Ella Austin Community Center Renovation Brings New Life to San Antonio’s East Side
In San Antonio’s East Side, a vital piece of the city’s community fabric is undergoing a long-awaited transformation. The Ella Austin Community Center, located at 1023 N Pine St, San Antonio, TX 78202 in the Dignowity Hill Historic District, will soon enter the construction phase of a sweeping $23 million renovation that will honor its past while preparing it for future generations.
Originally built in 1923 as Ralph Waldo Emerson Junior High, the 36,000+ square-foot facility was later converted into a community center in the 1960s. Since then, it has been a trusted resource for child care, youth programs, adult education, senior services, job training, and more. But over time, the building’s infrastructure began to show its age — and the need for modernization became clear.
“This center has always been a space for everyone,” said Watts Davis, President and CEO of the Ella Austin Community Center. “We want Ella to be a resiliency hub so when things go wrong there's a place for people to come and get help. What I like to say is twinkle to wrinkle and cradle to grave — all those services here in one place.”
A Vision Funded by the Community
The renovation is funded through a mix of public support, including $11.5 million from the 2022 General Obligation Bond passed by San Antonio voters and an additional $11.9 million from the Inner City Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). An additional $1.56 million in federal funding has also been requested through Congressman Greg Casar’s FY26 Community Project Funding submission.
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The City of San Antonio’s Human Services Department is managing the project, and WestEast Design Group is leading architecture, design, and community engagement efforts. The center is set to reopen by summer 2027.
Designed With the Community, for the Community
True to its mission, the project has emphasized public input at every step. Through public meetings and small stakeholder sessions, residents helped shape the design priorities. A central courtyard, expanded child care space, modern youth center, and upgraded auditorium all rose to the top of the wish list.
As shown in the public priorities chart on page 4 of the project overview , the community ranked daycare and community offices, senior services, and dining facilities among the most important elements. The result is a comprehensive plan that blends historic preservation with modern amenities:
- A new childcare center with seven updated classrooms
- A dedicated youth space with modern programming
- A larger senior center with fitness, dining, and recreation areas
- Gymnasium improvements and a multi-use dining hall
- Business incubator and co-working space for nonprofits
- A reimagined central courtyard and expanded community garden
- Pickleball courts and outdoor green spaces
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Revitalization for a Resilient Future
Beyond aesthetics and accessibility, the renovation is about building resilience. From new audio-visual systems and commercial kitchen upgrades to improved circulation and energy efficiency, the infrastructure improvements are as thoughtful as they are essential.
With a total budget of $23.4 million, construction officially begins in late March 2026 and is expected to last through June 2027. In the meantime, the City is keeping residents informed through regular updates and visual previews of what’s to come — including renderings of a bright, open courtyard where children play and neighbors connect, as seen in the newly released architectural visuals. The Ella Austin Community Center’s transformation is more than a facelift — it’s a long-term investment in the people it serves.
Looking Ahead
The Ella Austin Community Center has stood for over a century. Now, thanks to the shared vision of city leaders, architects, and the people it serves, it’s being prepared to serve for a century more. As the East Side continues to grow and evolve, Ella Austin aims to remain a cornerstone of connection, support, and opportunity.
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.