Just getting started
The first segment of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park opened in May 2018. The four-block section, spanning from North Santa Rosa Street to Houston Street, combines purpose with beauty and weaves public art and architectural design into historic preservation, flood control, water quality and ecosystem restoration. The incredible “Rain from the Heavens” installation in the Plaza de Fundación, the unforgettable murals and other artwork throughout the park, and the picturesque natural setting of the park is only the beginning.
The second segment of the San Pedro Creek Culture Park is currently under construction and set to open in 2021. With the same goals to restore the creek to its former significance, the second segment will include even more features that improve the ecosystem and provide a serene setting in bustling downtown San Antonio.
History brought to life
Work on the segment began a year ago, but was briefly stalled due to an exciting discovery. Archaeologists with Raba Kistner uncovered thousands of historical artifacts in the creek that served as the foundation of our city and county. Some of these artifacts date back to the Spanish colonial era, including an old foundation of a 1700s presidio that was unearthed along Dolorosa Street.
The awe-inspiring sights of the second segment will not disappoint. One highlight is the addition of a 250-foot cascading wall of water that will provide an audio and visual wonder, while simultaneously improving water quality by putting oxygen back in the water.
More art will adorn the paseos along the creek, a community gathering plaza will include a stage for performances and special events, and green spaces will provide spots to lounge in the beautiful San Antonio weather.
A downtown revival
The park is still in Phase 1 of production, with a total of four phases in the works for a total of 2.2 miles stretching from the flood tunnel inlet near Fox Tech High School to the point where Alazan and Apache creeks meet south of downtown near Interstate 35.
The segment now in construction (the second of three segments in Phase 1) is happening alongside an extensive downtown renewal. Other improvements to downtown will include the demolition of the old Bexar County Jail, and the development of a new UTSA cybersecurity campus, Texas Public Radio offices, and the renovation of the 1930s Alameda Theatre. This is all in addition to the monumental new Frost Tower, which is almost complete.
