San Antonio-based full-service firm Merit Commercial Real Estate (Merit) recently announced its acquisition of the two-building office project located at 5800 Northwest Pkwy and 6000 Northwest Pkwy. New York-based real estate investor Clarion Partners was the seller. No transaction price was specified in the announcement.

Known as University Park Tech Center I and II, respectively, the buildings encompass nearly 200,000 square feet of highly desirable suburban San Antonio office space.

“We saw strong demand for this type of building in the northwest submarket from the tenants we represent, which led us to this acquisition,” said Mike Sawtelle, executive vice president tenant representation broker for Merit.

A unique asset in the San Antonio market, University Park Tech Center I & II are unique as large blocks of single-story office space available along Interstate 10. The property’s location in northwest San Antonio — the city’s primary growth corridor — ensures a significantly reduced commute time for much of the local workforce.

According to market observations in the official release of sale, this is currently a particularly appreciated advantage locally. In fact, key among employees’ desired workspace features and benefits are: single-story office buildings with unique access control capabilities; proximity to employees’ homes; and ample outdoor areas.

Amenities at the University Park Tech Center buildings include a wooded walking trail and outdoor break areas; controlled access; in-suite tenant restrooms; and a parking ratio of five spaces per 1,000 square feet.

“San Antonio is in a great position to take advantage of a strong Texas business environment and the resulting unprecedented population growth,” said CEO of Merit Commercial Real Estate, Ryan Harrison, in prepared remarks, “and our investment in University Park Tech Center I & II represents our confidence in the strength of our local office market.”

The acquisition of University Park Tech Center I and II is the firm’s first major foray into the San Antonio office market since its inception at the beginning of the year. Merit is the result of a merger that officially took place in early January of 2021: Will Collins of Terracor Real Estate and Ryan Harrison of Freestone Commercial Real Estate merged to form a full-service real estate company that specializes in brokerage, property management, development and investment solutions.