San Antonio: Concept on Former CPS Energy Complex Remodel to be Approved
Feature Illustration: Concept design of the Presa Street elevation of the 146 Navarro building. Courtesy: Gensler and MP Studio.
Posted: 7-19-2021
by Adolfo Pesquera
San Antonio (Bexar County) — A request for conceptual approval of designs for the renovation of the former CPS Energy headquarters at 146 Navarro Street is expected to be approved this week.
The multi-story complex at Navarro Street and the San Antonio River Walk is scheduled for consideration Wednesday before the Historic and Design Review Commission.
The requests of the architect include:
- Installation of new landscaping and site paving at street level.
- Installation of façade screening of the existing parking levels.
- Replacement of the existing glazing on the upper, conditioned floors.
- Installation of landscaping and planting elements on the upper floor terraces.
The north façade of 146 Navarro, as it is today (left) and as proposed (right).
The case is currently on a combined consent agenda. Unless a request is made to pull it for individual consideration, the proposal will be approved without further discussion. Jim Shelton, Gensler’s design director for the San Antonio office is representing the developer.
Los Angeles, California-based BH Properties purchased the property earlier this year.
Shelton’s project summary states, “The reposition of the office building at 146 Navarro will update the former CPS parking garage and office into a class A office building, with expanded amenities and creating an active and engaging destination on the San Antonio River Walk.
“The ground level plaza will be enhanced with new planting and paving, activated by the transformation of the ground levels into a food and beverage venue with exterior dining and porches facing the river and La Villita. The facades of the building will be updated with new garage screening as well as the replacement of the exterior glazing, and new planting on the upper floor terraces. The overall massing of the building will not be modified and the exterior brick will remain in place.”
Proposed site plan for 146 Navarro.
Included in the list of exterior improvements is a proposal to install two art panels as part of the parking structure screening. The art panels would be displayed to face Presa Street on the east side of the building and the River Walk on the north side of the building.
The renovations also include an interior remodel to make space for a restaurant-bar on the first and second floors of the annex (north) building. The first floor restaurant experience would include a double height indoor dining space and outdoor seating along Navarro. Both levels would have outdoor seating patios that face the River Walk and Presa Street.
Floor plans for the restaurant spaces on Levels 1 and 2 of the annex building.
adolfo@virtualbx.com
Related Images
Views of the west elevation of 146 Navarro, as it exists today (above), and as proposed (below).
