News Summary
Downtown San Antonio businesses are facing challenges due to ongoing construction along South Alamo Street, part of a bond project initiated in 2017. Despite major events drawing large crowds, local establishments report decreased foot traffic and access issues. Business owners are adapting to the situation as the city introduces grant programs to support them through the construction disruptions. The project is expected to be completed by March 2026, but current hardships are causing financial strain for many.
San Antonio – Despite a bustling series of major events that should typically boost local businesses, many establishments in downtown San Antonio are struggling due to ongoing construction along South Alamo Street. The construction, part of a 2017 bond project, aims to enhance the area’s infrastructure, but businesses in the area report significant challenges in accessing customers due to the construction barriers.
Recent events, including the NCAA Men’s Final Four, the Fiesta celebrations, and a concert by Post Malone, have drawn large crowds to downtown San Antonio. However, contrary to expectations, businesses situated near the construction zone are seeing decreased foot traffic. The construction work spans from César Chávez Boulevard to East Market Street, and many business owners claim the project has hindered their operations since they opened.
According to reports, Terry Corless, CEO of Maddogs Restaurant Group, expressed frustration over the ongoing situation. Although his venue closer to the River Walk performed favorably during the Final Four weekend, their location on South Alamo experienced a stark contrast in sales. Similarly, the manager of Yolix Luna Fine Arts, Alexandra, mentioned how the anticipated increase in customer visits during these large events did not materialize due to the visibility issues caused by construction barriers.
Businesses located near the construction have reported significant downturns in customer presence compared to previous years. Vera Deckard, owner of Kunstler Tap Haus, indicated that access to her establishment has been significantly compromised, leading to a consideration of closing down because of low sales. Additionally, the construction work has led to a complete lack of sidewalks in the area, further discouraging potential customers.
City Public Works officials explained that the ongoing construction is part of a comprehensive infrastructure enhancement plan that includes improvements to sidewalks, drainage systems, and utility lines. The estimated completion of the project is set for March 2026; however, delays attributed to unforeseen underground utility conflicts and archaeological findings have complicated the timeline.
To assist affected small businesses, the city of San Antonio has introduced three grant programs aimed at easing the financial strain caused by the construction disruptions. The Stabilization Construction Grant offers up to $35,000 to businesses directly impacted by ongoing construction. The Accelerate Recovery Construction Grant provides $5,000 for businesses navigating through post-construction adjustments. Furthermore, a new Mitigation Construction Grant is scheduled to launch on June 2, which will offer $2,000 specifically to businesses preparing for upcoming construction by enhancing their marketing and signage.
City officials are actively working with LiftFund and other organizations to support small businesses during this challenging phase. They recognize the immediate hardships being faced due to construction but emphasize the long-term benefits of the infrastructure improvements the project will ultimately provide. Informational sessions on the available grant programs were conducted on April 29 and May 8, with applications having opened on May 1.
This situation has put many downtown businesses in a difficult position as they must balance immediate financial worries with the hope for increased customer traffic once the construction concludes. As the project continues, the focus remains on how local businesses can adapt and survive in the face of ongoing disruptions, while also looking forward to the promise of a revitalized downtown San Antonio in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- KSAT
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Road Construction
- News4SanAntonio
- Google Search: South Alamo Road Construction San Antonio
- Hoodline
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Construction Grants Impact
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Impact of Construction on Businesses
- ExpressNews
- Google News: San Antonio Construction Economic Impact
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
