A building that once housed the Antiquarian Book Mart on Broadway in San Antonio may soon be demolished. Developer Harper/Huddleston has filed a request with the city to tear down the structure at 3127 Broadway, according to city records. The application, submitted on December 31, is under review by staff at the Office of Historic Preservation. A decision is expected in February.
The site falls within a River Improvement Overlay district, which aims to maintain the character and development along the San Antonio River. While this zoning requires extra scrutiny for projects, a hearing before the Historic and Design Review Commission will only occur if city staff decide it is necessary.
Harper/Huddleston purchased the property from Bob Kellel, who owned the Antiquarian Book Mart, in 2023. The transaction also included an adjacent Half Price Books location and its parking lot. Both stores closed shortly after the sale, opening up more frontage along Broadway.
The developer has continued acquiring nearby properties. In March 2024, Harper/Huddleston bought 3125 Broadway, which houses W.D. Deli. The company did not respond to requests for comment about future plans for these sites.
Demolition at this location would add to ongoing redevelopment trends on Lower Broadway, where higher-density projects are becoming more common. Nearby examples include The DoSeum’s purchase of land for potential expansion and Terry Black’s BBQ’s mixed-use project at 2100 Broadway Street, which will feature a restaurant, hotel with spa, and underground parking garage.
Other large-scale developments are also planned for the area. GrayStreet Partners and Fulcrum Development are working on a 15-acre mixed-use project called BESA District in Government Hill. Sandstone Developments recently converted the Ranch Motel into a boutique hotel.
“— Eric Weilbacher”
