Father Roman Community Center Rebuild Advances at Villa Coronado Park as Permits Are Filed in San Antonio
After years of planning, community engagement, and design work, the long-anticipated rebuild of the Father Roman Community Center at Villa Coronado Park is officially moving forward, with construction permits now filed for the new facility in San Antonio’s South Side.
The project will replace the existing Father Roman Community Center, which was originally built in the mid-1980s and has since been deemed structurally unsound. A structural assessment completed in October 2023 found the facility no longer safe for continued use and recommended demolition and replacement with a modern community center designed to better serve local residents.
Located at 11030 Ruidosa St, San Antonio, TX 78214 (Bexar County), the new Father Roman Community Center at Villa Coronado Park will be a 12,121-square-foot facility constructed entirely on the existing park site. The City of San Antonio is listed as the project owner, with Marmon Mok Architecture serving as the architect.
Project Timeline and Cost
According to project filings, construction is scheduled to begin on May 12, 2026, with completion anticipated by July 11, 2027. The total estimated project cost is $8.3 million, funded through public resources, reflecting the city’s continued investment in neighborhood parks and recreation infrastructure.
What the New Community Center Will Include
The new facility is designed to significantly expand programming capacity and flexibility for Villa Coronado Park and surrounding neighborhoods. Plans call for a welcoming, multi-use center that includes:
- A public lobby and reception area
- A full gymnasium with spectator seating and direct access to outdoor courts
- Flexible classrooms designed for youth programs, education, and community activities
- A wide collaborative corridor intended for informal gathering, study, and overflow programming
- Office and staff support spaces
- A kitchenette to support nutrition programs and community events
- Storage, custodial, electrical, and technology support areas
Design documents emphasize safety, visibility, and adaptability, with controlled access points, enhanced lighting, and layouts that allow spaces to be secured or opened depending on programming needs.
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Honoring Father Manuel Roman’s Legacy
The new center will continue to honor Father Manuel Roman, a beloved community figure whose work focused on youth mentorship, faith, and providing a safe haven for families. Community input gathered during visioning sessions in 2024 highlighted the importance of preserving that legacy, including concerns about losing the existing building’s iconic mural.
In response, the design incorporates dedicated areas for public art, including murals, wall graphics, and potential sculpture installations that reflect the values, history, and identity of the Villa Coronado community. A feature wall honoring Father Roman is planned near the main entry, reinforcing the center’s role as both a functional space and a community symbol.
Current Status of the Existing Center
While the Father Roman Community Center building is currently closed as a result of the structural assessment, Villa Coronado Park and the Resource Center at Villa Coronado remain open to the public. Prior to closure, the center offered a wide range of programs, including youth sports leagues, arts and crafts, table games, nutrition education, dance, and music.
Current amenities previously available at the center included a gym and a multi-purpose room, both offered on a first-come, first-served basis. City officials anticipate the new facility will not only restore these offerings but expand them significantly once construction is complete.
A Long-Term Investment in South San Antonio
City planners and community stakeholders describe the new Father Roman Community Center as a long-term investment in wellness, education, and neighborhood connection. The rebuilt center is intended to serve residents of all ages while supporting expanded Parks and Recreation programming across District 3.
For continued coverage of San Antonio community projects, park improvements, and neighborhood updates, stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
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.