Paving the Way: Supporting Local Small Businesses During the Time of San Antonio Construction

As San Antonio continues to advance, many locals, especially local small businesses, are feeling the growing pains. To support the businesses we love so much, the city has created a new program — Paving the Way. 

While construction can cause headaches due to increased traffic and difficulty parking, we must continue to support our local small businesses that have been highly affected by these construction zones. 

This time is vital for the current businesses that reside in these areas and if we want to see their growth alongside our city, we must come together to support them in every way possible. 

Together, we will create a more vibrant, resilient community for decades to come. The Corridors 

There are four corridors currently undergoing construction — Broadway, N. New Braunfels, Zona Cultural, and S. Alamo. 

Throughout the next several months, we will be sharing information about parking, interviews with local small business owners impacted by construction, and all the ways we can come together as a community to make sure these small businesses are still here when the construction ends. 

North New Braunfels 

This historic section of San Antonio’s East Side is a centerpiece of the area for dining, lifestyle, and everyday needs. Businesses are open and welcome visitors to their tried-and-true establishments.

As you support local businesses keep in mind what’s coming to North New Braunfels — $13 million of improvements, including: 

■ Bus stop improvements 
■ Improved intersections 
■ Road reconstruction 
■ ADA-accessible sidewalks with better connectivity 
■ New utilities 
■ Drainage updates

Zona Cultural

This area is a vibrant part of the city as it includes the historic shopping space within Market Square and the surrounding retail establishments. Plus, the dining and entertainment destinations have deep roots and add cultural flair the City is known for. Many of the businesses are local family-owned and family-operated and have been open for decades. Also, the newly opened San Pedro Creek Culture Park (Phase 1-Summer 2022) reveals beautiful new pathways, design, and exquisite historically inspired art displays. 

Here’s what’s coming to Zona Cultural! $69,200,000 in improvements along San Saba, Santa Rosa, and Commerce including: 

■ Wider sidewalks 
■ Bike lanes 
■ Landscaping 
■ Street and pedestrian lighting
■ Celebrating the area’s cultural history through architectural and design features 

The Broadway Street Corridor in downtown San Antonio has been flourishing with revitalization and community engagement over recent years.

As you support local businesses keep in mind what’s coming to Broadway! $56.4 million in improvements, including:

Lower Broadway Project Scope:
■ Roadway Reconstruction
■ Complete Streets with Curbs
■ Traffic Signal Upgrades
■ Driveway Approaches
■ Drainage Improvements
■ ADA Ramps/Sidewalks
■ Bike Facilities
■ Landscaping

Bike Lane Project Scope:
■ Protected/Buffered Bike lanes
■ New Pavement Markings
■ New Signs
■ Landscaping
■ Tree Planting

Do you want to learn more about businesses in construction corridors and the best ways to visit them? Check out @cosagov’s Paving the Way website for up-to-date tips. 

If you are a small business in need of assistance during construction improvements, @cosaedd has resources to help. Learn more about what’s available at www.sanantonio.gov/EDD/Programs-Grants.

Let them know you found out on Twenty Something SA!