A New Era for San Antonio: The Trinity Oaks Project Unveiled
A groundbreaking project is taking shape in San Antonio, and it's one that has been in the works for nearly six years. Spearheaded by Santikos Entertainment, a well-known theater chain and real estate company based in the city, the development has kept many details under wraps until recently. For residents on the Far Northside, the presence of an ominous sign off U.S. 281 N. and Trinity Park has been a familiar sight since early 2020. The sign read, "If they build it, Santikos will come," sparking curiosity and speculation about what was to come.
The initial buzz around the project led to rumors about potential new attractions such as a theater, laser tag center, or even a bowling venue. However, when CEO Tim Handren announced his retirement in 2024 after leading the company for six years, questions arose about the future of the project. Despite this, Handren reassured residents last summer that the development was still moving forward. He mentioned that the project, named Trinity Oaks, was on track to have its pad sites available for interested tenants.
One of the most exciting aspects of the project, according to Handren, was the potential for a new theater. This promise has now been confirmed by the company's new CEO, Blake Hastings, who shared details with the San Antonio Business Journal. Hastings revealed that investors are pouring approximately $30 million into the project, which includes retail, housing, and dining options.
The Vision for Trinity Oaks
A property flyer for Trinity Oaks highlights the scale of the development. The proposed theater would occupy 60,120 square feet, anchoring a massive 33-acre land. Inside the theater, Santikos Chief Operating Officer Rob Lehman described plans for a sports bar with stadium seating, a gaming area, and bowling lanes. The facility is expected to feature roughly 10 to 12 screens, including two AVX premium large format screens.
Construction on the theater is scheduled to be completed by late 2027. Additionally, the site includes seven pad sites, as shown in a YouTube video advertising the land to tenants. One restaurant, Willie's Ice House, is already labeled as "in contract," supporting Hastings' claim about a significant South Texas presence on the property.
Expanding the Development
To the left of the eatery, a pad site is reserved for a hotel and a 14.40-acre multi-family housing complex. This aligns with Hastings’ mention of considering a multifamily development at a later stage. Should the site plan unfold as intended, the plaza would also include an 8,070 square-foot retail business, enhancing its appeal as a popular entertainment destination.
Hastings noted that Trinity Oaks pays tribute to the company founder, John Santikos. As a real estate developer and prominent entrepreneur, the property is one of the last he purchased in 2014. It follows his model of finding spaces for a theater and then building retail around it.
"I think he'd be pleased that we're trying to not just protect but build his legacy - both through the theater and the real estate, the things he was quite adept at," Hastings said in the report.
This ambitious project represents a significant step forward for Santikos Entertainment and the community of San Antonio. With its blend of entertainment, retail, and residential spaces, Trinity Oaks promises to become a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
