A
new AC Hotel is planned as part of the mixed-use project Broadway East in San Antonio's north downtown area. The proposed 211-room hotel will replace a shuttered Pig Stand diner and two adjacent buildings along Broadway, near the Pearl District. Merritt Development Group, partnering with DLR Group, will spearhead the project.

    The development is part of a broader revitalization effort led by Fulcrum Development and GrayStreet Partners. GrayStreet began acquiring land for the 15-acre project in 2014, accumulating over 20 acres between Broadway and North Olive Street. The company previously planned to collaborate with Midway on a phased development but scaled back its role after selling part of the property.

    Fulcrum acquired 14.6 acres from GrayStreet in 2021, and the two firms have since refined their vision for Broadway East. The updated plans reduced building height and density along Broadway and removed office space due to financing challenges. Construction on the first phase is expected to start this year, with retail and parking elements slated for completion by 2026.

    The AC Hotel project is still in its early stages, requiring significant due diligence before breaking ground. Meanwhile, other hotel projects are underway in the area, including a $37 million Residence Inn by Marriott and a 166-room hotel by Oxbow Development Group.