The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Nov. 17 approved the next phase of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s downtown development initiatives. While amplifying the cybersecurity and data science programs in the San Pedro I development, the new Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Careers building, to be known as San Pedro II, will introduce additional interdisciplinary and collaborative programs in business, engineering and sciences to empower students for fulfilling careers through immersive, hands-on learning experiences, a news release said.
The new building is supported by investments of $52.4 million from State of Texas Tuition Revenue Bond proceeds and $72 million from UT System Permanent University Fund bond proceeds.
“This investment of over $124 million extends our efforts, launched in 2018, to support national security, cybersecurity and data sciences here in San Antonio. We continue to drive work force development and job creation in this ecosystem,” UTSA President Taylor Eighmy said in a statement.
Built across the San Pedro Creek from San Pedro I, which includes the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center, San Pedro II will leverage opportunities for academic programming and research collaborations among programs in both buildings, the release said.
The San Pedro II development project will allow UTSA to draw on broad opportunities present in San Antonio to address the city’s pressing workforce needs, connect UTSA students with experiential learning and career-engagement opportunities, and provide training to prepare students for careers in interdisciplinary fields, such as cybersecurity, and computer and data sciences, according to the release.
UTSA officials said by directly connecting the business community and university students, the university expects to spur economic development through internships and career-focused learning that contributes to social and economic mobility for students.
“This expansion of our downtown footprint reflects our intentionality in situating our academic offerings and learning experiences in the heart of our city’s business community. With this new building, we can expand career-focused internships, externships, other hands-on experiences and collaborative projects with our business partners,” said Kimberly Espy, UTSA provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.
UTSA has focused on strengthening its downtown presence as a catalyst for bringing more business to the core of downtown and supporting San Antonio’s continued growth, UTSA officials said.
“The new building, centrally located in the technology district, will bring new vibrancy to downtown San Antonio. San Pedro II represents significant growth in downtown development, with Dolorosa Street serving as an important connection between the UTSA Downtown Campus and the new UTSA Southwest Campus,” said Veronica Salazar, UTSA chief financial officer and senior vice president for business affairs.
An ad hoc planning committee has been tasked with developing detailed programming for the building, including consultation with college deans, program directors, and the Space and Planning Advisory Committee to ensure a robust shared governance process, the release said.
UTSA is working with architectural firm Overland/Gensler to begin designing the new building, with plans to break ground in summer 2023, the release said, adding that San Pedro II is expected to be 180,000 square feet and cost $124 million in construction.
With a focus on indoor/outdoor connections and reconfigurable spaces for multipurpose use, the building will be designed with innovation and adaptability in mind to serve UTSA students, faculty and staff downtown for decades to come. The new building will be inclusive to the public through spaces for community programs as well as meeting and conference spaces, the release said.
