San Antonio, Texas, December 19, 2025
Brooks, a former military base in San Antonio, Texas, has been transformed into a thriving urban community featuring residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Initially established as Brooks Field in 1917, it served as an Air Force base until 2011. The redevelopment, led by the Brooks Development Authority, has resulted in over $1.3 billion in investments, introducing a range of amenities, businesses, and educational facilities that cater to more than 3,300 employees and 1,600 residents.
San Antonio’s Brooks Community: From Military Base to Thriving Urban Hub
San Antonio, Texas – Once a bustling military installation, Brooks has undergone a remarkable transformation into a vibrant mixed-use community, blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces to become a dynamic urban hub.
Transformation from Military Base to Urban Center
Established in 1917 as Brooks Field, the site served as a pivotal Air Force base until its closure in 2011. In 2002, the Brooks Development Authority assumed control, initiating a comprehensive redevelopment plan. This vision has materialized into a 1,308-acre campus featuring over 50 organizations, including Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, the region’s only hospital with a maternity ward, and the Embassy Suites at Brooks, the only full-service hotel south of downtown San Antonio. The community also hosts six international businesses, such as OKIN Process, Bakerly, Cuisine Solutions, Mission Solar, Simwon, and Nissei America. Additionally, the recent addition of Waters Edge, the Southside’s first Class A+ office development, offers over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space now leasing.
Residential and Educational Developments
Brooks offers a diverse range of living options, from apartments to single-family homes. The Aviator apartments were repurposed from former Air Force barracks, while The Kennedy uses murals to commemorate President John F. Kennedy’s visit to Brooks in 1963. The community is also home to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, which opened in July 2017, and CAST Med, a healthcare magnet high school that began in Fall 2019.
Economic Growth and Job Creation
The redevelopment has spurred significant economic growth, with more than $1.3 billion in investment on campus and another $680 million in development currently underway. The campus has become a bustling center of activity for the region, with a diverse population of more than 3,300 employees, 1,600 residents, and 3,000 students.
Community Amenities and Green Spaces
Brooks features The Greenline, a 43-acre linear park complete with pavilions, fully stocked ponds, a play area, exercise equipment, games, and free public Wi-Fi access. The park connects to 15 miles of trails along the Mission Reach, with additional funding secured for linking the park eastward to Salado Creek.
Future Plans and Developments
Looking ahead, Brooks continues to evolve with plans for an arboretum dedicated to native trees and shrubs, offering outdoor education and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the San Antonio City Council has adopted a transit-oriented development policy, with the Rapid Green Line connecting the San Antonio International Airport to the Brooks Area and downtown San Antonio along San Pedro Avenue, projected to begin service in 2027-28.
Conclusion
Brooks exemplifies successful urban redevelopment, transforming from a military base into a thriving community that offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, contributing significantly to San Antonio’s economic and cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Brooks before its redevelopment?
Brooks was established in 1917 as Brooks Field and served as a pivotal Air Force base until its closure in 2011.
What types of businesses are located in Brooks?
Brooks hosts over 50 organizations, including Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, the Embassy Suites at Brooks, and six international businesses such as OKIN Process, Bakerly, Cuisine Solutions, Mission Solar, Simwon, and Nissei America.
What educational institutions are present in Brooks?
Brooks is home to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, which opened in July 2017, and CAST Med, a healthcare magnet high school that began in Fall 2019.
What recreational facilities are available in Brooks?
Brooks features The Greenline, a 43-acre linear park with pavilions, ponds, play areas, exercise equipment, games, and free public Wi-Fi access. The park connects to 15 miles of trails along the Mission Reach, with plans to link eastward to Salado Creek.
What future developments are planned for Brooks?
Future plans include an arboretum dedicated to native trees and shrubs, offering outdoor education and recreational opportunities. Additionally, the Rapid Green Line is projected to begin service in 2027-28, connecting the San Antonio International Airport to the Brooks Area and downtown San Antonio along San Pedro Avenue.
Key Features of Brooks Community
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | San Antonio, Texas |
| Size | 1,308-acre mixed-use campus |
| Residential Options | Apartments, single-family homes, repurposed Air Force barracks |
| Educational Institutions | University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, CAST Med high school |
| Recreational Facilities | The Greenline park, 43-acre linear park with trails along the Mission Reach |
| Future Developments | Arboretum dedicated to native trees and shrubs, Rapid Green Line transit service projected to begin in 2027-28 |
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