Hemisfair is offering two historic properties as storefronts for new tenants at the revitalized urban park.
The Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC) is seeking proposals for new businesses to occupy two properties — the historic Schultze and Pereida houses —within the Yanaguana Garden section of Hemisfair. HPARC released the request for interest (RFI) Wednesday detailing features of the historic homes that could be used for stores, restaurants, or other kinds of venues.
The Schultze House is a fully-restored replica of a two-story brick house that was built in 1880 and demolished in 1967 to make way for a parking lot at the convention center. The home was rebuilt for the 1968 World’s Fair.
With renovations now complete, the house features polished concrete floors, a full bathroom, and large windows on all sides. The entrance to the house faces E. Nueva Street, and the RFI states the 800-square-foot space on the second floor is available for lease. The main level soon will be made available for events.
The renovated Pereida House is an 1883 structure currently home to one of the first tenants at Hemisfair, Paleteria San Antonio. The available space in the building, 350 square feet shared between two tenants plus a wraparound patio and porch, is a space once occupied by SWell Cycle, which moved this week to 723 N. Alamo.
Both the Schultz and Pereida houses are recognized as State Antiquities Landmarks by the Texas Historical Commission.
Hemisfair is seeking tenants that will serve as park “activators” – businesses that help attract people to the park and increase attendance at activities within the Yanaguana Garden section.
Suggested business concepts include health and wellness, light restaurant and beverage, bookstores, candy sellers, children’s retail, and arts and crafts.
“The cool part is we’re focusing on having offerings that are really accessible to all of the community, keeping them affordable and approachable,” said Omar Gonzalez, Hemisfair real estate director. “We now have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a break option, so you can come with the family and stay all day. There’s something for everyone here.”
The deadline to respond to the RFI is Sept. 24 at 5:59 p.m.
Other tenants currently occupying historic structures at Hemisfair include CommonWealth Coffeehouse & Bakery at Koehler House, Con Safos Cocina y Cantina at Espinoza House, and most recently, Dough Pizzeria Napoletana at OK Bar. All are located within Yanaguana Garden where play structures and splash pads have beckoned nearly 2 million visitors since it opened in 2015.
This area of the park also features construction on the first multi-family housing development. “The ’68” will feature 5,000 square feet of food and beverage on the street level and begin leasing the residential units in 2019.
Construction on the next phase of Hemisfair, Civic Park, begins later this year. The goal is to complete the 40-acre, $700 million redevelopment of the 1968 World’s Fair site by 2025.
For details about leasing the historic properties and the application process, visit www.hemisfair.org/RFI. Tours are available upon request.
