San Antonio Converts Downtown Hotel into Affordable Housing

Rendering of the new affordable housing complex in San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, December 4, 2025

The San Antonio Housing Trust has approved a project to redevelop the Whitney Hotel into a 220-unit affordable housing complex. This initiative is part of the city’s efforts to increase affordable housing options in downtown San Antonio, with various income-restricted units available for residents. Located near key landmarks, this project aims to significantly enhance community housing resources over the next decade.

San Antonio Approves Conversion of Downtown Hotel into Affordable Housing Complex

San Antonio, Texas – The San Antonio Housing Trust (SAHT) has approved a redevelopment project to transform the Whitney Hotel, located at 425 Bonham Street, into a 220-unit affordable housing complex. This initiative aims to increase affordable housing options in downtown San Antonio.

Project Details

The redevelopment will convert the existing hotel into a residential community comprising 220 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The affordability of these units will be structured as follows:

  • 5 units at 40% Area Median Income (AMI)
  • 35 units at 50% AMI
  • 71 units at 80% AMI
  • The remaining units will be offered at market rates

This project is expected to provide a 93% community benefit ratio over the next decade, contributing significantly to the city’s affordable housing stock.

Community Impact

District 1 Councilwoman Dr. Sukh Kaur emphasized the strategic importance of this development, stating that it will offer more individuals and families access to affordable housing in downtown San Antonio. The location is within walking distance of key landmarks such as the Alamo, Hemisfair, and the potential future site of the Spurs arena, enhancing the project’s appeal and accessibility.

Background Information

The Whitney Hotel, originally built in 1996 and last renovated in 2004, has been a longstanding establishment in downtown San Antonio. The decision to repurpose this property aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize urban areas and provide affordable housing solutions to its residents.

Related Developments

In recent years, San Antonio has undertaken several initiatives to expand affordable housing. Notably, the San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation acquired the Robert E. Lee Apartments, a 72-unit building, to preserve its status as affordable housing. Additionally, the city has been involved in various redevelopment projects, including the conversion of historic buildings into mixed-income housing and the construction of new affordable housing complexes to meet the growing demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Whitney Hotel redevelopment project?
The San Antonio Housing Trust (SAHT) approved a redevelopment project to transform the Whitney Hotel, located at 425 Bonham Street, into a 220-unit affordable housing complex. This initiative aims to increase affordable housing options in downtown San Antonio.
What types of units will be available in the new complex?
The redevelopment will convert the existing hotel into a residential community comprising 220 one- and two-bedroom apartments. The affordability of these units will be structured as follows:

  • 5 units at 40% Area Median Income (AMI)
  • 35 units at 50% AMI
  • 71 units at 80% AMI
  • The remaining units will be offered at market rates
What is the expected community benefit of this project?
This project is expected to provide a 93% community benefit ratio over the next decade, contributing significantly to the city’s affordable housing stock.
Who is leading the redevelopment project?
The redevelopment project is being led by Good Homes, a developer specializing in affordable housing projects, in partnership with the San Antonio Housing Trust (SAHT).
What is the significance of the project’s location?
The location is within walking distance of key landmarks such as the Alamo, Hemisfair, and the potential future site of the Spurs arena, enhancing the project’s appeal and accessibility.
What is the history of the Whitney Hotel?
The Whitney Hotel, originally built in 1996 and last renovated in 2004, has been a longstanding establishment in downtown San Antonio. The decision to repurpose this property aligns with the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize urban areas and provide affordable housing solutions to its residents.

Feature Details
Project Name Whitney Hotel Redevelopment
Location 425 Bonham Street, San Antonio, Texas
Number of Units 220 one- and two-bedroom apartments
Affordability Breakdown 5 units at 40% AMI, 35 units at 50% AMI, 71 units at 80% AMI, remaining at market rates
Community Benefit Ratio 93% over the next decade
Developer Good Homes, in partnership with SAHT
Proximity to Landmarks Within walking distance of the Alamo, Hemisfair, and potential future Spurs arena site
Original Construction Built in 1996, last renovated in 2004

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STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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