Hunt Development Group and Lincoln Property Company have been chosen to lead the redevelopment of a 400-acre area on San Antonio’s East Side, encompassing land around the Frost Bank Center and Freeman Coliseum. The selection was made after Bexar County’s Coliseum Advisory Board issued a request for proposals earlier this year, with Hunt and Lincoln submitting the only response.
The proposed plan covers a 15-year timeline and includes 3.6 million square feet of mixed-use development. This will feature housing, retail, entertainment venues, hotels, and green spaces while maintaining the Freeman Coliseum’s rodeo operations throughout the year. The developers aim to connect the site to Willow Springs Golf Course and drive investment into an area that has seen limited growth in recent decades.
To support funding for the project, Bexar County voters recently approved allocating $311 million from hotel occupancy and rental car taxes. In addition, voters agreed to direct $500 million in visitor tax revenue toward building a new arena for the Spurs basketball team and renovating Frost Bank Center. These measures were passed following countywide votes.
The developers’ financial strategy also includes establishing a tax increment reinvestment zone and creating a municipal management district—both pending county approval—to help cover infrastructure costs and ongoing operations. Additional funding could come from parking fees and ground leases on the property.
Freeman Coliseum Executive Director Derrick Howard commented on the board’s decision: “an opportunity to finally look at this from a holistic perspective.” He said that this approach reflects efforts by local leaders to prioritize community-focused development.
Inspiration for the project comes from similar entertainment districts such as Fort Worth Stockyards, Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, and Dallas’ American Airlines Center—areas known for blending sports facilities with dining options and public gathering spaces.
Overland Partners will serve as lead designer for the redevelopment effort. Other firms involved include Joeris General Contractors, Metro Development Group, and EBF Development & Design Studio. The next phase involves several months of community engagement before finalizing master plans.
