VIA Transit is looking for apartments and retail space in the Centro Plaza on the west side
SAN ANTONIO – For the first time, VIA Metropolitan Transit is building housing near its bus terminal, making it San Antonio’s first transit-focused city.
VIA is taking steps to develop apartments and mixed-use retail space in an abandoned Scobey warehouse next to Centro VIA Plaza downtown.
The transit company purchased the vacant Scobey industrial complex in 2017 for $5.2 million. The property belongs to VIA, but the obligations of the landlord will be transferred under the contract.
At least half of the apartments will be rented at an affordable price for people with a lower average income, and the other part at a market price. It is also expected that the building will have office and retail space.
VIA spokesperson Lorraine Pudilo said the location was advantageous due to its proximity to the city centre.
“Everyone can benefit from having a transportation agency across the street, just a vast community where they can access commercial transportation, educational resources like downtown UTSA which is within walking distance from here,” Pudilo said.
In addition, Centro Plaza is home to three of the top 10 bus routes.
“Central Plaza is an important link. It’s a transportation hub, so it helps connect our residents, you know, from downtown to the Medical Center, and also, you know, to the South Side sector. This is a hub,” Pudilo said.
VIA entered into a non-binding agreement with real estate developer Dream On to explore the possibility of private funding to upgrade the derelict building at its January board meeting. The agreement allows both parties to leave without penalty.
During a January board meeting, one board member expressed concern about the plans, saying that only one developer had shown interest in the property in the past seven years.
“If we don’t have experience in this area and we don’t have tenants, despite all the millions of places we have in Centro Plaza, then how are we going to have 90% or 95% occupancy?” board member Bob Como said.
However, Pudilo argues that the transit-focused community will make profits that will go towards funding travel.
“Our goal is to move people further and faster. Any income that should have been generated from this project will be reinvested in VIA’s operations and services,” Pudilo said.
District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo said she will be meeting with VIA and Dream On in the coming weeks to discuss community outreach.
“As with any housing project, our office is always focused on providing affordable housing in District 5 that meets the needs of our communities. In the coming weeks, we will be meeting with VIA and Dream On to discuss the long-term community outreach plan for the Scobey project. In these meetings, we will discuss our office’s expectations of local residents and the need for high availability on the west side. We know there is a lot of interest in this project, but I believe the community’s thoughts and concerns should be prioritized and taken into account throughout the development process.”
If Dream On can secure private funding, construction will begin next year and is expected to be completed by 2026.
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