New district on Northwest Side breaks ground with plans for walkable retail, residential spaces

Developers broke ground Wednesday morning on The Merc, a new mixed-use district on the Northwest Side.

The $350 million, 112-acre project will be a walkable area along the UTSA Boulevard and Loop 1604 corridor, according to a news release.

The Merc is set to include retail, residential and recreational areas, along with green space. Phase I openings are scheduled for summer 2026.

“Regular live music, community events, and other seasonal festivals will add to what’s sure to become a cultural anchor for one of San Antonio’s fastest-growing corridors,” the release states.

Plans for the district include: • More than 200,000 square feet of shops and dining • More than 1,600 apartments, including the existing Oxly and Lyric communities • Acres of outdoor gathering space • Boutique Al