The San Antonio community is set to see the restoration of a historic property for much-needed affordable housing. A partnership between local authorities and the San Antonio Alternative Housing Corporation led to the groundbreaking ceremony for Memorial Apartments on Tuesday. Located on the site of the former Memorial Funeral Home, the project is expected to provide much-needed residential stability.
Reflecting on the profound impact of voter-supported funding, Mayor Ron Nirenberg stated, "The Affordable Housing Bond that was backed by voters continues to yield results,” and with conviction that Memorial Apartments will to serve the inner Westside by offering "safe, quality and accessible homes for families who need it," in a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio. This development is the latest in a string of multi-family housing driven by the 2022 Affordable Housing Bond.
The housing spectrum for Memorial Apartments is broad, encompassing various income levels, to specifically aid households earning up to 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). This inclusion is part of a larger affordable housing initiative that the city is aggressively pursuing, articulated by District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo. According to Castillo, projects like Memorial Apartments offer a "lifeline of relief" for families struggling with rising everyday costs, as reported by the City of San Antonio. Amenities to be provided include free internet and innovative rainwater collection systems.
Besides the 30 homes, with rental rates slated not to exceed 30 percent of monthly income, the project also ensures the preservation of the legacy building through renovation into a community clubhouse and more. Residents can look forward to free bike storage, and a communal courtyard. Executive Director of the San Antonio Alternative Housing Corporation J. Keith Newcomb cherished the support from various city entities in making this project possible, and highlighted its strategic placement to help reduce residents' cost burdens without displacing the neighborhood, as the City of San Antonio detailed.
Emphasizing the project's alignment with the city's vision, Veronica Garcia, Director of the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department, noted that "Memorial Apartments ensures our cost-burdened households have an affordable place to call home in our city," highlighting the site's proximity to public transit as enhancing connectivity and fostering equitable access to transit-oriented living, as revealed by the City of San Antonio. The 2022 Housing Bond provided critical financial backing and the construction for Memorial Apartments is expected to wrap up in September 2025.
