Zona Cultural

Crossroads of Culture, Commerce & Community
Zona Cultural

Citywide Impact: Zona Cultural is the birthplace of San Antonio; home to many of the city’s most historic and iconic locations and institutions, including Main Plaza, Plaza de Armas, historic El Mercado, and Alameda Theater. With significant new public and private investment happening within and around the area, the time for Zona Cultural to take steps to realize its potential is now! A recent State designation recognizing Zona Cultural as a certified Cultural District has helped galvanize support from local stakeholders and has given greater cachet to Zona Cultural.

Soon Zona Cultural will be surrounded by some of downtown’s latest and exciting developments such as UTSA School of Data Science, San Pedro Creek, Weston Urban’s upcoming multi-story development at the historic Continental Hotel, and more. These latest developments will breathe new life into this long-abandoned block and marry a respect for our history, culture, and community with a nod to our cool and exciting future.

Zona CCM UTSA Downtown Campus
Zona CCM TPR View
San-Pedro-Creek-1024x704
Zona CCM San Pedro Creek
Zona CCM Phase 4 Canal Principal
Zona CCM UTSA Downtown Image

Economic Impact: The confluence of San Pedro Creek, UTSA campus expansion, and the Zona Cultural arts designation are attracting considerable development interest in the underutilized and long-vacant real estate in the area. Public improvements in this area will include 7 major street improvement projects and 18 private projects bringing the combined total of public and private investment to $1.15 billion. 

Cultural Impact: Zona Cultural (El Mercado)’s position as San Antonio’s center of daily commerce is steeped in rich history. The impact of returning El Mercado to a vibrant, authentic marketplace for locals and visitors alike will enrich San Antonio’s unique cultural handprint among American cities. It will become the corazón of downtown. 

Synergies & Connections Impact: Zona Cultural creates strong east/west cultural, institutional, and commercial connections. Zona Cultural and UTSA connect the west side to downtown through arts, education, and cultural heritage.

Identity & Branding Impact: Zona Cultural brings unique, contemporary cultural depth to San Antonio. Zona Cultural has the special opportunity to create cultural appeal for today’s visitors and tomorrow’s San Antonians.

PROJECTS NEARBY

The Continental Hotel architectural design is an ambitious 15-story mixed-use project by Weston Urban, planned for the site of the old Continental Hotel next to San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
Continental Hotel
Est Completion: 2024
300 Main is a 354-unit Class AA multifamily development within the heart of Downtown San Antonio.
300 Main
Est Completion: 2024
A 24-story residential development along the San Antonio River Walk that includes a five-story parking garage.
Villita Tower
Est Completion: TBD
The San Pedro Creek Culture Park will add more than 60,000 linear feet of new walls, replace eight street bridges and all associated utilities while adding four miles of walking trails and 11 acres of landscaping.
San Pedro Creek
Est Completion: TBD
The building is the first of several planned for UTSA’s downtown expansion, serving as a catalyst for economic and community investment in the San Pedro Creek area.
UTSA Data Science bldg
Completed: Dec 2022
622_Dolorosa-2-e1663001941232
UTSA Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Est Completion: TBD
The Alameda theater is being converted from a cinema to a performing arts center, and is ultimately being restored back to its original glory from when it opened in the 1940s.
Alameda Theatre
Est Completion: TBD
The Floodgate will be a uniquely modern 17 story apartment building next to the historic Esquire Tavern on the San Antonio River Walk.
The Floodgate
Est Completion: 2023
Cattleman Square Lofts is a rare affordable housing development for downtown proper.
Cattleman Square Lofts
Est Completion: 2025

Development Pipeline

Zona Cultural
Under Construction & Proposed Projects

The data below features projects that are under construction or proposed within a .25-mile radius of Zona Cultural.

However, the map below features projects within the greater downtown area.

 

0
Projects
$ 0 M
Invested

PRIVATE PROJECTS

36
Projects
$ 0.8 M
Investment
2000
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
200 K SF
OFFICE SQUARE FEEt
2.8
Hotel Rooms
9
REHAB UNITS

265 residential units

PUBLIC PROJECTS

18
PROJECTS
$ 1.4 M
INVESTMENT
0
Street Projects
9
CULTURAL AMENITIES

(Parks, Museum, Plazas)

Updated November 2023

Zona Cultural Projects

The map below features projects in the greater downtown region. Use filters to view projects by use, status, and sector. Click on the symbols on the map for more detail on each project. All data is available for download upon request using the contact form below. This interactive map will be continually updated as investments progress through phases of development and as new projects and plans are initiated. All data is reviewed and updated quarterly. 

Click to view full screen

  • Completed Since 2018
  • Proposed
  • Under Construction

While we will make every effort to keep this resource up to date, the map may not reflect the most recent changes to project plans. If you are on a project team and have updates to the information in our catalytic projects map or can help fill in missing images, please contact us using the form below.

Zona Private Investment

Zona Cultural
Pipeline Status
Projects
Residential Units
Rehab Residential Units
Office SF
Rehab Office SF
Hotel Rooms
Rehab Hotel Rooms
Total Investment
Total
32
2,004
265
605,644
41,000
1,016
0
$1,022,280,550
Completed Since 2018
11
710
0
526,784
41,000
537
0
$418,315,000
Under Construction
6
691
265
32,875
0
391
0
$448,144,490
Proposed & in Planning
15
603
0
45,985
0
88
0
$152,139,278

Updated November 2023

Zona PUPLIC Investment

Zona Cultural
Pipeline Status
Projects
Total Investment
Total
20
$1,189,739,052
Completed since 2018
5
$456,752,513
Under Construction
12
$696,986,539
Proposed or In Planning
3
$36,000,000

Updated November 2023

ZONA CULTURAL PARTNERS 
UTSA
Centro-Logo0
TPR
Familia-Cortez
Bexar-County-Logo
WEston-urban-logo
SAO

What’s Near By

Local Restaurants
Local Entertainment
Local Retail
Residences

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

For more information on development and economic development in Downtown San Antonio please contact us.
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  • Project Information
  • Analysis
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Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2023 Centro SA | Designed by Tribu Marketing + Advertising + Design

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EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN

LIVE DOWNTOWN

INITIATIVES

CLEAN + SAFE

JOIN US

RESOURCES

ABOUT US

NEWSLETTER

Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube

LOCATIONS

  • Headquarters
  • 110 Broadway Street, Suite 230 San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Mon-Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm​
  • (210) 225-3862
  • Operations Center
  • 219 E Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205
  • Everyday 7:00am - 6:00pm
  • (210) 224-7747

Copyright All Rights Reserved © 2023 Centro SA | Designed by Tribu Marketing + Advertising + Design

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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.

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Priscilla Lopez

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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 Diego. Sarah enjoys visiting small local businesses, enjoying foodie culture, cooking, hiking, and visiting the cities of the world. 

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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.

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KANDICE PERKINS

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR

Kandice is a Sunnyvale, CA native and has made San Antonio her home since 2014. She 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 

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Edward A. Romero

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Eddie is responsible for understanding community needs through research and dialogue, serving the organization’s community development and advocacy efforts while delivering Public Improvement District services and marketing campaigns. Eddie earned a B.S. in Mass Communications from Texas State University and a M.A. in Interactive Communication and Design from the University of the Incarnate Word. He has spent the past eight years leading Centro in multiple capacities, including membership, events, marketing, community engagement, and district operations.

Copy and paste the following url in your browser to listen to Eddie’s “Downtown” playlist: https://spoti.fi/30fSerZ. 

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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. 

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