from you – tag us in your throw backs or FOMO moments on IG @centrosanantonio using the #TistheSeasonSA for exclusive giveaways!

Local Traditions

Each year during the holidays, the Alamo is decorated with festive lights and holiday tree in the plaza. Visitors can enjoy extended hours with the grounds open until 7 pm.   

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A stroll on Historic Houston Street is not complete without a visit to the Bohanan’s tree adorning the courtyard  

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Throughout the holiday season, Legacy Park sparkles with over 150,000 lights surrounding a lush lawn. Stop by for dinner at nearby Pinkerton’s Barbecue, warm up with a beverage, or simply spend time relaxing bathed in a twinkling, holiday glow.

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150k lights adorn the trees surrounding the Rotary Ice Rink, 50 ft H-E-B Holiday tree, and 12 ft Centro photo op frame 

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Experience the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings of light) draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk thru January 10th! 

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Head to the world-class linear park and admire the lights as well as the public art and native landscaping.  

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The historic hotel has their annual spectacular tree lit up near the Colonial room restaurant! Stop by for the perfect photo opportunity and stay for lunch and dinner!  

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San Antonio’s outdoor cultural space in the Heart of the City will feature lights and a tree. Stay and enjoy The Saga, a video art projection depicting the history of San Antonio or grab a local beer or wine from the kiosk!  

Enjoy the lights and pageantry as you meander the North stretch of the San Antonio River passing San Antonio Museum of Art and ending at the Historic Pearl brewery.  

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Enjoy the lights at the largest and oldest continuously operated historic courthouse in Texas just across from Main Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral.  

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Holiday Lighting

Explore and enjoy the majestic lights and holiday pageantry available along the Riverwalk and in the urban green spaces our center city has to offer. Enjoy FREE parking at City Tower on Sundays from 7 am to Midnight!

250k lights adorn the trees surrounding the Rotary Ice Rink presented by Valero and 50 ft H-E-B Holiday tree. The community can also enjoy 30+ FREE community programming events including live music and ice sculpting, movie nights and food vendors, as well as Centro’s signature snow flurries! 

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Experience the spectacular display of over 100,000 lights (2,250 strings of light) draped over the towering bald cypress trees that line the River Walk 

 

Learn More

Each year during the holidays, the Alamo is decorated with festive lights and holiday tree in the plaza. Visitors can enjoy extended hours with the grounds open until 7 pm.   

Learn More

A stroll on Historic Houston Street is not complete without a visit to the Bohanan’s tree adorning the courtyard  

Learn More

Head to the world-class linear park and admire the lights as well as the public art and native landscaping.  

Learn More

The historic hotel has their annual spectacular tree lit up near the Colonial room restaurant! Stop by for the perfect photo opportunity and stay for lunch and dinner!  

Learn More

San Antonio’s outdoor cultural space in the Heart of the City will feature lights and tree. Stay and enjoy The Saga, a video art projection depicting the history of San Antonio or grab a local beer or wine from the kiosk!  

Learn More

Enjoy the lights and pageantry as you meander the North stretch of the San Antonio River passing San Antonio Museum of Art and ending at the Historic Pearl brewery.  

Learn More

Enjoy the lights at the largest and oldest continuously operated historic courthouse in Texas just across from Main Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral.  

Learn More

The Holidays on Houston Street Pop-Up Shop

A retail incubator and pop-up experience in downtown San Antonio

The Holidays on Houston Street Pop-Up Shop is a retail incubator program that connects small businesses, creatives, makers, and entrepreneurs with short-term ready-to-lease retail opportunities in downtown San Antonio.

Image Of Women in Front Of A Holiday On Houston Street Graphic Pop Up

Events &
Experiences

Centro’s Art Everywhere Project celebrates art and artists by applying a public art mindset to empty urban windows and wall spaces to showcase local art and artists. In partnership with our downtown business community, Centro’s Art Everywhere Project celebrates its 3rd anniversary in 2023, having installed over 130 pieces of locally produced works of art in the heart of downtown.

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Visit the non-profit residency program and gallery supporting regional, national and international artists in the creation of new art. 

