1. Live from the Geekdom Event Centre: Reviving Downtown San Antonio with Randy Smith
Randy Smith, a downtown pioneer, faces the irony of his own success as he navigates a complex web of corporate citizens, real estate developers, and student housing needs to fulfill his ambitious goal of transforming downtown San Antonio into a...
Randy Smith, a downtown pioneer, faces the irony of his own success as he navigates a complex web of corporate citizens, real estate developers, and student housing needs to fulfill his ambitious goal of transforming downtown San Antonio into a thriving urban hub.
In this episode, you will:
- Discover how a public-private partnership transformed downtown San Antonio through innovative mixed-use development.
- Uncover the unique approach of Weston Urban's rental-focused residential strategy for long-term success.
- Learn how addressing student housing demands supports UTSA's downtown campus expansion.
- Delve into the effects of remote work on office spaces, tax revenues, and the future of urban development.
- Master the balance between remote and in-person work for fostering trust and maximizing business effectiveness.
Randy Smith, CEO of Weston Urban, has been a driving force in the ongoing development of downtown San Antonio. With an impressive track record of successful projects, Randy has helped shape the city's landscape through innovative public-private partnerships, most notably with Frost Bank and the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). His expertise in urban development and commitment to sustainable growth has made him a respected figure in the industry. Passionate about creating vibrant, livable communities, Randy's long-term strategy for Weston Urban focuses on renting residential units rather than selling them, ensuring a diverse mix of residents and a thriving downtown area.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:03 - Introduction
00:03:16 - Public-Private Partnership
00:09:23 - UTSA Expansion
00:11:42 - Student Housing
00:13:19 - UTSA Partnership
