Participants will develop an understanding of how setting guiding principles and leveraging digital tools to set key performance indicators along with outward-facing sustainability goals that interface with the City’s goals can shape shared desired outcomes that are impactful and relevant.
Over the past decade, Pearl in San Antonio has served as a living-breathing case study of successful mixed-use development both locally and globally. Centered around a rich history and layered experiences of place anchored by unique offerings of food, beverage, and craft goods, Pearl has catalyzed transformational impact in the city that continues to this day.
As Pearl plans for its future through a 20-year master plan, strategies for expanding its footprint to further engage the San Antonio River, the Broadway corridor, and the surrounding neighborhoods will extend Pearl’s reach and relevance with the intention of creating a more connected, walkable, socially inclusive, and economically diverse environment – and further integrate Pearl into the fabric of the city.
This session will be an engaging panel discussion between the four participants with each representing key domains of the project: project vision (Mesha), placemaking (Phil), development potential/character (Alisha), and urban design/open space (Sam). The conversation will cover how Pearl’s Master Plan will serve as a north star for achieving the next phase of ambitions in innovative vertical mixed use, missing middle housing, shared parking, and multi-modal mobility.
Participants will come away with an understanding of how relatable challenges and opportunities faced by Pearl are adaptable to their daily work in planning and urban design in cities across Texas – continuing the trajectory of Pearl as a model to learn from.
How does the session contribute to the theme of “Rising Tides”?
The panel discussion will include how Pearl’s approach to sustainability aligns with the City of San Antonio’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, demonstrating how a privately developed district has the potential to advance city policy through collaboration.
Additionally, Pearl is influencing the surrounding areas and aims to further transform San Antonio through its innovation and commitment to human connectedness.
Mesah Millsap
Invited Speaker
"Mesha Millsap is the Chief Executive Officer of Pearl, focusing on the vision of making Pearl the Pioneering Plazamaker of North America through creating places and experiences to cultivate human connectedness. Millsap began her career at Pearl as a part of the accounting team and supported the early phases of …
Read More
"Mesha Millsap is the Chief Executive Officer of Pearl, focusing on the vision of making Pearl the Pioneering Plazamaker of North America through creating places and experiences to cultivate human connectedness. Millsap began her career at Pearl as a part of the accounting team and supported the early phases of development and real estate operations including oversight of property management, engineering and security, which has helped her to develop a love for the details that make Pearl work.
Read Less
Phil Myrick
Invited Speaker
Phil Myrick is an advisor to planning and development projects around the world, helping to create vibrant public spaces, destinations, districts, and mixed-use environments. Former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, Phil is a leading practitioner of placemaking - helping his clients activate the public realm, engage people in their …
Read More
Phil Myrick is an advisor to planning and development projects around the world, helping to create vibrant public spaces, destinations, districts, and mixed-use environments. Former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, Phil is a leading practitioner of placemaking - helping his clients activate the public realm, engage people in their community, and stimulate economic development.
Read Less
Samantha Whitney
Invited Speaker
Samantha Whitney is an architect and urban designer at TBG Partners committed to building consensus through collaborative processes that strengthen connections between people and place. Sam is gifted in community engagement and developing close relationships with her clients and the communities she serves. Sam co-leads ULI’s local member council in …
Read More
Samantha Whitney is an architect and urban designer at TBG Partners committed to building consensus through collaborative processes that strengthen connections between people and place. Sam is gifted in community engagement and developing close relationships with her clients and the communities she serves. Sam co-leads ULI’s local member council in placemaking and supports the local chapter of the AIA through co-chairing the programming committee.
"
Read Less
Phil Myrick
Invited Speaker
Phil Myrick is an advisor to planning and development projects around the world, helping to create vibrant public spaces, destinations, districts, and mixed-use environments. Former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, Phil is a leading practitioner of placemaking - helping his clients activate the public realm, engage people in their …
Read More
Phil Myrick is an advisor to planning and development projects around the world, helping to create vibrant public spaces, destinations, districts, and mixed-use environments. Former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, Phil is a leading practitioner of placemaking - helping his clients activate the public realm, engage people in their community, and stimulate economic development.
Read Less
Alisha Burkman
Invited Speaker
Alisha Burkman is an architect at Overland Partners where she has worked on notable mixed use and hospitality projects in San Antonio including Hemisfair and the Pearl. Ali co-leads Overland’s Art Program by scouting local artists to show their work and is active in the design community including volunteer efforts …
Read More
Alisha Burkman is an architect at Overland Partners where she has worked on notable mixed use and hospitality projects in San Antonio including Hemisfair and the Pearl. Ali co-leads Overland’s Art Program by scouting local artists to show their work and is active in the design community including volunteer efforts to support CENTRO San Antonio and the local chapter of the AIA.
Read Less