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This theater has hosted historic performances since 1926!

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Enjoy the world-class museum devoted to art, history and culture of the American West. 

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Established in 1881, the Buckhorn features one-of-a-kind animal exhibits, historic saloon, Café, Gift shop and The Texas Ranger Museum. 

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For 20 years this cultural hub and intimate social venue has offered global food and beverage pairings with worldly live music performances including Flamenco. 

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Make plans to visit the immersive art gallery featuring 14 installations from over 40 artists across 20,000 square feet and full bar, food truck and gift shop.  

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San Antonio’s oldest and largest atmospheric theatre and home to the best of Broadway in San Antonio, national touring concerts, comedy shows, and live events.

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Unwind, Rewind & Party On. Immerse yourself in the best music, moments and memories of the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s.

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Visit the museum inspired to collect, maintain, disseminate, and interpret authentic African American artifacts related to San Antonio history in a community-based digital archive. SAAACAM is reclaiming San Antonio’s Black history by empowering individuals to curate their own archives and cultivate a community-driven museum of digitized, audiovisual exhibits. 

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This unique video art projection by international artist Xavier de Richemont depicts the historical discovery, settlement and development of San Antonio, our wonderful Lone Star State, and United States history. Through the 24-minute journey, it has become a destination for residents, South Texans, national, and international visitors.

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Shops at Rivercenter Mall: featuring more than 100 retailers including 14 restaurants, IMAX, AMC Theatres and entertainment options Dave and Busters, and Legoland Discovery Center.  

Selfie Museum: Here you can take photos to an entirely new level of awesomeness. Enjoy yourselfie! 

Tobin Center for the Performing Arts:Situated along the banks of the San Antonio River, the historic Municipal Auditorium, with its original facade preserved, has been transformed into this world-class venue which plays host to Ballet, Opera and other local art residencies.   

Sip & Savor

Bohanan’s: Located in the heart of San Antonio on historic Houston Street, Bohanan’s beautiful upstairs dining room has an Old-World steakhouse charm with a modern attention to detail.

The Bunker Mixology: a sophisticated speakeasy that blends art and masterful cocktails.   

Commonwealth Coffee: An uncommon San Antonio coffeehouse dedicated to brewing the best coffee while serving the most delicious French-inspired pastries. 

Devils River Whiskey: Crafted with the pure, limestone filtered water of a legendary Texas force of nature. 

Double Standard: American tavern with solid bar food dining options and happy specials.

El Honky Tonk Bar: offers cold beer, urban cowboy flare and country music! 

Kapej: means coffee in Mayan language and owner/artist Laura welcomes customers with international treats and coffee offerings while also playing host to an art gallery in the café. 

Hugman’s Oasis: Experience traditional and unique tiki recipes with fresh fruit flavors and dramatic presentations.

La Vida Coffee:  a dive bar with a crafty edge in favored Texas craft beers and whiskeys.  

Maverick Whiskey: Named as a nod to the Maverick family’s Texas roots, owner and native son, Kenneth Maverick opened the doors to Maverick Whiskey just steps away from the Alamo on the original homestead. You can find spirits distilled on site, a brewery and tasting room complete with amazing regional culinary pairings.  

Moons Daughter: An enchanting indoor-outdoor rooftop lounge and bar that dazzles from its 20th-story perch over the city. Inspired by the Greek goddess of the moon, the lounge and bar offers indoor-outdoor seating with twinkling city lights and all the magic of starry San Antonio nights. 

One Watson Rooftop: is a rooftop bar serving craft cocktails and Southwestern cuisine 15 floors above downtown in the AC Hotel San Antonio Riverwalk. Take in views of the San Antonio River Walk, Main Plaza and San Fernando Cathedral

Otro Bar: provides a one-of-a-kind elevated setting for fun events of every kind. Invite your favorite group of people and enjoy stylish drinks above the San Antonio cityscape.

Pinktertons: recognized on Texas Monthly’s Top 50 BBQ Joints list and has been featured on the Travel Channel, Food Network and Cooking Channel.

