The Avenida Guadalupe Association announced at a press conference held Jan. 25 a $1.75 million grant that the organization received from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.

The grant will be used in conjunction with a $610,000 grant the Avenida previously received in 2008 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support the Avenida's continuous economic and community development of San Antonio's historic West Side.

The combined grants will help launch Avenida's ‘Promesa Project,' which includes the construction of a 15,600-square-foot building located in the Guadalupe Street corridor at 1312 Guadalupe St. The facility will provide space available for lease for commercial use as well as space for work force development training activities for 60 to 80 individuals in the fields of health care, retail, customer service and real estate.

“For 30 years Avenida has been committed to improving San Antonio's West Side. Avenida will leverage these federal funds to create jobs and job training opportunities,” J. Oscar Ramirez, president and CEO of Avenida Guadalupe said in a news release.

The ‘Promesa Project' is a multifaceted initiative that includes the renovation of existing structures in the Guadalupe complex, development of new buildings, and a new parking garage that will be unveiled over time.

According to Teresa Hernandez, assistant director of Avenida Guadalupe, a planning committee has already been formed to discuss the building of 1312 Guadalupe St. and community involvement will be key.

“We want the neighborhood and the entire city to feel a part of these developments. Community involvement is critical to everything we do,” Hernandez said.

The next community meeting to discuss building plans is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10.