All Access

San Antonio

San Antonio Alerts

Alert

blue

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Antonio.

Axios San Antonio Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Axios San Antonio

Standard

San Antonio Members

Membership

ERCOT prepping for winter electric demand

The grid operator has been closely watched since mass outages in 2021.

News

Mural of Spurs-themed vela unveiled in downtown San Antonio

The artist calls it an "emotional gift" to the city.

Vending machine "with heart" sets up in San Antonio

Instead of snacks, the vending machine is stocked with cards representing items needed by nonprofits.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's vice-presidential chances

A prolific fundraiser, the border governor is a Trump loyalist.

Politics

New Hemisfair hotel officially underway after delays

The hotel will anchor more private development at Hemisfair.

Construction on a new hotel at Hemisfair began Tuesday, after years of delays and changes to the project that will anchor further development at the burgeoning <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downtown park district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/09/27/civic-park-hemisfair-things-to-do-park-free" data-vars-content-id="65b15535-a883-4634-acd6-f17acf93a1ed" data-vars-headline="New Hemisfair hotel officially underway after delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/09/27/civic-park-hemisfair-things-to-do-park-free" target="_self">downtown park district</a>.Why it matters: The long-awaited hotel from San Antonio-based Zachry Hospitality is the next step in revitalizing Hemisfair, the 1968 World&#x27;s Fair site, as a public gathering space surrounded by private development.

A rendering shows a tall, curved hotel building with the San Antonio skyline, including the Tower Life building and the Torch of Friendship, in the background.

Here's what happened when we texted the new Broadway chatbot

The chatbot can engage people, but it has some issues.

We headed downtown to check out the new chatbot along Broadway.<ul><li>There were multiple signs posted near the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Idle Beer Hall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/10/04/idle-brewery-make-ready-market" data-vars-content-id="10ed67fd-58df-4a25-87b6-203b2c4202d1" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s what happened when we texted the new Broadway chatbot" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/10/04/idle-brewery-make-ready-market" target="_self">Idle Beer Hall</a> at Make Ready Market in north downtown. Parking was easy late in the workday on a Friday.</li></ul>

When asked what type of work is being done on Broadway and when Broadway will be finished, the chatbot does not give specific responses to either question.

New Broadway chatbot aimed at better construction communication

People along Broadway downtown can now text a bot for info.

As major <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="road construction projects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/31/broadway-corridor-construction-future-san-antonio" data-vars-content-id="183c3757-6cc6-4157-93f6-c029bdc7576a" data-vars-headline="New Broadway chatbot aimed at better construction communication" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/07/31/broadway-corridor-construction-future-san-antonio" target="_self">road construction projects</a> continue across San Antonio, the city is sharing information about one project with the help of a chatbot.What&#x27;s happening: Passersby can access the new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Talkin&#x27; Broadway" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8hOA64ZrU" data-vars-content-id="183c3757-6cc6-4157-93f6-c029bdc7576a" data-vars-headline="New Broadway chatbot aimed at better construction communication" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE8hOA64ZrU" target="_blank">Talkin&#x27; Broadway</a> chatbot by sending a text message or scanning QR codes placed along lower Broadway downtown.

Illustration of a hardhat and safety vest on a chat bubble.

Hispanic heritage journey: Stitching together history at Basila Frocks

Two groups are working to preserve the storied space for the Westside.

When Basila Frocks Co. opened in 1929 on the West Side, the city was a thriving hub for garment manufacturing, and the factory served as a focal point for entrepreneurial activity — something developers are working to revive at the location.What&#x27;s happening: Prosper West, a nonprofit focused on Westside economic growth, partnered with local developer DreamOn Group to transform the building into a modern hub for local businesses, especially those with ties to the neighborhood.

A black-and-white photo shows a two-story, brick building on a street corner with vintage cars parked outside.

St. Mary's Strip construction finally winding down

The city is taking on more street reconstruction projects.

Business

Last Friday night on the St. Mary&#x27;s Strip, people walked along newly widened sidewalks, with no cones or construction work blocking the path, to make their way to bars and restaurants.<ul><li>The scene was a stark difference from earlier this year, when pedestrians sometimes had to step over pipes.</li></ul>

A newly paved street and bike lane in front of bars and on-street parking.

