The Ella Austin Community Center revitalization project is an essential effort to preserve and modernize a historic community hub in San Antonio’s Dignowity Hill neighborhood. Originally built as a Junior High School in 1923 and repurposed in the 1970s, Ella Austin has served residents of all ages, providing services “from twinkle to wrinkle.

”For decades, the center has been a lifeline for the community, offering childcare, youth programs, adult education, and senior services. The City of San Antonio, supported by TIRZ funds and voter-approved bond funding, is committed to restoring and enhancing the center to ensure it remains a vital resource that supports community well-being and growth. The mission is to create a renewed facility that reflects the community’s needs, honors its historic legacy, and positions Ella Austin to continue serving the neighborhood for years to come."

Located in one of San Antonio’s most historically significant neighborhoods, the center serves a diverse community, including low-income families, seniors, and local non-profits. The renovation will address critical infrastructure issues, such as outdated classrooms and accessibility challenges, while creating new spaces that reflect the community’s evolving needs. The project includes enhanced childcare facilities, a new teen space, a revitalized auditorium, flexible meeting and training rooms, and a reimagined food hall that will serve as a gathering space for events and provide access to the adjacent senior center.

The project aims to create a safe, welcoming, and vibrant environment that supports the educational, social, and wellness needs of the community. By transforming the Ella Austin Community Center into a modern, accessible facility, the City seeks to foster a sense of unity and resilience within the neighborhood. The renovation will enhance the functionality of the center and ensure it remains a place of opportunity and connection for future generations.

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