Transforming an underdeveloped industrial block into a livable urban neighborhood: SoJo Commons.

Project Background

The Pearl District is a transformational redevelopment of a 22-acre historic brewery (by others) into a mixed-use district and culinary destination north of downtown San Antonio, which has catalyzed redevelopment of the underutilized surrounding industrial area. In siting the SoJo Commons project, the lack of contextual consistency in the Pearl-adjacent neighborhood presented a compelling opportunity to define our own public realm.

Urban Infill Innovation

Like most mid-sized American cities, San Antonio is experiencing sustained growth, interest in walkable neighborhoods, and a need to address the carbon imperative. In response, this project introduces a typology to San Antonio that is a livable, familiar, and desirable alternative to sprawling single-family developments. As redevelopment expands outward from the Pearl District, new live, work, and play options within a 15-minute walk are being generated every day. In addition to being low-maintenance and significantly more energy-efficient than a stand-alone single-family home, the floor plans are highly adaptable with the ability to utilize ground-floor space as a home office, for aging parents or adult children still at home, or as an income generator.

A New Take on the Traditional Row House Block

SoJo Commons is a contemporary row house block that connects organically to a new public realm adjacent to the building envelope. By adding generous front stoops, a landscaped parkway with trees, and sidewalk, we created the beginnings of a hospitable, complete street — somewhere that feels natural to walk your dog or wave to a neighbor. In giving equal weight to urban planning and architecture, we fostered our residents’ connection to the emerging residential community surrounding Pearl in midtown San Antonio.

In addition to being low-maintenance and significantly more energy-efficient than a stand-alone single-family home, the floor plans are highly adaptable with the ability to utilize ground-floor space as a home office, for aging parents or adult children still at home, or as an income generator. The project creates new circulation patterns and employs a material palette of brick, stucco, steel, and Victorian metal shingles which echoes nearby historic warehouse structures and more recent interventions.

Basements are unnecessary in the South Texas region because the ground doesn’t freeze, and they are very expensive. Garages, however, are indispensable. The ground-floor garage requirement means the primary living area is on the second floor of each unit rather than being above a half-down basement as is common in the traditional row house typology. To resolve this set of issues, foyer entries are employed at the open stair landings halfway up from the sidewalk. The intermediate entry creates a direct visual and personal connection between the living spaces and the public realm.