DEPARTMENT: EastPoint & Real Estate
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Etienne
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
Lease Agreement: Free Trade Alliance Lease at the International Center Building, located at 203 South Saint Mary's Street.
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment to an existing lease with the Free Trade Alliance of San Antonio (Free Trade Alliance) for 6,100 square feet of office space at the International Center Building, located at 203 South Saint Mary's Street, in Council District 1 as the City's tenant extending the term for an additional five-year period commencing October 1, 2014.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City-owned International Center Building serves as an operational hub for government sponsored activities aimed at promoting and fostering international trade between San Antonio and other countries, most particularly Mexico. Envisioned as a means to capitalize on San Antonio's long standing support of international trade which culminated with President Bush's 1992 participation in the ceremonial signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in San Antonio, this former library building was renovated in 1997 and since re-opening has housed government organizations and non-profit entities that focus on the exchange of cultural programs and encourage trade related investment to the benefit of San Antonio and the South Texas region.
Under Ordinance Number 87410 dated February 26, 1998, Council first approved a lease with the Free Trade Alliance for office space in the building. The Free Trade Alliance is a non-profit organization partnered with the City, the San Antonio Chamber and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and a multitude of other private businesses dedicated to making San Antonio a center for international trade throughout the Americas and enhancing trade opportunities for San Antonio based business throughout the world. During its existence, the Free Trade Alliance has proven...
Click here for full text