SAN ANTONIO – Austin Highway was once a vital part of San Antonio, but the Harry Wurzbach corridor has seen its ups and downs. Now, after years of revitalization to the area, it appears to be booming again.
Iconic restaurants like the Bun N Barrel and Earl Abel's Restaurant call Austin Highway home and they are surrounded by a mix of new retail and a booming business corridor. The additional business has Earl Abel's Restaurant co-owner Roger Arias excited.
"There's so much going on in the corridor, that I am really excited about being a part of it," said Arias.
Now, the restaurant will be part of something more called the Austin Highway/Harry Wurzbach (TAPS Memorial Boulevard) Metropolitan Corridor Overlay District.
Simply put, it is a city initiative to preserve the corridor's history and set standards for new businesses that plan to call the area home.
"It's a culmination of many different efforts along these two corridors predominately for redevelopment and new developments," said Mario Hume, who is chief of staff for City Councilman Carlton Soules.
Much of the corridor lies within Soules' district.
Any new commercial development will be held to new design standards to match what is already in place. An additional reason for the overlay district is to protect the federal investment in Fort Sam Houston and the history behind it, including landmarks like the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Overall, all businesses in the area are invited to give input to the new corridor.
"I really believe that the city and the businesses can work together to make Austin Highway a great place," said Arias.
Area business owners, residents, and property owners are invited to attend an open house Tuesday night to review the draft design standards for the project.
The meeting will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 pm at the St. Pius X Catholic Church.