The exquisite Continental Residences just celebrated their grand opening, adding to the revitalization of the west side of downtown.
SAN ANTONIO — Economic development is the key driver of any major city, and that includes San Antonio. Right now, the revitalization of the west side of downtown is in full swing, with new buildings popping up in what to many seems to be virtually overnight
Welcome to the Continental Residences. They just celebrated their grand opening last week. This 290 unit building is amenity packed with a sparkling pool overlooking downtown San Antonio, a full gym, and a pet spa. The mix of this modern Weston Urban project, amongst rich history, shows how downtown San Antonio is in a renaissance.
“There are so many things that are that are going on, and there are so many folks that are choosing to move downtown. So there need to be options for folks,” said Sunny Davila, Continental Residences general manager.
The Continental Residences sit right by the 18th century structure known as the De La Garza House. It’s considered one of the oldest residential buildings in the city. Now it’s preserved as a landmark.
“Weston Urban chose to leave those historic structures in place to honor the history of the block, and put something that is that is new and very usable in place,” said Davila.
Mark Jensen, vice president with Weston Urban added, “It’s a great history as a city. When you blend in a little bit of new architecture, new design with that, the beautiful canvas we have from like the 20s, 30s and 40s, I think it’s very special.”
If you didn’t know people lived here, you could mistake it as an art gallery.
“We have over 30 local artists represented in the building. A woman named Analy Diego, who is an artist herself, curated all of the collection,” said Davila.
That includes one of the Continental Hotel’s history, by Jensen himself who added: “I just decided in the last couple of years that I would pull out some pencils and pens again and sketch a few of these.”
Also displayed right at the complex’s entrance is a commissioned piece showing this block under construction.
Davila explained, “We were built at the same time that the new UTSA cyber, and AI building was built.”
Jensen added, “The biggest story for downtown is, really the emergence of UTSA as a true driver for kind of the economic growth story in San Antonio.”
With the San Pedro Creek running alongside both buildings, the Plaza De Armas, and the rich history along Dolorosa Street you really get a feel for this sixth largest city in the country, mixed with modern buildings peppered with rich history.
“The densest that our city feels, which to me again, is a pretty special moment to feel like you really are in the center of it. And I love it,” said Jensen.
San Antonio’s skyrocketing population says plenty of others love it too.