Henry Cisneros-Backed Arboretum S.A. Seeks Master Planner

Plans for an expansive arboretum on San Antonio’s South Side are moving forward as officials seek a partner to cultivate a master plan for the project.

Arboretum San Antonio officials, with support from influential figures like former mayor Henry Cisneros and Brooks president and CEO Leo Gomez, have initiated a search for qualified candidates to undertake the master planning phase of the 188-acre site at 4226 SE Military Drive, the San Antonio Business Journal reported.

The request for qualifications process was initiated in late September and is set to last five weeks, stretching into November. For the next step, there will be a request for proposal period to select the most suitable candidate, and the winner will be notified by the end of February 2024.

“We’ve got a very good start at that, but we do know that — given the veterans we have on our board — that this really requires ongoing refinement and this is one step towards that,” Arboretum San Antonio CEO Tom Corser told the outlet.

In addition, the selected planner will also play a crucial role in shaping the arboretum’s business model to ensure long-term economic sustainability. Fundraising will be a key component in staffing the arboretum, and while the exact number of employees and expenses have yet to be determined, Corser anticipates an annual budget of approximately $10 million or more.

Once the master plan is established, design work for Phase 1 is expected to commence in late 2024, with Phase 1 construction set for 2025. However, the organization must first secure the land. To fund the acquisition, Arboretum San Antonio will request $2 million in bond funds from the Bexar County Commissioners Court, along with the $1 million previously awarded by the Brooks Development Authority.

Cisneros began forming ideas for an arboretum last year, after drawing inspiration from other arboretums around the country. The South Side site is filled with native trees, like heritage oak, pecan and cedar elm, making it an ideal location for the project.

—Quinn Donoghue