T
restle Studio, a development firm, has secured an $79 million construction loan from Fortress Credit Company to renovate the historic El Tropicano Riverwalk Hotel in downtown San Antonio. The project, led by Studio8 Architects, involves updating the hotel's interior while preserving its mid-century modern character and creating new connections between the hotel and the San Antonio River Walk. A staircase will link the hotel to the River Walk, and a deck will overlook the river.

    The renovation is expected to be completed in 2026, after which the hotel should integrate more seamlessly into surrounding neighborhoods like River North and Tobin Hill. The project is part of a larger development trend in San Antonio, which includes a $57.7 million supportive housing complex and a $295 million mixed-use development along the River Walk.

    Additionally, a downtown sports and entertainment district is being proposed, featuring an expanded convention center, upgraded Alamodome, and potentially a $1 billion arena for the Spurs. The stadium could cost between $3 billion to $4 billion to build, making it one of the largest projects in San Antonio's history.