The San Pedro II development project will allow UTSA to draw on the broad opportunities that exist in San Antonio to address the city’s pressing workforce needs, to connect UTSA students with experiential learning and career-engagement opportunities, and to provide training to prepare students for careers in interdisciplinary fields such as cybersecurity, computer and data sciences.
By directly connecting the business community and university students, UTSA expects to spur economic development through internships and career-focused learning that contributes to social and economic mobility for students.
“UTSA is laser-focused on preparing our students for their careers and bold futures. This expansion of our downtown footprint reflects our intentionality in situating our academic offerings and learning experiences in the heart of our city’s business community,” said UTSA Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Kimberly Andrews Espy. “With this new building, we can expand career-focused internships, externships, other hands-on experiences and collaborative projects with our business partners. Employers directly benefit, as well, through first access to talented students, creating mutual opportunities for economic prosperity.”
UTSA has focused on strengthening its downtown presence as a catalyst for bringing more business to the core of downtown and supporting the growth of San Antonio.
“The new building, centrally located in the technology district, will bring new vibrancy to downtown San Antonio,” said UTSA Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for Business Affairs Veronica Salazar. “San Pedro II represents significant growth in downtown development, with Dolorosa Street serving as an important connection between the UTSA Downtown Campus and the new UTSA Southwest Campus.”
An ad hoc planning committee has been charged with the development of detailed programming for the building, including consultation with college deans, program directors, and the Space and Planning Advisory Committee to ensure a robust shared governance process.