“Central at Commerce” is a major affordable housing initiative set to transform downtown living with new opportunities.
SAN ANTONIO — An overcast sky and drizzly rain did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm at a morning groundbreaking celebration.
Cheered on by the Spurs Coyote and Buster the Buppet from VIA, a happy crowd applauded the ceremonial turning of dirt while heavy equipment beeped and thundered nearby.
Construction activities are already moving ahead at full speed at the “Central at Commerce” development just north of the Alamodome.
The project, by Opportunity Home, is supported in part by funding from the 2022 Affordable Housing Bond program by the City of San Antonio.
“Central at Commerce is amazing for many reasons,” said Michael Reyes, CEO of Opportunity Home. “One, it’s deeply affordable housing downtown in District 2, on the future VIA Silver Bus Line and a block north of the future sports and entertainment district. This is what affordable housing looks like, giving residents a chance to live downtown, work downtown. Every resident deserves to live where they work, and this provides an opportunity for them.”
The seven-story complex will feature elevated courtyards with a pool and a playground, as well as many other amenities for residents looking to build better lives for their families with support services.
“Whether it’s getting a job downtown or heading to school, our residents won’t be just living in the urban core, they will be connected to every opportunity within it,” Reyes said.
Reyes, who says he is a former public housing resident, said “I get the need. It’s personal lived experience that gets me motivated to make sure our residents in our city have that opportunity to live in affordable housing… It’s too good to be true, but we are mission oriented.”
Reyes said all the partners are committed to bringing the $107 million investment online as soon as possible.
“The tractors are going despite the rain,” he said. “So hopefully residents within the next 24 months will be able to live here in this brand-new high-density, high-quality community downtown.”
Veronica Garcia is the director of Neighborhood and Housing Services for the City of San Antonio.
Garcia said the project will have one, two and three-bedroom choices.
“Families that can live here could be anyone from families with young children, we could see older adults on fixed incomes who could afford to live here. You could see college students who are working on their degree and maybe working as a waiter in the downtown area,” Garcia said.
Garcia said with 279 brand new apartments, there will be plenty for new neighbors to take advantage of.
“Anyone who is looking for urban living in an affordable housing community with on-site supportive services to help people get housed, not just immediately but stay housed in the long term as well,” Garcia said.
With regard to who will be welcome to call it home, Garcia said:
“The whole place is for families making below 70% AMI (Area Median Income). We have 42 units specifically for families at the lowest incomes. We have another 20 units for families at the median income, 50% AMI or below, and then an additional set aside at 60%. So lots of different families live in San Antonio, so there are units for families at different income levels and the entire apartment complex is below 70% area median income. So the whole thing is income restricted housing.”
Garcia credits local voters with making the project a reality. “It would not be possible without the voter approved housing fund,” she said.
Garcia said generations will be able to grow abundance for their families.
“I think the best thing about this affordable housing community is that it’s built for families who live here in San Antonio. It takes local incomes into consideration, and we’re making sure that families have stable housing,” Garcia said. “There’s a playground for kids. There is job training to help you boost your income. There are apartments for you to move into once you get that job promotion, and it’s all right in the best part of the city, which is downtown.”
More information about the development is available at the website here,