A fast-moving fire tore through several units at the Soap Factory Apartments in downtown San Antonio on Thursday, damaging multiple homes and triggering a large emergency response. Neighbors and staff at a nearby hospital reported seeing flames and dialed 911, drawing crews to the scene. As of Thursday evening, officials had not released the cause of the fire or a full count of any injuries.
Crews Rush To N. Santa Rosa Street Complex
According to KENS5, firefighters arrived at the Soap Factory complex at 500 N. Santa Rosa St. to find a blaze that had damaged several units. A person at the hospital next door spotted the flames and alerted authorities, which led to a multi-unit emergency response at the downtown property.
Downtown Location Tied To Big Redevelopment Plans
The Soap Factory Apartments, listed at 500 N. Santa Rosa St., advertise their downtown location and on-site amenities on the property's website. MySA/Express-News has reported that the 381-unit complex is wrapped up in a phased redevelopment effort connected to a proposed downtown ballpark and developer Weston Urban, a long-running flashpoint for tenant concerns.
Tenants' Long-Running Worries Resurface
Residents have previously pushed back on redevelopment timelines and the way they affect people living at the complex. Brooklyn Ramos told MySA, “We are humans, not a business deal.” Those standing concerns about displacement now hang over tenants whose units were caught up in Thursday's fire, adding uncertainty to an already tense situation.
Investigation Still Underway
Fire investigators remained on scene Thursday, and the cause of the blaze is still under review, according to KENS5. Property managers and city officials had not yet issued any public statements at the time of reporting.
