550 Market Street Receives HDRC Design Approval, Advancing Hemisfair’s Vision for a Connected Downtown San Antonio
A new chapter is officially underway for the Hemisfair District. The City of San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) has approved the design for 550 Market Street, marking a significant step forward for one of downtown’s most anticipated mixed-use developments.
Located north of Civic Park within the Hemisfair District, 550 Market Street represents the first phase of development on the Market Street parcel and is designed to enhance how residents and visitors shop, dine, park, and move through the heart of downtown San Antonio. The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership between Graystreet Partners and the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC), with development and project management by Reverie Concepts and architectural design by Gómez Vázquez International.
A Pedestrian-Focused Gateway to Hemisfair
At street level, the design prioritizes uninterrupted pedestrian flow along Market Street, a key downtown corridor connecting Civic Park, the River Walk, and surrounding destinations. With direct ground-level access to both Market Street and Civic Park, the building is designed to feel open, accessible, and welcoming—reinforcing Hemisfair’s role as a place of connection.
The two-story development will feature food and beverage concepts and retail spaces, expanding everyday options for locals while enhancing the visitor experience for those exploring downtown San Antonio. Outdoor terraces above the ground floor add additional gathering space and overlook nearby public areas, encouraging people to linger, meet, and enjoy the district.
Design Rooted in San Antonio’s Architectural History
While modern in form, 550 Market Street draws inspiration from some of downtown’s most recognizable landmarks. Architectural elements reference the original portion of the San Antonio Convention Center (now the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center) and Lila Cockrell Theatre, both constructed for HemisFair ’68, as well as the nearby Hipolito Garcia Federal Building near the Alamo.
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These influences are reinterpreted through masonry colonnades, patterned brick cladding, and metal crowning elements, blending historic character with a contemporary design that fits seamlessly into the evolving downtown streetscape.
Strengthening Connections to Civic Park and the River Walk
The project is intentionally designed to complement nearby destinations, including the new Monarch Hotel and the free events and programming hosted in Civic Park. Transparency at street level and strong indoor-outdoor connections help blur the line between retail spaces and public parkland, reinforcing Hemisfair’s vision of an active, people-first urban district.
At the river level, public access is maintained near the HemisFair ’68 expansion of the San Antonio River Walk, preserving both pedestrian circulation and a tangible connection to the site’s history.
“550 Market Street moves the Hemisfair District forward by providing key connections between Market Street, Civic Park, and the River Walk,” said Melissa Robinson, Interim CEO of HPARC. “The design supports connection from downtown to Civic Park, prioritizes the pedestrian, provides new retail and dining options, and adds parking in a way that fits the district and supports its continued growth.”
Added Parking Without Sacrificing Walkability
IIn addition to retail and public-space enhancements, the project will deliver approximately 300 parking spaces, all located below grade. By placing parking underground, the development increases downtown parking capacity while preserving an active, walkable streetscape along Market Street—an important balance for a growing urban core.
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Part of Hemisfair’s Bigger Vision
The approval of 550 Market Street supports Hemisfair’s Master Plan, which aims to transform the former 1968 World’s Fair site into a vibrant, connected district anchored by three signature parks. That work is led collaboratively by HPARCand the Hemisfair Conservancy, two nonprofits working toward a shared mission of redevelopment, activation, and long-term sustainability.
Established by San Antonio City Council in 2009, HPARC oversees property acquisition, planning, construction, financing, and ongoing management at Hemisfair. The Hemisfair Conservancy complements that work by raising and stewarding philanthropic dollars to support park improvements, environmental sustainability, and cultural programming. Together, they are focused on making Hemisfair financially self-sustaining while advancing goals tied to energy efficiency, water conservation, transportation, community connection, and economic vitality.
The district is also guided by a Mixed-Income Residential Policy, ensuring future housing opportunities are accessible to a broad range of residents and incomes.
Looking Ahead
With HDRC approval secured, 550 Market Street now moves forward as the first phase of development on the Market Street parcel, reinforcing the corridor’s historic role as a connector between downtown San Antonio and Hemisfair. As construction progresses, the project sets the framework for future development while strengthening Hemisfair’s identity as a dynamic place to gather, explore, and build community in the heart of the city.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.