Texas plans for San Antonio road construction

San Antonio's constant road construction isn't going away.

Development

Texas plans to spend $142 billion on transportation infrastructure as part of a long-term effort to improve safety and connectivity and reduce congestion on its roadways.Driving the news: Gov. Greg Abbott&#x27;s office announced the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record funding" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-txdot-announce-record-142-billion-transportation-investment" data-vars-content-id="15df75ab-1492-4e09-a742-6b3646b79dc8" data-vars-headline="Texas plans for San Antonio road construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-txdot-announce-record-142-billion-transportation-investment" target="_blank">record funding</a> last week, saying the state&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="booming economy" data-vars-click-url="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/texas-leads-nation-with-fastest-economic-expansion" data-vars-content-id="15df75ab-1492-4e09-a742-6b3646b79dc8" data-vars-headline="Texas plans for San Antonio road construction" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/texas-leads-nation-with-fastest-economic-expansion" target="_blank">booming economy</a>&quot; made it possible.

Alamo-area bar Moses Rose's will be razed for museum

After many years, the owner reached a deal with officials.

The owner of Moses Rose&#x27;s Hideout reached an agreement to turn over his bar to make way for a new Alamo Visitor Center and Museum, ending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eminent domain proceedings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/01/26/san-antonio-moses-roses-hideout-bar-alamo-eminent" data-vars-content-id="2939a77d-fd65-4d9d-98e5-a00c1da115f8" data-vars-headline="Alamo-area bar Moses Rose&#x27;s will be razed for museum" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/01/26/san-antonio-moses-roses-hideout-bar-alamo-eminent" target="_self">eminent domain proceedings</a> and bringing a years-long dispute to an end.Driving the news: Officials with the city, state and Alamo Trust announced the deal Thursday.

How San Antonio-Austin could be the next Dallas-Fort Worth

The region is on its way to becoming a metroplex.

The I-35 corridor between San Antonio and Austin may not be packed with high-rises anytime soon, but the region is on its way to becoming a metroplex similar to Dallas-Fort Worth.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to Henry Cisneros, the former San Antonio mayor who&#x27;s been advocating for more coordination to connect the region&#x27;s cities.</li></ul>

Illustration of the Austin skyline and the Alamo on the Texas flag.

First look at the San Antonio Zoo's new entrance

The San Antonio Zoo will look different the next time you visit.

The San Antonio Zoo will look a lot different the next time you visit. Giant butterfly art, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lemur skywalk" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/SanAntonioZoo/status/1730244291996385369" data-vars-content-id="4c9a8f11-040a-4864-9b38-94dd4f323f10" data-vars-headline="First look at the San Antonio Zoo&#x27;s new entrance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/SanAntonioZoo/status/1730244291996385369" target="_blank">lemur skywalk</a> and picado-lined pathways have replaced the modest admission building that had been around since the 1950s.Details: The overhaul, estimated at $13 million, creates a vibrant gateway intended to set the tone for the rest of the zoo.

Stacked photos show the zoo's original admission building on top with the new gateway, accented by a butterfly sculpture on the bottom. 

Spurs' new outdoor space opening in San Antonio

The new space will give the Spurs more opportunities to connect with fans.

Frost Plaza, the Spurs&#x27; new community gathering space, is opening on Sunday with a watch party.Why it matters: The new venue at The Rock shows the Spurs&#x27; dedication to fan engagement and the community as the brand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="grows into Austin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/10/17/san-antonio-spurs-austin-pickleball" data-vars-content-id="f6d41d6a-c43c-4ffa-9a5b-3ce0cc901cc1" data-vars-headline="Spurs&#x27; new outdoor space opening in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2023/10/17/san-antonio-spurs-austin-pickleball" target="_self">grows into Austin</a> and gains more recognition amid the buzz surrounding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rookie Victor Wembanyama" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/27/victor-wembanyama-wemby-san-antonio-economy-culture" data-vars-content-id="f6d41d6a-c43c-4ffa-9a5b-3ce0cc901cc1" data-vars-headline="Spurs&#x27; new outdoor space opening in San Antonio" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-antonio/2023/06/27/victor-wembanyama-wemby-san-antonio-economy-culture" target="_self">rookie Victor Wembanyama</a>.

Development 🏗️