UT San Antonio this week opened a 180,000-square-foot facility downtown focused on educating and growing the city's fledgling technology workforce.

Why it matters: The building, dubbed San Pedro II, represents a big bet by the university on both its downtown campus and the city's future in the tech industry.

Zoom in: UT San Antonio's College of AI, Cyber and Computing will occupy much of San Pedro II. The college is home to more than 5,000 students studying artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, computing and data science.

The big picture: Nationally, between 2024 and 2034 the number of data scientist jobs is expected to grow 34%, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations, per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

• Information security analyst careers are projected to grow 29%.

Between the lines: Part of the university's aim for its downtown campus, which opened in 1997, is to create a comprehensive space that doesn't require regular trips back to the main campus, more than 15 miles away on the Northwest Side.

• That means having student support, recreation, social amenities and on-campus housing, which it does not currently have downtown.

State of play: Meanwhile, the area around the downtown campus is seeing increased development, including plans for a Minor League Baseball stadium in west downtown that will be surrounded by new apartments and a hotel.

• The downtown campus is also near the revitalized San Pedro Creek Culture Park, which blends a riverfront path with public art.

By the numbers: UT San Antonio plans to have 10,000 students downtown by 2028, a figure that would account for more than a quarter of its fall 2025 enrollment.

• It's unclear how many students are currently at the downtown campus. A spokesperson did not immediately provide the figure.

What they're saying: "San Pedro II represents the future of UT San Antonio," president Taylor Eighmy said in a statement. "By anchoring this investment downtown, we are intentionally and directly connecting talent with industry, government and community partners."

Acclaimed screenwriter and director Taylor Sheridan has agreed to produce and direct a film on the Battle of the Alamo for a new museum that's underway.

Why it matters: Sheridan, best known as the creator of "Yellowstone" and "Landman," would bring much-needed star power to San Antonio's major tourist attraction as it undergoes a significant overhaul.

What they're saying: "Over the last decade, Taylor has told the story of the American west — the people, the land, the depth, and the history — in a way no other filmmaker has," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a statement yesterday.

• "To chronicle the sacrifice made by the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives defending the Alamo is an honor I eagerly accept," Sheridan said in the statement.

Catch up quick: As part of the overhaul, the historic Crockett and Woolworth buildings will be turned into a visitor center and museum with immersive galleries, a 4D theater for the new movie, a rooftop terrace and a cafe.

• The Alamo Trust and the Texas General Land Office are overseeing the larger renovation project. Patrick has been heavily involved in securing funding and has influenced the museum's direction.

Between the lines: It's not clear that Sheridan's appointment as director is final.

• Patrick said he is still reaching out to the Alamo Trust board, but he added, "I know they will be as excited as I am about this opportunity."

What's next: The new Alamo Visitor Center and Museum is set to open in 2027 or 2028.

💬 A co-owner of the Bonham Exchange said Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones has not delivered on her promise to help fundraise for the iconic LGBTQ+ nightclub to install a required sprinkler system.

• Instead, she said Jones brought in the investment firm behind Pearl to suggest a longer-term revenue plan for the business. (Express-News 🔑)

🍖 The Michelin-recognized Reese Bros. Barbecue will start serving inside John T. Floore's Country Store in Helotes on April 17. (CultureMap SA)

🔎 The Texas Rangers are investigating complaints about neglect by Camp Mystic following the deaths of 25 campers and two counselors during last summer's floods. (KENS)

🗣️ Stat du jour

A city survey garnered more than 18,000 responses on potentially renaming César E. Chávez Boulevard, with 64% supporting a return to Durango Boulevard — including nearly 8 in 10 residents who live along it.

• Listening sessions will be held today, 6–8pm at Jaime's Place and Saturday, 3–5pm at Tony G's Soul Food. (City of San Antonio)

The owners of The Newstand Coffee & Sandwiches near Pearl are opening their second cafe, The Dispatch, on Tuesday.

Dig in: The Dispatch will keep with the newspaper theme. Its "extra extra" special menu includes a drink made with fresh Texas peaches, matcha and vanilla bean cold foam. There will also be banana matcha muffins, fresh juices and smoothies.

Zoom out: The Newstand opened in 2024 on the first floor of the Jefferson Bank building on Broadway. It offers a breakfast and lunch menu in which its freshly-baked bread is the star.

• It has a unique menu of specialty drinks that are often colorful and Instagram-friendly. Finding an open table on weekends can be difficult.

📍 If you go: The Dispatch is inside the lobby of the McCombs Plaza near Mulberry Avenue and U.S. 281.

• It will be open Monday through Saturday, 7am-5pm.