Rathskeller Bar:  inside the stained-glass covered building from 1890’s is the recreational meeting house, bowling alley, and bar in possession of the longest running Texas Alcoholic Beverage and Liquor License in Bexar County, 1937!

Rerooted 210 Urban Winery: brings the Texas wine country to the urban oasis of Hemisfair. Reeducate your palate with wines for the uncommon connoisseur.  

Revolucion: Whole foods plant-based coffee and juice shop offers coffee, cold pressed juice, homemade nut milks, acai/pitaya bowls and other healthy food and beverage options.  

Royal Blue Grocery: Called a bodega by some, a corner store by others, Royal Blue is a modern urban grocery store that has just what you need, where you need it, and when you need it. From wine to greeting cards grab your office secret santa from this dynamic space.  

Sojourn Trading Co. Spirits & Provisions: To supply with food or drink, especially for a Journey… Sojourn: a temporary getaway, an escape…

Tokyo Cowboy: Tokyo Cowboy combines a classic Texan aesthetic with an Asian-inspired menu of Japanese street food & whisky based cocktails from the mind of Chef Ben Cachila. 

La Boulangerie: the best little boulangerie in Texas offers authentic French pastries, bread and quiches in addition to macarons and buche de noels during the holidays.  

La Panaderia: Bread cultura authorities offering long-cultured bread, desserts, cakes and croncha -signature hybrid mashup of the croissant and concha with a signature vanilla topping.  

Mi Tierra Bakery: A San Antonio institution since its opening in 1941, the bakery offers seasonal gems such as orejas, pan de huevo, churros, yoyo de fresa or pecan pralines to be the hit of the season.  

Schakolad: This local candy store and chocolate shop offers custom made chocolates made on premise! 

Voodoo Doughnuts: Famous for introducing the world to the Bacon Maple Bar, Memphis Mafia, and The Cannolo, Voodoo Doughnut now offers more than 50 artisan flavor options, including 25 vegan options with focus on the guest experience, employee incentives and giving back to the community through its charitable initiatives.

Alfredo’s Gelato Pizza Cannoli & Caffe: the freshest and most authentic ingredients for our pizzas, and use old-fashioned techniques to ensure the highest quality. 

Box Street Social: One of the buzziest brunch spots in downtown San Antonio in front of the new Civic Park in Hemisfair, offering brunch, signature cocktails & a curated espresso bar. 

Bohanans: Like the great old bars of the past, Bohanans dispenses classic cocktails, exotic beverages, good cheer in a civilized setting. Drink and hor’doeuvres downstairs, then head upstairs for the best steak you’ve ever had 

Bunz Handcrafted Burgers:  “Fresh and from Scratch is their motto.” Nothing compares with fresh daily baked Bunz and daily blend of chuck roll, shoulder clot and brisket with maximum juiciness and freshness. 

Domingo:  From brunch plates to appetizers and dinner entrees, Domingo’s menus offer the flavors of South Texas, celebrating the culture of San Antonio with modern culinary flair. 

Dough Pizzeria: Neapolitan-style Pizzeria, with a wood-burning oven that cooks your pizza at 900 degrees in 90 secs! House made mozzarella and an all Italian wine list.

Esquire Tavern: more than just a bar that serves luscious libations and tasty elevated American fare, it’s a scintillating slice of San Antonio’s history. This Downtown tavern has been serving drinks to locals, drifters, celebrities, and all walks of life for over 80 years.  

Landrace: Honoring the pastoral beauty of foods that can be traced back to the land where they are naturally shepherded over time and offering seasonal menus that celebrate regional Texas ingredients and heritage growers close to home.

NONNA Osteria: Chef Luca Della Casa’s authentic Northern Italian Osteria. 

The Palm: Known as the go-to place for great steaks, craft cocktails abd fresh jump lump Nova Scotia Lobster since 1926, The Palm is both sophisticated and welcoming to generations of guests, all of who are treated like family from the moment they walk in the door

La Plantaqueria: Puro plant based local spot with Fresh-made aguas frescas, locally roasted coffee + cold brew, mini tacos, all day breakfast tacos, tortas, and more. Always with our handmade vegan tortillas and in-house salsas.

