Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio

The Paisano

Student housing available near Downtown Campus

DoubleTree+by+Hilton.+%0APhoto+courtesy+of+Ricky+Galindo%2FThe+Paisano
DoubleTree by Hilton. Photo courtesy of Ricky Galindo/The Paisano

Starting in the Fall 2018 semester, student housing will become available for UTSA students attending the Downtown Campus.

UTSA has partnered with the Tobin Lofts and DoubleTree by Hilton San Antonio to provide students with the option of living near the Downtown Campus.

“We think students will be pleased about having new housing opportunities near the Downtown Campus,” said Kevin Price, UTSA senior associate vice president of student life, dean of students and co-chair of the housing task force for the presidential initiative on the downtown campus. “Until we build housing on or near the campus ourselves, we anticipate collaborating with housing providers such as the Tobin Lofts and DoubleTree.” 

A potential location for UTSA student housing is on UTSA property which is currently a parking lot adjacent to the Downtown Campus. “Our vision is to build a residential facility at Cattleman’s Square,” Price said. 

The Tobin Lofts will be able to house up to 250 UTSA students and the DoubleTree will be able to house 10 to 20 UTSA students.    

“You must be a student to rent at The Tobin Lofts,” Price said. “The Tobin Lofts are not open to the general public.”    

The Tobin Lofts’ amenities include a swimming pool, parking garage, community center, business center and study lounge. The monthly rates for the Tobin Lofts start at $585. The only transportation options between the Downtown Campus and the Tobin Lofts are either driving by car or riding the VIA bus.

Tobin Lofts on North Main Avenue.
Photo courtesy of Ricky Galindo/The Paisano

“We are currently assessing the best way to provide transportation to the Downtown Campus from the Tobin Lofts,” Price said. “Depending on the number of students that reside there, we may provide a shuttle or credits with a rideshare program such as Uber or Lyft. We have yet to decide.”

The DoubleTree housing option includes complimentary parking in the hotel’s garage, complimentary Wi-Fi and local phone calls, a mini refrigerator, a 50” flat panel LCD TV, cable with 54 channels, an outdoor pool, fitness center, business center and an on-site coin laundry facility. Students who stay at DoubleTree have the option of a King Standard Bedroom (Single Occupancy for $5,180 per semester) or in a Two Double Bed Standard Room (Double Occupancy for $3,579 per semester).

Transportation options between the Downtown Campus and DoubleTree, located across the street from the Downtown Campus, are driving by car or riding the Downtown shuttle provided by DoubleTree that runs every hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

While students have these two housing options available in the fall, UTSA may need to expand housing options as President Eighmy’s Downtown Campus Initiative progresses. 

UTSA is expected to release a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a public-private partnership in the fall. 

“We are preparing a request for proposals from private developers for a mixed-use development on the Downtown Campus that will include a substantial number of residential units along with retail and dining options,” Price said. 

For more information on leasing at the Tobin Lofts, contact [email protected] or call 210-320-0822. For more information on leasing at DoubleTree, contact Jennifer Perez at 210-388-0322.

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