SAN ANTONIO – District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, along with representatives from Brooks City Base, the University of the Incarnate Word and The NRP Group, celebrated the July 6th commencement of $9.1 million in roadway and infrastructure improvements on the current Dave Erwin Drive, a key thoroughfare through the northwest part of the Brooks City Base campus. The project will widen and upgrade the current road to make way for future investment and development in that area including the University of Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine, scheduled to open in July 2017, an apartment development from The NRP Group, a linear park and new commercial development.
“District 3 is excited to see continued growth and momentum at Brooks City Base,” said Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran. “By upgrading the campus’ infrastructure, not only by improving roadways, but by also adding trees and bicycle lanes, we are improving the quality of life for current and future residents, all our community, and laying a strong foundation for the University of the Incarnate Word’s School of Osteopathic Medicine to build upon.”
The road project will expand the existing Dave Erwin Drive to three lanes, one in either direction with a center turn lane, to meet city standards. The roadway improvements include the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks and more than 100 new trees. The traffic signal and gateway signage at Southeast Military will also be updated. The engineering design consultant is Pape-Dawson Engineers, and the contractor is E-Z Bel Construction. Construction is expected to conclude in late spring 2016, in advance of the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine opening.
“As we fulfill the vision of the Brooks City Base Land Use Plan, we anticipate significant growth and development in the northwest area of our campus,” said Brooks City Base President & CEO Leo Gomez. “The UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine will anchor this portion of Brooks City Base, and we are finalizing plans for another 300-unit apartment complex, potential retail opportunities and a linear park that will transform this area. Investment in this roadway will benefit this planned development, improve drivability and safety, and enhance the beauty and walkability of our campus.”
The Kennedy Hill Road project is funded through a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) established by the City of San Antonio for $5.1 million and funding agreements between the Brooks Development Authority and the City of San Antonio. The half mile of roadway from Southeast Military Drive to Sidney Brooks Drive will be dedicated to the City upon the conclusion of construction.
At the completion of the project, the road will be renamed Kennedy Hill to honor the legacy of President John F. Kennedy and his historic connection to the Brooks City Base campus. President Kennedy dedicated several buildings at the former School of Aerospace Medicine in his last official act as president in 1963. Those buildings will be a part of the future University of Incarnate Word medical school campus.
Download This Press Release: Kennedy Hill Road Improvement Project – RELEASE
Media Contact:
Kelli Epp/(210) 710-8048