Pinkertons: Craft Barbecue celebrated in Texas Monthly Top 50, Forbes Best Young Chef in America, Memphis in May – World Championship Cookoff Beef Champion, these quality eats are made from scratch and fresh daily! Come and Eat It! 

Poblano’s Mexican Restaurant: serving True San Antonio Tex Mex Favorites for Breakfast and Lunch since 2010. 

Rebelle Downtown: SA’s premier seafood destination located inside the historic St. Anthony Hotel. Free valet parking is always provided with dinner! 

Schilos: Known for its root beer, split pea soup, reuben sandwiches and hot mustard, Schilos has been a landmark German tradition since 1917!  

Spice Grill & Bar: Thai & Vietnamese dishes plus Japanese sushi served in a casual contemporary restaurant.    

Thai Lao Orchid: Thai & Vietnamese dishes plus Japanese sushi served in a casual contemporary restaurant.    

ShoP The Season

Shop and patronize our beloved and resilient small businesses and seasonal pop-up markets offering multi-generational artisan makers found only in the heart of our city! 

Are you a small business in the Public Improvement District? We’d love to hear from you – tag us in your seasonal offerings on IG @centrosanantonio using the #TistheSeasonSA or email ccortez@centrosa.org  

Holiday Markets

Support The Season

Whether donating cold-weather items, canned goods, volunteering, sponsorship, or attending charitable events there are many ways to give back during the holidays.

Do you have an opportunity or need support in the Public Improvement District? We’d love to hear from you – contact lburt@centrosa.org

Donate + Volunteer

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Organization Name

Connie Garza

TACTICAL PLANNING COORDINATOR

Connie is a native San Antonian with roots planted deeply on San Antonio’s Southside. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Passionate about building strong communities, Connie loves acting as a connector to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and people to help each other reach their goals and work together. She works inbetween the Cultural Placemaking team and the Mainstreet Economic Development team, bringing vibrancy and support to urban core businesses to make downtown the place to be. When not at work, you can usually find her at the local plant nursery buying another plant, exploring new cafes/breweries, and spending time with family.

Priscilla Lopez

CHIEF OF STAFF

Priscilla or “P.Lo” as her teammates affectionately call her, has 20 years of corporate administrative experience. Priscilla attended The University of San Antonio with a focus on Business Administration. In her role as office “fixer,” she handles everything from communications and relationship management to IT sleuthing. On weekends you can find her enjoying a Truly poolside. She lives the vegan lifestyle and is  a proud member of the Peleton community.

Michael Cirlos

JEDI CAMERAMAN

Michael began his studies and volunteer work at Webster University Thailand with a focus on international relations and Buddhism. After returning to San Antonio and graduating from UTSA, Michael began photographing and telling the stories of people in Downtown San Antonio to help connect and increase awareness of our vibrant urban culture. Michael’s work has appeared in several news media organizations, and has produced digital content for small- and large-scale marketing campaigns for Red Bull, COSA Department of Arts and Culture, World Heritage Office, National Park Service, and others. Michael is a former Pecha Kucha San Antonio Speaker, best-selling author at Trinity University Press, entrepreneur, and adventurer.

JanIe Garza

OFFICE MANAGER

Janie is a native of Corpus Christi, TX and has made San Antonio her home since 2012. Her 15+ years’ experience allows her to serve a broad range of functions that allow the organization to operate efficiently, including, accounts receivable/payable, record management, information technology, office management, and assisting with human resources. Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, visiting local art museums, and enjoying a German beer in Southtown.

Matt Sirgo

DIRECTOR OF STORYTELLING

Matt graduated from Texas Tech University in 2016 with a Dual Major in Media Strategies and Honors Arts & Letters with a minor in Italian (Benvenuto a tutti!). Matt oversees the marketing, public relations, and digital content for Centro. After sharing the story of Downtown San Antonio on digital channels, he enjoys creating TikToks about LGBTQ+ media. His mug graces a Fiesta Mural on the St. Mary’s Strip just north of Downtown. You can’t miss it. 

