The La Villita Assembly Hall, a circular venue at Villita and Presa streets, is getting a makeover. Escalera Capital, a San Antonio private equity firm, purchased the property in March 2024. They’ve partnered with Onset Hospitality to transform it into a vibrant food hall by 2027.
Originally opened in 1958, the Assembly Hall has a historical role in the community, hosting events like the Night in Old San Antonio (NIOSA) during Fiesta San Antonio. Julie Terrill, NIOSA’s 2026 chair, expressed excitement about the renovations but noted that the organization might need to find new venues for some of its upcoming events. “We are confident in our relationship with Escalera Capital. If we can’t use the building, we’ll find a home for our events nearby,” she said.
The renovations come during a challenging time for the La Villita tenants, who have faced construction-related struggles in the area. However, these changes offer hope. Onset Hospitality, known for creating food scenes in cities like New York and Washington, D.C., will be incorporating diverse chef-driven vendors and multiple bars to reflect San Antonio’s rich culture.
Real estate firm JLL is also involved, helping to lease the property, which was sold by GrayStreet Capital. This sale marked the building’s transition from CPS Energy ownership. The investment in this area ties into a bigger picture: over $3.3 billion is being poured into downtown San Antonio, with various projects, including a new basketball arena for the San Antonio Spurs.
Experts suggest that the food hall could be a significant draw for both locals and tourists, boosting the area’s economy. With the upcoming Fiesta events scheduled from April 16 to 26, the community will feel the impact of these changes sooner than later.
In a time when public spaces are evolving, the La Villita Assembly Hall’s transformation could become a beloved hub for food and culture, connecting the past to the future.
For more information about the area’s growth and ongoing projects, check out San Antonio’s city development plans [here](https://www.sanantonio.gov/).
Source link
Bobby Magee,Charles Leddy,CPS Energy,Escalera Capital,Fiesta,food hall,La Villita,La Villita Assembly Hall,NIOSA,Onset Hospitality,river walk,top story,wc less than 500
