City Council B Session - 2026-01-14
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
San Antonio City Council received comprehensive briefings on two major downtown development projects: the Downtown Sports and Entertainment District (including a new Spurs arena) and a Downtown Minor League Baseball Stadium. Key immediate actions include tomorrow's vote on a $30 million offer to acquire the Federal Building West Properties at 500 North Saint Mary's (funded by a Spurs contribution), with GSA having 120 days to respond. The baseball stadium project is on an accelerated timeline targeting June 2026 for definitive agreement approvals and bond authorization, with an April 2028 opening date, while the arena project targets construction beginning in calendar year 2029 with completion by 2032.
Key Decisions (5)
Federal Building West Properties Acquisition Offer
Council will vote tomorrow on submitting a $30 million offer to GSA to acquire three parcels totaling 5.7 acres at 500 North Saint Mary's, including the office building east of Wood Courthouse and two parking lots on Cesar Chavez. The Spurs will contribute $30 million plus up to $120,000 closing costs. City receives fee simple title subject to contingency deed that transfers to Spurs if arena project fails and city declines to reimburse.
San Pedro Creek Development Authority Baseball Stadium Timeline
Staff presented accelerated timeline for baseball stadium project with definitive agreements targeted for council approval in June 2026, followed by bond issuance within 30 days. Stadium opening targeted for April 2028. Total project cost estimated at $160 million funded by $34 million team equity and $126 million in bonds backed by Houston Street TIRS revenues.
Houston Street TIRS and Westside TIRS Boundary Alignment
In December 2024, council aligned boundaries of Houston Street TIRS and Westside TIRS, extended terms to 2060 for both, and increased Westside TIRS participation rate from 90% to 100% to support baseball stadium financing.
San Pedro Creek Development Authority Creation
Local government corporation created in April 2025 to own the downtown ballpark. Nine-member board includes three city representatives (mayor, city manager, CFO), three county representatives (county judge, county manager, one commissioner), and three team representatives.
Municipal Management District Consent
City consented to creation of municipal management district in April 2025 for baseball stadium project. District boundaries encompass the four phases of mixed-use development around the ballpark.
Development Activity (8)
Downtown Spurs Arena
New NBA arena with 4,500 fixed seats, total capacity 7,500. Part of larger Sports and Entertainment District including convention center expansion, mixed-use development. Arena construction targeted to begin 2029, completion 2032.
Downtown Minor League Baseball Stadium
4,500 fixed seats, 7,500 total capacity. $160 million estimated cost. Four phases of mixed-use development totaling $1 billion projected taxable value. Phases 1-2 guaranteed at $575 million combined, including hotel and housing units.
Federal Building West Properties Mixed-Use Development
5.7 acres across three parcels. Site designated for guaranteed mixed-use development to support arena project financing through ground lease revenues.
Soap Factory Apartments Phase 1 Relocation
189 units in Phase 1 relocated. 152 tenants received $152,000 from Western Urban relocation funds, 43 tenants relocated to other Soap Factory properties in Phases 2-3. City distributed $74,000 of allocated funds. $274,000 remains for Phases 2-3 relocations.
425 San Pedro Affordable Housing
Affordable housing development with grand opening scheduled for Tuesday, January 21, 2026 at 10AM. Project received 9% tax credit deal partly due to proximity to high-performing ALA Euclid elementary school.
Nelson Wolf Stadium Site Redevelopment
Concept planning for stadium repurposing after Missions relocate downtown. Adjacent to Levi Strauss Park, Rhonda Arna Community Center, and $7 million Phase 1 park project from 2022 bond. County investing in Rodriguez Park improvements nearby.
Convention Center Expansion
Expansion to add exhibit hall space, ballroom space, and meeting rooms. Draft feasibility report presented December 2024. Updated recommendations targeted for September 2026. Will include improved accessibility to Hemisfair Park.
JW Marriott / IBC Bank Partnership
JW Marriott acquiring land through partnership with IBC Bank for downtown development.
Market Signals (6)
Housing Demand
Service employees working downtown would be eligible for workforce housing at 50-80% AMI levels, with housing trust analysis showing most restaurant workers with tips qualify at 60% AMI.
Infrastructure
City received confirmation of $3 million US DOT Neighborhood Access and Equity grant for downtown connectivity study, with $740,000 local match required and funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.
Commercial Demand
Staff indicated convention center hotel has been pushed to second phase due to chilled water plant site constraints and existing hotel capacity concerns from local hoteliers.
Sentiment
Multiple council members expressed concern about balancing downtown investment with infrastructure needs in outer districts, noting 47.86% of voters opposed county arena funding and residents are asking 'what is in this for me.'
Infrastructure
Downtown parking identified as top barrier to access, with 26% of downtown currently surface parking - one of highest rates nationally - while council members advocated for multimodal solutions over new parking construction.
Housing Demand
Soap Factory relocation revealed need for small affordable units downtown, with many displaced residents living in small units and 43 choosing to relocate to other phases of same development.