Recently, experts from across the construction and development sectors came together at a Bisnow San Antonio event to delve into the driving forces behind San Antonio’s burgeoning growth.

Discussions throughout the event underscored three key themes shaping San Antonio’s development landscape, not only defining the city’s unique competitive edge but also reflecting the broader trends impacting the construction and development sectors as a whole.

1. The Strategic Advantage of Mixed-Use Developments

San Antonio’s commitment to mixed-use developments is not just a trend; it’s a transformative approach that’s creating vibrant, self-sustaining communities that appeal to both residents and businesses. Connie Gonzalez of Brooks Development Group captured this vision perfectly by highlighting:

“Brooks is the only 1,300-acre development where you can live, work, learn, play, stay, and pray.”

And while Brooks may currently stand as the only mixed-use development of its size, it stands alongside several mixed-use developments across San Antonio in representing the overarching trend to diversify the area through accessible spaces where everyone can live, work, and play.

100 Labor Street – San Antonio, TX

This holistic approach ensures that projects are more than mere structures—they are thriving, self-sustaining communities that drive long-term value and cater to the multifaceted needs of residents and businesses alike.

For developers, the strategic advantage of focusing on mixed-use projects is clear. These developments offer an integrated lifestyle solution that aligns with the increasing demand for multifunctional spaces. By investing in such projects, developers can tap into a growing market of individuals and businesses seeking convenience and connectivity within their communities.

2. Navigating Challenges in Workforce Development

Workforce development remains a critical challenge for San Antonio’s construction and development sectors. The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the lingering impacts of the 2008 financial crisis, have created a significant gap in skilled labor. Pawel (Paul) Hardej of the Metropolitan Development Company highlighted this issue, noting the substantial loss of industry professionals over the years:

“We lost a lot during COVID, but we really never recovered from 2008.” – “Many design consultants and skilled labor professionals left the industry, creating a substantial gap in the workforce that is still a struggle to fill.”

Addressing this gap requires a concerted effort to invest in workforce development – Building strong partnerships with educational institutions and creating clear pathways for new talent are essential steps in bridging this divide. As such, the City of San Antonio and Alamo Colleges are distinctly focused on and prioritizing workforce development. Through initiatives such as San Antonio Ready to Work and Alamo Promise, the region is making significant strides in bridging the gap.

It’s imperative for cities to prioritize these strategies to ensure that the industry is equipped with the skilled professionals needed to tackle today’s complex projects.

3. The Strategic Use of Local Resources in Construction

In an era marked by global supply chain disruptions, San Antonio’s focus on local sourcing and resource management has proven to be a prudent strategy. Helena Finley of Embrey emphasized the importance of buying local or sourcing from nearby regions in stating:

“In regard to supply chain, we have tried to buy local, or from Mexico or Canada.”

Despite these efforts, challenges such as recent rail strikes affecting Canadian lumber supplies highlight the need for adaptable sourcing strategies.

For developers, diversifying sourcing strategies and planning for potential disruptions are crucial for maintaining project timelines and budgets. By supporting local economies and seeking alternative supply sources, developers can mitigate the risks associated with global supply chain fluctuations.

The Path Forward

San Antonio’s development landscape is defined by its innovative approach to creating vibrant, multifunctional communities, addressing the skilled labor challenges from past economic downturns, and strategically managing resources amidst global disruptions—As the city continues to evolve, these themes will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping its future.

The insights from Bisnow’s recent event underscore San Antonio’s commitment to overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, setting a precedent for other cities to follow.

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