By Edmond Ortiz
Alamo Heights officials have green-lit planned improvements for two notable downtown commercial buildings, and receive an update on the local school district’s redevelopment program.
City Council took action Feb. 9 on these issues, including passing a consent agenda addressing designs for upgrades and repairs at the former La Madeleine French Bakery and Cuisine property, and the former 5 Broads Off Broadway site.
The Alamo Heights location of La Madeleine closed in early 2025 after more than three decades of service.
Houston-based Adair Concepts plans to convert the 5,500-square-foot former La Madeleine site at 4820 Broadway St. into San Antonio’s first location of Los Tios, a Houston-based Tex-Mex eatery.
Adair plans an array of improvements on the building, mainly to exterior elements. Key changes will include opening up the back part of the structure to permit a patio with seating and a water fountain.
The consent agenda also covered final designs for improvements to the 4,500-square-foot commercial building and adjoining parking lot at 518 Austin Hwy.
Harold Schaezler, grandfather of current property owner/manager Robert Schaezler, built the structure in 1939.
The building has since hosted a variety of businesses, with 5 Broads Off Broadway antique store having been the most recent venture on site. That enterprise closed in 2020.
Noted local beauty salon chain K. Charles and Co. plans to relocate its Lincoln Heights storefront to 518 Austin Hwy.
Council was also briefed by city staff on the Alamo Heights Independent School District’s intent to redevelop properties surrounding the Alamo Heights High School site.
AHISD plans to turn one existing parking lot at 6801 Broadway into a combination student parking lot and a new community space dubbed Mules Public Plaza.
The school district also plans to convert part of the high school property at 7001 Broadway into a 29-space student parking lot and a new administrative headquarters and community center.
Additionally, AHISD aims to turn the existing central office at 7101 Broadway into an academic facility, and develop an indoor practice facility/cover atop the existing high school soccer field.
These projects as well as the current overhaul of the high school campus are funded by the school district’s 2023 voter-approved bond.
