AlyssaLa Villita, located on the Southern bank of the River Walk, is an artisan and entrepreneur district with over 25 local shops and galleries. As San Antonio’s first neighborhood, La Villita has 300 years of history, and with our city’s swift growth, it has brought about unique challenges, where businesses have leaned on the community for support.
Little Studio Gallery, a privately owned art gallery made up of six artists, has been in La Villita for 35 years and has seen the efforts required to maintain an active business during construction improvements taking place off Nueva and S. Alamo. Patrons from the local and visiting community are what they rely on to sustain.
Karen, one of the artists at Little Studio Gallery, let me know that before construction improvements there were more art galleries as compared to now. When I asked how we as a community can help all the businesses at La Villita, she said, “Awareness.”
Along with La Villita, S. Alamo businesses have shared similar experiences. Once the construction improvements end, the corridor will be rejuvenated with access and beautification. La Villita and S. Alamo will be reinvigorated as the destination hot spots they have been known as historically.
The S. Alamo area in Southtown is home to a multitude of local businesses as well as Hemisfair, an urban park featuring dining, playscapes, and entertainment. You can effortlessly spend an entire day in the area appreciating local coffee shops and restaurants, unique shopping, and fresh air.
While we continue to support local businesses in this area, remember what is coming – $41 million in improvements including:
- Street reconstruction
- Enhanced pedestrian and street lighting
- Landscaping
- Drainage
- Traffic signals
- Utilities
- Sidewalks
Local Businesses in La Villita
As we mentioned, La Villita is home to over 25 local shops, galleries, and restaurants including:
Angelita
Arneson River Theatre
B.Link
Bird & Pear
Capistrano Soap Company
Casa Manos Alegres
Copper Gallery
Cos House
Fig Tree
Guadalajara Grill
Huipil Market
La Villita Cafe
La Villita History Exhibit
Little Church of La Villita
Little Rhein Prost House
Little Studio Gallery
Plaza Taxco
Marisol Deluna New York Foundation
Sifuentes Metalsmith
Smoke BBQ + Riverbar
River Art Group
San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum
Scentchips USA
Starving Artist Art Gallery
Studio Alejandro Sifuentes
Villa Tesoros
Yolix Luna Fine Art
Local Businesses in S. Alamo
Battalion
Box St All Day Brunch aka The Box Street Social
CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery Hemisfair
Dough Pizzeria Napoletana
Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub
EnergyX Fitness
The Fairmount Hotel
Fiume Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Hola!
La Mariposa Gift Shop
Lick Honest Ice Creams
Lone Star Cafe
Magik Theatre
NONNA Osteria
Paleteria San Antonio
Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery
Rincon Alegre
The River’s Edge Cafe & Patio Bar
SILO Prime
Vanity Eiland
Want to learn more about businesses in construction corridors and the best ways to visit them? Check out @cosagov’s Paving the Way website www.sanantonio.gov/pavingtheway 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/.
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This article is sponsored by the City of San Antonio.