The East Side of San Antonio is slated to see a significant new development in the form of a $91 million mixed-income apartment community. The project, dubbed "Central at Commerce," will be located at a nearly 1-acre vacant lot at 1231 E. Commerce St., comprising 279 residential units. In a recent move that pushes the development closer to reality, the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) has approved the project's detailed plans.
Opportunity Home, in collaboration with Indiana-based The Annex Group, targets a construction kickoff date in February 2026. As reported by KSAT, the HDRC gave unanimous approval for the seven-story development, which has undergone evolutions in design, marked notably by a change in the building's color complexion stemming from two design meetings with city staff held in September.
Residents in the area can expect the availability of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, with rents designed to be attainable for those making between 30% and 70% of the area median income. The developers are seeking assistance through financial instruments as they apply for 4% low-income housing tax credits, amounting to $41 million over a decade from the Texas Department of Licensing and Community Affairs, according to information divulged by KSAT.
Evolve Architects, the design firm behind the project's aesthetics, are keen on ensuring the new structure integrates harmoniously into the cityscape. Reflecting the seriousness of the historic context, they assured that the project would feature materials such as brick and stone. "The proposed seven-story height complements the scale of nearby buildings, avoiding an overwhelming presence on the edge of the downtown district while still contributing to the density of the city center to best serve the community," an unsigned letter from Evolve Architects to the Office of Historic Preservation read, as Head Topics noted.
The design also prioritizes engaging the street level vigorously, with plans for large windows and storefront systems. "The overall goal is to create a structure that complements the neighborhood’s character while offering a fresh perspective on urban living with respect to the future potential of the community," Evolve Architects remarked in statements obtained by both KSAT and Head Topics. This approach is envisioned to contribute substantially to the downtown area's vibrancy.
