Pearl Developer Wins Approval For Southtown's major Mixed-Use Project

A significant new chapter is unfolding in San Antonio’s urban core as Oxbow Development Group, the team behind the iconic Pearl redevelopment, has officially received approval to move forward with a major mixed-use project in Southtown. The Historic and Design Review Commission granted final consent for construction, paving the way for one of the most sizable additions planned near Hemisfair.

A New “Village” in Southtown

Called Southtown Aldea — named after the Spanish word for “village”, the development will rise on 4.7 acres at Lavaca and Matagorda streets. The project represents Oxbow’s first major expansion outside its highly successful work in Tobin Hill, where the Pearl has become one of San Antonio’s premier destinations for dining, living, and entertainment.

Key elements of the Southtown Aldea plan include:

• 275 new apartments

• 40,000 sq. ft. of retail and restaurant space

• A multi-level parking garage

• A walkable corridor with courtyards, mature trees, and interconnected pathways

Designed as a community-focused village, the restaurants and shops will face one another across landscaped walkways, creating a pedestrian-friendly experience reminiscent of Oxbow’s approach at the Pearl.

Preserving History Through Relocation

One unique challenge involves the Muench-Pollock House, a historic structure from the 1890s. Formerly an administrative building for the San Antonio ISD, the structure reflects the Polish and German heritage of the neighborhood.

Oxbow plans to deconstruct and relocate the home to the corner of Lavaca and Matagorda streets. The developer will return to the commission for separate approval of that relocation effort.

Project Timeline

Construction is projected to finish between 2027 and 2028, with additional approvals expected as plans progress.

“Oxbow’s goal has always been to contribute to the fabric of Southtown,” said Omar Gonzalez, the company’s director of development. “This project reflects Southtown’s eclectic identity while creating new places to live, work, shop, and connect.”

Growth Surrounding the Area

Southtown Aldea arrives during a period of major redevelopment activity in the Hemisfair and downtown districts:

• The City of San Antonio is evaluating a bold proposal for a sports and entertainment district, which could include a new Spurs arena at the former Institute of Texan Cultures site.

• Plans for the district outline expanded hospitality, new apartments, retail, restaurants, and a land bridge connecting downtown to the Alamodome.

• Nearby, Zachry Corp. is preparing to launch the 17-story, 200-room Monarch San Antonio Hotel, scheduled to open in March 2026.

• Additional mixed-use projects surrounding Hemisfair, previously slowed — are now shifting ownership and moving back on schedule. GrayStreet Partners is expected to deliver retail and parking by 2027, and residential units by 2030.

As revitalization continues across Hemisfair, Southtown, and downtown, Oxbow’s Southtown Aldea stands out as one of the most transformative developments set to reshape the city’s urban landscape.

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