The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched a new initiative to help shape development in the Alamo City.
The Urban Future Lab — which will operate out of the College of Architecture, Construction and Planning at UTSA’s downtown campus — will address development-related issues, including transportation and infrastructure planning, as well as affordable housing and economic equity.
Led by Antonio Petrov, the nonprofit think tank will provide research and educational support, while working to convene discussion among more urban stakeholders. It’s emergence is timely as UTSA explores transforming its downtown campus, and as various groups seek opportunities for redevelopment along multiple center-city corridors, including Broadway and Houston streets.
“We have an interesting position. We will operate like a nexus between partners with the city and partners with the university,” said Petrov, a professor at UTSA’s College of Architecture, Construction and Planning.
The framework for the new lab, whose work will not be limited to downtown, began to take shape in the latter part of last year. Petrov said its purpose was solidified in part through discussions with different local groups that want to avoid repeating mistakes that Austin is making in managing its rapid growth.
“The purpose was to take a lead role in what’s going on in the city with urban transformation and be this place between all of these entities,” Petrov said. “We see a lot of stuff happening out there. Sometimes, it feels a little disorganized.”
The new lab could reshape development dialogue and change existing relationships. At a minimum, Petrov said its goal is to create more inclusiveness.
“We felt like we have to change the approach. We cannot just come in here with global ideas and make them work in San Antonio,” Petrov said. “We have to engage in a different way. What we want to do with the Urban Future Lab is position ourselves right at this intersection between the physical environment and the human environment.”
Witte Museum CEO Marise McDermott’s push to transform part of Broadway into a cultural corridor helped inspire the new UTSA initiative.
“I give her credit for the Urban Future Lab,” Petrov said. “Her vision, the way she looks at the world, certainly inspired us to move forward with this idea. Our collaboration with her and with other institutions and individuals in the city helped lift us up.”
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— W. Scott Bailey, Senior Reporter, San Antonio Business Journal
Photo by Gabe Hernandez, SABJ