By Edmond Ortiz
Construction is beginning on a form of long-term lodging that will accommodate out-of-town visitors who themselves or their loved ones are receiving specialized medical care in San Antonio.
What you should know
Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas leaders gathered Oct. 30 to break ground on Ministry Park, which will feature a 250-room-plus, dual-branded Home2 Suites and Hilton Garden Inn, according to a press release.
Located on a 16-acre tract in the South Texas Medical Center, Ministry Park will offer affordable lodging for people who travel to San Antonio to receive long-term medical care for themselves or a family member.
The ground-breaking ceremony marked the first of a two-phase development that will also include public gathering spaces and adjoining street surface upgrades.
What they are saying
Guest speakers at the ceremony said Ministry Park is designed to bring comfort to users, especially those who travel a long distance to San Antonio for medical care.
The affordable lodging rates, they said, will help to reduce barriers for many individuals and families in medical need, especially those requiring extended hospital stays.
“For years, our board and community partners have shared a vision of transforming this property into a place dedicated to healing, hospitality, and hope,” Jaime Wesolowski, MHM president and CEO, said in a statement.
“Today, that vision begins to take shape. Ministry Park represents an investment not only in buildings and infrastructure, but in the people and families who come to San Antonio seeking care, healing, and a place to belong.”
The hotel will complement and expand upon the efforts of organizations such as Ronald McDonald House Charities, Fischer House, and the American Cancer Society Methodist Healthcare Ministries Hope Lodge.
Such efforts, the release stated, widen access for people seeking care across the medical center, and lessen their burden.
MHM established MHM RealCo, a faith-based, mission-driven real estate company, to bring the Ministry Park development to fruition.
“Ministry Park was never intended to be just a development project. It was envisioned as a strategic investment in people, access to care, and the future of our community,” Lavonne Garrison, MHM RealCo board chair, said in a statement. “By helping patients and families stay closer to the care they need, we are creating a place where health, healing, and hope can thrive together.”
The public park and complementary enhanced streetscape designed by TBG Partners will feature 15,000 square feet of accessible green space, with a central lawn, shaded arrival plaza, nature exploration areas, rain garden, water feature, and boardwalk, the release stated.
Planned upgrades along Wurzbach Road will have shade trees, pedestrian lighting, benches, and specialty paving meant to offer a more walkable, welcoming area.
“The most successful medical centers today are more than collections of hospitals and clinics. They are communities designed to support patients, families, healthcare professionals and innovation,” Richard Perez, San Antonio Medical Foundation president, said in a statement. “Ministry Park strengthens the South Texas Medical Center’s ability to serve our region while ensuring future growth is guided by purpose, partnership and community impact.”
