UT San Antonio continues its focus on enhancing the student experience in the heart of San Antonio with plans to introduce a new downtown housing option for fall 2026, further advancing the university’s vision for a vibrant, connected urban campus.
The university signed a letter of intent with Weston Urban for use of The Continental, located at 322 W. Commerce Street, just steps from UT San Antonio’s Downtown Campus and the San Pedro I and II innovation hubs. The apartment-style community accomodates approximately 50 students and is designed to support students whose academic programs and coursework are closely tied to downtown, while also introducing a new residential option that reflects the energy of San Antonio’s urban core.
“This new housing opportunity represents another important step in UT San Antonio’s continued growth downtown,” said Mary Hernandez, senior vice president for administration and operations. “By creating more opportunities for students to live, learn and connect in the heart of our city, we are strengthening the integration of academic, research and community spaces across the downtown district.”
UT San Antonio housing at The Continental builds on recent momentum highlighted in university updates on downtown growth and district planning efforts, which included a housing study emphasizing the potential need to accomodate over 2,000 students across UT San Antonio campuses by 2033. This agreement represents an important step towards creating a more cohesive and immersive student experience downtown, where students can engage more deeply with their programs, peers and the broader community.
Designed for an urban, independent student experience
The new community will feature fully furnished, apartment-style units that prioritize convenience and flexibility. Each unit will include:
- Kitchenettes for independent living
- In-unit washers and dryers
- Wi-Fi and utilities
Students living in UT San Antonio housing at the Continental location will be within walking distance of San Pedro I and II, with access to a variety of transportation options to navigate between downtown destinations and UT San Antonio’s campuses.
These features provide a more autonomous, residential experience while maintaining close proximity to classrooms, research centers and internship opportunities throughout downtown.
Final details, including official housing assignments, room configurations, move-in timing and operational logistics, remain under development and are contingent upon completion of agreements and approvals.
A growing vision for UT San Antonio downtown
The introduction of student housing at The Continental reflects UT San Antonio’s broader commitment to expanding its downtown presence in ways that are intentional, student-centered and aligned with the university’s strategic growth. The new housing option this fall will allow the university to assess student needs to live and learn downtown and allow planning for future housing availability, including additional downtown housing options for fall 2027.
Additionally, UT San Antonio has partnered with College Pads to provide students with an educational tool to help them become more educated renters, compare off-campus housing options, find potential roommates and sublet their existing units, when applicable.
This fall, several college and program relocations will further support efforts to align physical spaces, academic programs, research capacity and the campus experience. The new College of AI, Cyber and Computer (CAICC) will be located downtown along with the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD).
These moves, combined with departments already located downtown, translate to over 8,000 students to San Antonio’s urban core this fall, quickly approaching President Taylor Eighmy’s vision to have 10,000 students learning downtown by 2028.
“As we approach 8,000 students learning downtown, we are creating an environment where growth and student success go hand in hand,” said Heather Shipley, provost and senior executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “Bringing more students together to learn in the heart of San Antonio expands opportunities for experiential learning, strengthens connections with industry and community partners and helps ensure our graduates are prepared to meet the workforce needs of our region and state.”
As the university continues to invest in downtown facilities, academic programming and community partnerships, the addition of residential options represents a key milestone in creating a more fully realized urban campus, one where students can live, learn and thrive within a dynamic and interconnected environment.
