Year-end status report on San Antonio's major projects

San Antonio International Airport

The city's main transportation hub is undergoing a $2.5 billion expansion that will include a new terminal with up to 17 gates.

The latest: Construction began on Dec. 10, confined to a separate space to avoid impacting travelers. The existing terminals will also undergo upgrades.

What's next: The new terminal is slated to open by 2028. It's yet to be determined if Southwest Airlines — the airport's largest airline — will be included in the new space

• While Southwest will remain in the older Terminal A under a new lease agreement, the airline sued to block it.
• A judge declined to prevent that lease from taking effect and told the city and the airline they could keep talking.

Arboretum San Antonio

Planning for the second-largest arboretum in Texas began in earnest this year. The former Republic Golf Course will be transformed into what's described as a museum of trees. It will provide outdoor activity space and serve as a destination for the Southeast Side.

The latest: In October, organizers hosted sessions to gather input from residents on features they'd like to see in the new park. The online feedback period closed on Nov. 17.

• This month, Adriana Quiñones was hired as CEO of the Arboretum, succeeding Tom Corser. Quiñones, previously the executive director of the Columbus Botanical Garden in Georgia, will work with the board and advisers on master planning.

What's next: A final design that incorporates community feedback is expected in early 2025. Arboretum San Antonio is also accepting donations to fund the projected $50 million project.

New Missions stadium

This $160 million project will create a downtown ballpark for the San Antonio Missions. Tax revenue from new apartments, restaurants and hotel rooms will help pay for it.

The latest: In September and October, the City Council and the Bexar County Commissioners Court approved funding agreements for the new stadium.

• On Monday, San Antonio ISD approved a non-binding agreement to sell land for the ballpark development, clearing the way for plans that include demolishing the nearby Soap Factory Apartments, a controversial move that will displace residents.

What's next: The first draft of the SAISD land deal is expected by Jan. 21. The stadium is expected to be completed by 2028.

Downtown sports district

Nicknamed Project Marvel, the development is in its early stages and aims to introduce several features to the eastern section of downtown, including a new Spurs arena. A major expansion of the Henry B. González Convention Center, adding up to 200,000 square feet of exhibition space, is also part of the plan, with a goal for completion before 2030.

The latest: City Council received its first public briefing on the plan in November after more than a year of private discussions and speculation.

What's next: Elected officials will review components of the district one at a time.