One of downtown's long-dormant properties has finally been filled: The historic Continental building, at 322 W. Commerce St., is reopening as a luxury extended-stay hotel called The Continental.

The project is powered by Washington, D.C.-based hospitality operator Placemakr.

The newly habitable building has been vacant since 2016, when it was abandoned by the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. Beginning in 2023, developer Weston Urban began repairing the decaying facade and converting the rooms into 28 apartment-like studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units. Each space is outfitted with amenities like Williams Sonoma furniture, wi-fi, in-suite laundry, and full kitchens.

According to a release, bookings for stays starting March 6 are now available through Placemakr's portal. Nightly rates start at $143 for a studio and $312 for a two-bedroom unit. Prices are subject to market conditions. Some units are expected to fetch more than $1,000 a night in April as the city hosts the National Collegiate Athletics Association Final Four.

Units are decorated with Williams Sonoma furnishings.Placemakr.com

The restored 1920s building is the centerpiece of a massive downtown redevelopment project. Weston Urban has plans to rehab the entire 1.9-acre block to include 290 mixed-income housing units adjacent to the newly finished San Pedro Creek Culture Park. The plans also incorporate a whopping 22,000 square feet of retail and commercial space.

"Being a part of this restoration project with Weston Urban is exciting for us at Placemakr because it gives us the opportunity to bring an innovative concept into an iconic historic building," says Jason Fudin, CEO and co-founder of Placemakr, in the release. "This launch is set to rejuvenate not just only the building itself but the entire surrounding area."

The Continental is Placemakr's second property in San Antonio. The Maverick Building at 606 N. Presa St., once home to trendy apartments, was converted into an extended-stay property in 2024.

The Continental features studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units.Placemakr.com