San Antonio panel approves elevated Riverwalk terrace at 235 East Commerce with conditions after neighbor objections

The San Antonio Historic and Design Commission on Aug. 6 approved a proposal to add an elevated restaurant terrace and pedestrian bridge above Crockett Street at 235 East Commerce, subject to staff stipulations and a condition that the applicant work with the adjacent hotel to explore mitigation measures.

The project, presented by architect Don McDonald, is intended to create a multi-level restaurant terrace that would extend above Crockett Street and connect into the Riverwalk area. Don McDonald, architect for the proposal, said the design aims to “extend the street level into the Riverwalk” and to “activate both Crockett and the upper spaces,” describing plan elements such as stairways, an existing elevator and large planter boxes intended to be long-lived and low-maintenance.

The proposal drew sustained opposition from nearby hotel representatives who said the elevated platform would harm the hotel’s character, views and quiet. Rusty Wallace, managing director of Mansión del Río, said the structure would “destroy the tranquil environment” near the hotel and argued the terrace would put a “barrier”…