SPI Insights

The city of Universal City is aiming to revitalize the East Aviation District, a commercial thoroughfare that serves as a gateway into Randolph Air Force Base.

A recently unveiled Aviation District Master Plan outlined a four-phase mixed-use development of retail, residential, entertainment, and community amenities that, together, form a well-defined town center offering life at night and multi-modal transportation options to include streets, sidewalks, pedestrian paths, bicycle lanes, one-way streets, and community parking lots.

The first phase would concentrate on streetscaping Pat Booker Road and redeveloping existing retail building uses and infill development while introducing townhomes. Development of mixed-use building is an option in the initial phase.

Phase 2 would activate the district’s central commercial corridor with retail and parking on ground floors and multi-family apartments above. Retail and business space would be located along the central corridor. Residential units designed in the new urbanist style would be built west of Pat Booker Road.

Gradual development of townhomes and rowhomes and medium and low-density single-family units would highlight Phase 3, which would include construction of an extended stay hotel and completion of retail and shopping west of Pat Booker Road.

Phase 4 would include development of more townhomes, rowhomes, and medium- and low-density single-family residential units. Gradual redevelopment of commercial uses would occur in this phase.

Design guidelines and cost estimates are being prepared for City Council approval, which is expected in 2021.