Plan Framework

The first Focus Area that the Planning Team identified covers both sides of University Way from just south of Loop 410 to the intersection of Jaguar Parkway and University Way. A primary topic of discussion for Focus Area #1 has been the vacant property immediately north of campus, along University Way. The most recent development plan for the area is part of the Vida San Antonio project, which identifies the area as supporting a mix of housing options north of campus and a mixed-use town center immediately north of campus. The area is entirely vacant, and University Way is a highly traveled area, as it is the main entrance to the campus from Loop 410. Future development of the area could be a quality mixed-use corridor that provides a gateway to campus. The Planning Team also identified priority connections for streets and trials, that would connect the western half of the focus area with the eastern half.

Vision

The vision for Focus Area #1 is a welcoming and unique gateway to the University campus, with street-front mixed uses, including housing. The area will be accessible through all modes of travel and will also feature a focal place that encourages social gatherings.

This focus area serves as the gateway to the Texas A&M University-San Antonio campus and it includes one of the main thoroughfares that will provide access to the Vida San Antonio Project. Echoing the University’s tower at the intersection of the Loop 410 frontage road and University Way, adding public art to the intersection of University Way and Jaguar Parkway helps create a defining character for the focus area and emphasizes the presence of the university and the Vida San Antonio project.

The University Way and Jaguar Parkway intersection is a main focal point in this Focus Area as it is the boundary were two large developments merge. Plans for development of this area include high density multi-family housing close to campus and transitioning to less intense uses further away from campus. Higher density housing closer to campus, with parking lots located on the interior of the developments, promotes walkability for the area. Incorporating plazas on each side of University Way will nicely tie into the main plaza entrance adjacent on the University campus. Wayfinding along this corridor and at a main entrance to the Vida San Antonio development incorporates another unique identifier for the Focus Area.

Connectivity is crucial to developing a successful mixed-use development. Providing a minimum of two main roadway access points to the Vida San Antonio project area along University Way will provide more opportunities for priority development along the University Way corridor that directs all activity, frontage and access to the corridor.

As the Vida San Antonio project develops, the rural nature of the area should be respected and incorporated into the development through trailways connecting to internal streets and proposed park and open space within the development. A flood plain area runs west to east, across the Focus Area. This unbuildable flood plain can be utilized as an open space, with possible trail connections across University Way. Trailways should be prioritized along the existing creek ways and floodplain and the trailway system should provide a direct connection to the University via Jaguar Parkway.

Transformative Project: University Way & Jaguar Parkway

The vision for the University Way and Jaguar Parkway Transformative Project site is to create a vibrant, mixed-use area that will be the first phase in the development of the Vida San Antonio Project. This site is currently vacant and is envisioned to create a pedestrian friendly, accessible community that will meet the needs of the University’s anticipated growth. A key concept of the project is to develop dense multi-family residential, with some mixed-use components that provide small-scale retail options to the community. The overall goal of the project is to include first floor retail options that will activate the street and create a town-center environment. Buildings should be oriented to the street, and parking should be provided in the interior of the development to encourage pedestrian activity. The pedestrian element creates a value-added amenity to the area. The project area also would involve reconfiguring Jaguar Parkway to isolate the current intersection and transform the space into an exclusively pedestrian area that could serve as a community gathering space that would mirror the campus quad at the entrance of the University, referred to as the Zocalo. The Zocalo could host social gatherings, will provide a signature gateway to the campus, and serve as an open space that will interact with pedestrian activity from the adjacent Vida mixed-use development and the University campus, directly south.

Jaguar Parkway is a wide, five-lane road with additional on-street parking, bus, and bike lanes. The street begins at the intersection of Zarzamora Street and travels east, across campus, and intersects with University Way. The Focus Area #2 exists east of the intersection of University Way and Jaguar Parkway. Currently, Jaguar Parkway supports access to the residence halls but dead ends to the East. A priority for the area has been extending Jaguar Parkway across the railroad to the east. Although the area is mostly vacant, a floodplain, the railroad crossing, as well as an underground high-pressure gas line would make extending the road costly and has proven to be a determent to extending the road. The Planning Team discussed options to extend the road to the east, then south, and back to the east to propose an alternative solution.

Future development in this Focus Area could include the extension of Jaguar Parkway to Pleasanton Road, with amenities such as a park or open space, as well as trail connections, signage and lighting. Future development should consider the environmental sensitivity of Canvasback Lake, and provide a transition in density from the University.

