Lower Broadway construction is finally wrapping up
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Lower Broadway, part of the newly established River North District, is about to get its grand reveal after a four-year road construction project that disrupted the area just outside downtown.
Why it matters: The conclusion of the project will restore stability in the area after years of detours and construction, while improving connection to key destinations like the River Walk, Pearl and Brackenridge Park, which are all experiencing growth.
Zoom in: The fully reopened segment stretches from Roy Smith to Houston streets.
- The project's scope included a complete reconstruction of roads and sidewalks to make Broadway a "complete street" with improved sidewalks, drainage, lighting and added bike lanes.
- Progress photos show wider sidewalks with brick paving, new trees, street lamps and bike lanes.
The latest: Final repaving started on Sept. 30 in three- to four-block increments and is expected to wrap up by mid-October, ahead of an Oct. 26 celebration.
Flashback: Voters approved the Lower Broadway construction project as part of the 2017 municipal bond.
- It received $56.9 million from the bond, along with additional funding from the Midtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), San Antonio Water System, CPS Energy, AT&T and the San Antonio River Authority.
Yes, but: The project had growing pains. Ricky Ortiz, owner of Broadway-area bars El Camino and Bésame, tells Axios his businesses have seen a nearly 80% drop in sales this year compared with 2022, which he attributes to the construction.
- "I can't help but feel deeply disappointed with our city leadership. Throughout this project, many small businesses have suffered — some even failed — due to the lack of planning and support," he says.
- Augie's Alamo City BBQ owner Augustine Cortez cited construction as the reason for its closing in March.
- Cortez received a $35,000 grant from the city designed to help small businesses affected by construction, but he said it wasn't enough to stay open.
Catch up quick: Other businesses like Nola Brunch and Beignets, River North Ice House and Make Ready Market have opened in the area since the construction started.
- "Now that there's an end in sight, we are excited for our guests to be able to visit us, either on foot or by car, with improved flow and minimal impact," Nola operations manager Melissa Villanueva tells Axios. "While there definitely were some hurdles, the impact for us was kept to a minimum."
What they're saying: Hixon Properties president John Beauchamp, whose developments include The Soto and Make Ready Market, said in a statement that he's excited for people to explore the transformed stretch of Broadway.
- "Many of these businesses have opened in a very challenging environment, but now is the time for the city to really get to know them and support them," he said.
What's next: Mayor Ron Nirenberg will speak at an opening ceremony on Oct. 26 at 1:30pm, followed by a free, family-friendly River North Neighborhood Block Party.