Elizabeth Burt

DIRECTOR OF URBAN ACTIVATION + PLAY

Liz is a passionate underutilized space evangelist known for collaboration matchmaking + play based troublemaking (snow, pumpkins, and Parisian mimes included). She graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio College of Public Policy studying Public Administration (#BirdsUp)! More recently, she oversaw the award winning Activate Houston Street Initiative, a placemaking action plan to reinvigorate the historic pedestrian corridor in the heart of Downtown, which is recognized as a Best Practice in Public Space Management by the International Downtown Association, for which she is also a proud Emerging Leader Fellow.

Jacqueline Lucio

DIRECTOR OF PID OPERATIONS

Jacque is a longtime downtowner with a deep passion for community service. She oversees Centro’s Clean & Safe and Homeless Outreach services, which aim to create a more beautiful, welcoming, inclusive, and hospitable downtown. For nearly two decades, Jacque has lived in downtown San Antonio and has been actively involved in the transformation of the urban core. Through her work with nonprofits, local government, and news media, she’s continually focused on championing more sustainable, diverse, and equitable communities. Jacque has led efforts to support asylum seekers, served as communications director for City Council District 5, and served in public affairs role for Clear Channel Outdoor San Antonio. Jacque studied Mass Communications and Mexican-American Studies at UTSA.

Sarah Esserlieu Khalil

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Sarah is a passionate urbanist who has spent the majority of her career on downtown revitalization efforts. Downtown is the best part of any city where you can find the finest history, culture, life, and beauty. Sarah has a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of California, San DiegoSarah enjoys visiting small local businesses, enjoying foodie culture, cooking, hiking, and visiting the cities of the world. 

Andi Rodriguez

VICE PRESIDENT OF CULTURAL PLACEMAKING

Andi is a long-time urban champion and leads Centro ‘people projects which tell our stories and bring us joy, such as Centro’s Art Everywhere and Zona Cultural. Serving on the Leadership Council of Urban Land Institute, she is a former city Planning Commissioner, Founding Chair of the Hemisfair Conservancy, Co-founder of Power of Preservation/PROM, former Chair of the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and immediate past Chair of Leadership San Antonio. Andi considers herself a servant leader; she has an MS in Architecture/Urban Planning, and enjoys advocating for the unifying power of art, history, and public space.

KANDICE PERKINS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Kandice is a Sunnyvale, CA native and has made San Antonio her home since 2014She graduated from University of Argosy in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and continued to complete her Master’s in Business Administration from University of Phoenix 2020. She has worked in downtown San Antonio for years, bringing 15+ years of accounting experience to the organization and has been tasked with promoting and developing the city’s urban core. When not at the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, managing her family’s businesses, and enjoys cooking and baking.  

The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs 

TRISH DEBERRY

PRESIDENT AND CEO

Trish– aka Captain Marvel – believes that superheroes come in all shapes and sizes. With her intellect and a passion for making a difference, there is no doubt that Trish is built for speed and performance to find solutions to problems most find too vexing to conquer.  In fact, a Lamborghini has nothing on this force of nature.

A native San Antonian with a degree from Trinity University, Trish has a deep and abiding love for the Alamo City. She has led successful campaign initiatives for 25 years that have literally changed the landscape and face of the community.

Though Trish doesn’t have the ability to see the future like Captain Marvel, she has been called a visionary and wants to bring big ideas to bear regarding the future of downtown.

Before Trish became President/CEO of Centro San Antonio, she founded two full-service marketing and communications firms that she led for 20 years – both of which were headquartered in downtown.  She was also an active member of Centro during that time serving as board chair twice and providing leadership as the entity transformed from The Downtown Alliance to Centro San Antonio. 

When Trish isn’t blazing trails throughout the urban core, she is honing her superpowers of strength and agility on a bike at a spin studio – on pace for a remarkable 1,200 rides. We told you she was built for record-setting speed!  She’s also a supermom to her two kids Scott and Maddie who provide the fuel to her sparkle and non-stop energy.