SAISD seeks proposals to repurpose vacant buildings, focusing on community benefits.
SAN ANTONIO — Over a dozen vacant buildings are up for grabs as SAISD continues its efforts to repurpose them.
The district is seeking to lease the buildings and is now accepting applications. Right now, they’re accepting proposals for five former schools.
San Antonio businessman Ken Lowe told KENS 5 he’s working with multiple nonprofits interested in leasing vacant SAISD buildings.
“You could easily take a couple of those schools, and so teachers could have a place to stay with their community,” Lowe said.
Housing teachers, converting Douglas Academy’s library into child care, and creating a museum of SAISD’s history are all ideas Lowe said are on the table for repurposing Douglas and other schools listed for leasing.
Click here to submit a proposal and learn more.
San Antonio for Growth on the East Side responded to KENS 5:
“SAGE is definitely interested in leveraging existing community partnerships to maintain Douglas Academy as a treasured community asset. SAGE is exploring a partnership between
SAISD, St. Philip’s College, and San Antonio African American Community Archive and
Museum to provide programming that complements our combined strengths and missions while supporting the larger community.”
Nothing is finalized but for community advocates, these ideas could mean preserving history for neighborhoods like Denver Heights.
“I’m not just interested from a historical point of view, but what is Denver Heights going to look like going forward?” Community advocate Gloria Ray asked.
SAISD said it couldn’t comment on any proposals or plans for the buildings.
For those involved, they said the future is bright for the community.
“All the entities already exist, but they need a bigger footprint and to be a bigger player in the community,” Lowe said.