Hemisfair Phase 1 Contracts in Place
JANUARY 30, 2014 (SAN ANTONIO, TX) — Another contract has been approved, keeping the first phase of Hemisfair’s revitalization on schedule. Today, City Council approved a contract for design of restoration and stabilization of ten historic homes in the southwest corner parcel of Hemisfair bound by Cesar Chavez, Nueva, Water and South Alamo Streets. The City selected local design firm Fisher Heck Architects, who has been recognized for their notable restoration work on the San Fernando Cathedral, Casa Navarro, and thirteen historic buildings in La Villita.
Design will begin in February 2014 and is expected to be completed by the end of June this year. Stabilization and exterior rehabilitation construction will begin subsequently in the Fall of 2014. Construction of the public park improvements will begin on the southwest corner in May 2014 for completion by Spring 2015. Design and construction of Hemisfair’s Phase 1 will be paid for by 2012 Bond dollars allocated to Hemisfair.
“Restoration of these homes is an integral component to Hemisfair’s success,” says Andres Andujar, CEO of Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC). “The goal is for the structures to be activated with inviting uses that will attract visitors, serve as amenities to park-goers, and add to the overall park experience.” One of HPARC’s guiding principles is to breathe new life into the historic structures so they play an active role in the present.
The groundbreaking southwest corner play environment will include over four acres of active educational and recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities that encourage interaction, creativity, exploration, learning, and fitness. The environment will include several state-of-the-art climbing structures, an interactive water feature, splash pads, a sand dig, plenty of shaded courtyards, Ping-Pong tables, life-size chess pieces, and more.