Vision

Future development in Focus Area #2 should prioritize a west to east connection from Jaguar Parkway to Pleasanton Road, and be considerate of the sensitive natural areas, including the floodplain to the east. The new connection would also create opportunity for park space and trail connectivity. Development in the area would be supportive of research and innovative types of industries, which is identified as a future goal within the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Campus Master Plan.

Full development of this Focus Area will improve connectivity by providing direct connection to Pleasanton Road. As described, there are several hurdles to overcome in making this connection. However, if feasible, it should lead through low intensity development that is centered around the existing floodplain and Canvasback Lake. Providing trail connections within this area will create an extension for the desired regional trail system. Incorporating signage and wayfinding and improved lighting throughout the trailway will ensure safety for residents and visitors. Adding public art to the central connection point joining both sides of the lake and floodplain will enhance the character of the trail system and Focus Area. Compatible development should be prioritized at this central location and the western vacant lot adjacent to the university.

The University Way and Jaguar Parkway intersection is a main focal point in this Focus Area as it is the boundary were two large developments merge. Plans for development of this area include high density multi-family housing close to campus and transitioning to less intense uses further away from campus. Higher density housing closer to campus, with parking lots located on the interior of the developments, promotes walkability for the area. Incorporating plazas on each side of University Way will nicely tie into the main plaza entrance adjacent on the University campus. Wayfinding along this corridor and at a main entrance to the Vida San Antonio development incorporates another unique identifier for the Focus Area.

Connectivity is crucial to developing a successful mixed-use development. Providing a minimum of two main roadway access points to the Vida San Antonio project area along University Way will provide more opportunities for priority development along the University Way corridor that directs all activity, frontage and access to the corridor.

As the Vida San Antonio project develops, the rural nature of the area should be respected and incorporated into the development through trailways connecting to internal streets and proposed park and open space within the development. A flood plain area runs west to east, across the Focus Area. This unbuildable flood plain can be utilized as an open space, with possible trail connections across University Way. Trailways should be prioritized along the existing creek ways and floodplain and the trailway system should provide a direct connection to the University via Jaguar Parkway.

Focus Area #3 is where Pleasanton Road and the Medina River Greenway intersect (See Figure #9). The Focus Area could support a trail connection to Leon Creek, and currently there is project to enhance the trail. Future planning for the area could include character defining features such as artwork or murals. Recreational amenities such as kayak launch points, fishing areas, scenic overlooks or birdwatching blinds. Future planning or projects for the area should consider the value greenspace provides as a buffer from the heavy industrial uses from the Toyota Motor Manufacturing Plant to the south.

Vision

The vision for this area captures the community and Planning Team’s goal to preserve the rural character of the area and create a buffer from the industrial uses south of Mauermann Road, while providing unique amenities that make the area attractive for residents and visitors.

This Focus Area is the most rural of the three focus areas, and that character should be preserved as the area develops. Building off the existing recreational infrastructure along the Medina River Greenway, proposed trail connections should be prioritized to provide another route of connectivity from the University to Pleasanton Road. There should be a direct connection from Pleasanton Road that leads to a park or open space, which serves as a trailhead, and connects to the trail system. The trail way should include character defining features unique to this Focus Area that ties in the existing historic bridge adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Focus Area.

Transformative Project: Old Pleasanton Road Bridge

The old Pleasanton Road Bridge was constructed in 1910 and is one of the earliest documented concrete arch-style bridges in Texas. The bridge was bypassed by modern-day Pleasanton Road in 1985, and located within the Medina River Trailhead Focus Area. Although the bridge is currently not open to pedestrian activity, in the future it could serve as a unique landmark that would create a point of interest along the Medina River Greenway.

Future improvements would require brush clearing and access from the Medina River Greenway into the riverbanks. Amenities for bird watchers, kayakers, and anglers such as bird blinds, kayak launch points, and fishing areas would create a unique attraction to the Greenway. The area would be accessible along the Medina River Greenway and future trail connections would provide access from the University and the areas to the north.

Vision

The vision for this area captures the community and Planning Team’s goal to preserve the rural character of the area and create a buffer from the industrial uses south of Mauermann Road, while providing unique amenities that make the area attractive for residents and visitors.

The Focus Area is the most rural of the three focus areas, and that character should be preserved as the area develops. Building off the existing recreational infrastructure along the Medina River Greenway, proposed trail connections should be prioritized to provide another route of connectivity from the University to Pleasanton Road. There should be a direct connection from Pleasanton Road that leads to a park or open space, which serves as a trailhead, and connects to the trail system. The trail way should include character defining features unique to this Focus Area that ties in the existing historic bridge adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Focus Area.