Lighting Highlights Future of San Antonio’s Broadway Corridor

Broadway Avenue is a critical artery in San Antonio, Texas, connecting downtown with the newly established River North District. The latter is a lively and walkable mixed-use urban neighborhood. Lower Broadway in particular has undergone a massive transformation. The design focus was a “road diet” whereby a traffic lane was reclaimed for pedestrian use. From there, the low impact development to manage stormwater runoff included elements such as upgraded permeable paving, rain gardens, and trees. Lighting was a key element to not only illuminate but enhance the aesthetics of the project, which also widened sidewalks and introduced outdoor seating elements.

The City of San Antonio Public Works collaborated with Sundt Construction, who in turn hired MP Studio Landscape Architecture to drive the design and collaborate on various construction elements.

Images Courtesy of: Parrish Ruiz de Velasco

“Lower Broadway is the city’s cultural corridor,” said Cecilia Garcia-Hours, principal and studio leader at MP Studio. “It’s a festival street, hosting San Antonio’s Battle of the Flowers Parade during the Fiesta Celebration held in April. And it’s an area that is starting to be revitalized. So all of the design was really focused on creating an experience.

That new pedestrian experience in Lower Broadway includes illumination from Luminis. A total of 116 Maya MA20 post-top luminaires are installed along the 11 blocks. Type 5 distribution was selected to provide the broadest and most even light pattern in all directions, encompassing the sidewalk, boulevard features, and adjacent street parking. A 3000K color temperature provides warm, comfortable illumination for passersby. And a photocell controls the timing of the lighting each morning and evening.

MP Studios worked closely with the City’s and Design Excellence committee throughout the development process. The committee emphasized its vision for a “Broadway of the future,” aiming to create a vibrant and forward-thinking street life while moving beyond elements that might feel outdated.

“We were drawn to the aesthetics of the Maya luminaire,” said Alaina Parker, landscape architect and project leader at MP Studio. “It offered the best of both worlds; it has a classic look that ties into the historic downtown area but with a modern vibe.”

One of the striking features of the luminaires is the pole itself. Its upper portion features a walnut faux wood finish that complements the nearby trees and gardens. With realistic grain and knots, the finish has the look and feel of real wood. But it is UV stabilized, so there is no concern for weather or wear, ensuring minimal maintenance for the City. The steel gray bottleneck base is aluminum alloy, standing up to errant collisions with bicycles, strollers, or scooters.

Feedback for the revitalized neighborhood has been highly positive: City leadership and residents are thrilled with the transformation.

Feature Image Courtesy of: Parrish Ruiz de Velasco