The Downtown area is at the heart of San Antonio, surrounded by three freeways, I-35, I-37, and I-10. Downtown is a very popular tourist destination with attractions including the Alamo, Historic Riverwalk and the Tower of the Americas. It is also home to the popular Rivercenter Mall. The Downtown area is within the San Antonio Independent School District.
The Downtown area is comprised of many districts, including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, Lavaca District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, River North District, San Antonio CO-OP District, River Bend District, South Flores Warehouse District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown, Eastbourough and the University District.
King William Historic District
The King William Historic District is located immediately south of downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River. The area has a rich cultural landscape, which includes some of the oldest homes in the city. The neighborhood is rich with culture including art galleries, restaurants and quaint lodging. The Blue Star Arts Complex sits on the outskirts of the district offering a significant contribution to the area’s cultural heritage. Southtown, the area’s commercial section, is a flourishing epicenter for local businesses.
Residential properties in the King William Historic District range in size from small bungalows to mansion-level proportions. There are variety of architectural styles, including Greek cottages and 16th century Italian imitations. Many of the lavish homes were built in the 1800s and represent an opulence and ornate style symbolic of the period.
Residents in the area come from a variety of backgrounds, yet, are united by an “urban-village” lifestyle. The similarity in lifestyle and heritage has compelled residents to form a 300-member neighborhood group called the King William Association.
River North District
Recently a master plan has been developed to transform the River North District into an “urban village” with a sound residential constituent. The River North District Master Plan results from the realization that, while the Downtown District has a significant population of residents and businesses, the River North area is underdeveloped. The River North District consists of 377 acres between the Downtown District and the I-35 and I-37 expressways.
The master plan calls for the creation of new residential units, storefront retail space, office space, infrastructure improvements, structured and on-street parking, landscaping and the formation of public spaces connecting to the River. In addition, the plan proposes the development of meandering sidewalks, a new streetcar line, a vibrant new performing arts district and the construction of a major new plaza at the San Antonio Museum of Art. Once completed, the master plan will help reduce congestion and sprawl, promote managed growth, enhance neighborhood identity, utilize existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and produce a more sustainable economy for the River North District.
