A new developer is working to buy the long-abandoned Lone Star Brewery, giving fresh hope for redevelopment as fires continue to plague the deteriorating site.
SAN ANTONIO — Another fire broke out Tuesday night at the long-abandoned Lone Star Brewery, a site San Antonio firefighters say is one of the most dangerous locations in the city to respond to due to the building’s deteriorating condition.
The latest blaze — the 11th since 2021 — was reported after passersby saw someone enter the property along Lone Star Boulevard and noticed smoke on the third and fourth floors. Ten units were dispatched, and firefighters found a small trash fire on the fifth floor. No one was inside when crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.
Battalion Chief Tony Rodriguez said the property remains a major safety risk.
“This is one of our least favorite locations in the city,” he said. “The premises is not secured very well.”
Rodriguez said firefighters refuse to enter the building unless absolutely necessary, citing multiple structural hazards.
“We always approach this building very cautiously… holes in the floor, holes in the wall, collapsed portions of the ceiling,” he said. “It’s very easy to get injured — even before you add fire or smoke.”
Fire crews used an elevated platform to locate the flames from outside.
“People probably trying to stay warm on a cold night,” Rodriguez said of the trash fire.
As fires persist, the decades-long effort to revive the sprawling former brewery may finally be gaining momentum. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo confirms that New Braunfels–based Southstar is in the process of trying to buy the Lone Star complex — though the developer must still close on multiple parcels before any redevelopment could move forward.
“We know District 5 residents… are eager for some action with these vacant properties,” Castillo said. “Really grateful that there’s interest because this property’s been a nuisance far too long.”
Castillo said community excitement is high, but emphasized that there is no clear development plan yet. She hopes the developer will begin conversations with residents early, saying the community visioning process will be essential.
“We’re very eager and excited for that process,” she said.
Castillo wants any redevelopment to include public access and affordability, especially if the project uses city funding.
“If there is any public subsidy, the public will have access to any amenity there,” she said. “If there’s housing, we want workforce housing — ensuring teachers, nurses and working families can afford rent.”
She also noted the site’s potential for transit-oriented development. The Lone Star corridor is expected to connect to VIA’s future Silver Line, running from the Frost Bank Center to North General McMullen.
“It’s going to be very catalytic for the south side of District 5,” she said.
Why this attempt may have a better chance
Castillo believes the city’s 2022 housing bond creates new financing options that did not exist during previous redevelopment attempts. The property has seen multiple failed proposals over the years and was put back on the market in 2022.
“The passage of the 2022 housing bond… creates opportunity for additional revenue to help facilitate this project,” Castillo said. “In 2020, we didn’t have the housing bond — and now we do. There’s a lot of synergy and opportunity to help something move along.”
Any developer seeking support must meet city affordability metrics, she added.
Southstar, which Castillo says has delivered large-scale projects elsewhere in the city, has not responded to requests for comment.
City officials say residents overwhelmingly want the property redeveloped — and want a seat at the table as planning begins. Castillo said her goal is to advocate for housing policy and funding that ensures future projects meet the needs of San Antonio families.
KENS 5 will continue tracking updates as Southstar’s acquisition process moves forward.