San Antonio, Texas, December 5, 2025
Southstar, a New Braunfels-based developer, plans to acquire over 70 acres featuring the historic Lone Star Brewery site, a defunct power plant, and adjacent properties in San Antonio. The project aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use development, focusing on affordable housing and community engagement. Previous redevelopment attempts have struggled due to financial and environmental issues, but this new initiative aims to stimulate economic growth and enrich the cultural landscape, promising a collaborative approach for community input.
San Antonio Developer Plans Major Redevelopment of Lone Star Brewery Site
San Antonio, Texas – Southstar, a New Braunfels-based development company, is set to acquire over 70 acres along both sides of the San Antonio River south of downtown. The acquisition will include the historic Lone Star Brewery complex, adjacent properties owned by the Newell family and CPS Energy, and the city-owned defunct power plant on Mission Road. This deal is expected to close soon, allowing Southstar to lead the development while GrayStreet Partners and Midway will act as financial collaborators.
The Lone Star Brewery, constructed between 1895 and 1904, has been vacant since 1996. Previous redevelopment attempts have faced challenges, including financial issues and environmental concerns. Most recently, a plan proposed by GrayStreet Partners and Midway aimed to transform the 32-acre site into a mixed-use development featuring housing, retail, restaurant spaces, a hotel, and outdoor plazas. However, that project has been put on hold due to rising interest rates and construction costs.
Southstar’s new development proposal aims to reinvigorate the area, promoting community cohesion and addressing the ongoing vacancy of the Lone Star Brewery site. Aligning with the city’s housing goals, the project emphasizes a focus on affordable housing options. Preliminary discussions between Councilwoman Teri Castillo and Southstar have highlighted these affordable housing aspects, underlining the development’s potential impact on local residents.
Challenges of Previous Efforts
Historically, the Lone Star Brewery site has seen multiple redevelopment plans, including a $60 million mixed-use project intended to incorporate residential units, commercial space, a hotel, and engaging beer gardens. Unfortunately, past initiatives have been hindered by a combination of financial setbacks, bankruptcies, and environmental challenges. As Southstar embarks on this effort to breathe new life into the historic brewery, it symbolizes a renewed hope for revitalizing the area into a vibrant mixed-use hub.
The Economic and Cultural Significance
Revitalizing the Lone Star Brewery site could serve as a significant catalyst for economic growth in the area. The project not only aims to mitigate the long-term vacancy of this historic landmark but also attracts attention to San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage. Transitioning the brewery complex into a mixed-use destination can foster a vibrant community environment and support local economic activities that reflect the city’s unique identity.
Community Engagement and Involvement
As plans for the acquisition and development progress, various stakeholders, including community members and local leaders, are closely monitoring the project’s implications on the economy, housing market, and cultural landscape of San Antonio. The forthcoming redevelopment is expected to involve public engagement to address any community concerns and align with local preferences, ensuring a collaborative approach to shaping the future of this area.
Future Outlook
The successful execution of Southstar’s plans could signal a shift in San Antonio’s approach toward similar redevelopment projects, potentially minimizing bureaucratic barriers that have stymied growth in the past. By encouraging private investment and supporting small businesses, San Antonio can create a robust economic environment that attracts more entrepreneurs and fosters innovation, ultimately benefiting the entire region.
Keep Updated on Local Developments
As the Lone Star Brewery site moves toward redevelopment, it’s crucial for community members to stay informed and engaged. Following these developments can lead to new opportunities for local businesses and enhance the city’s vibrant culture and economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Southstar’s plan for the Lone Star Brewery site?
Southstar plans to acquire over 70 acres along both sides of the San Antonio River south of downtown, including the historic Lone Star Brewery complex, adjacent properties owned by the Newell family and CPS Energy, and the city-owned defunct power plant on Mission Road. The development aims to revitalize the area with a mixed-use project featuring housing, retail, and restaurant spaces, a hotel, and outdoor plazas.
What is the history of the Lone Star Brewery site?
The Lone Star Brewery, constructed between 1895 and 1904, has been vacant since 1996. Previous redevelopment efforts have faced challenges, including financial difficulties and environmental issues. The most recent plan, proposed by GrayStreet Partners and Midway, aimed to transform the 32-acre site into a mixed-use development featuring housing, retail, and restaurant spaces, a hotel, and outdoor plazas over a decade-long period. However, this plan was put on hold in 2022 due to elevated interest rates and construction costs.
How does the new development plan address affordable housing?
The development plan emphasizes the need for affordable housing in the area, aligning with the city’s housing goals. Councilwoman Teri Castillo has had preliminary discussions with Southstar about the acquisitions, highlighting the importance of affordable housing in the development plans.
What challenges have previous redevelopment efforts faced?
Previous redevelopment efforts have faced challenges such as financial difficulties, bankruptcies, and environmental issues. The most recent plan, proposed by GrayStreet Partners and Midway, was put on hold in 2022 due to elevated interest rates and construction costs.
What is the significance of the Lone Star Brewery site in San Antonio?
The Lone Star Brewery site is a historic landmark in San Antonio, constructed between 1895 and 1904. Its revitalization is seen as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural enrichment in the area, aiming to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use destination.
Key Features of the Lone Star Brewery Redevelopment
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Over 70 acres along both sides of the San Antonio River south of downtown, including the historic Lone Star Brewery complex, adjacent properties owned by the Newell family and CPS Energy, and the city-owned defunct power plant on Mission Road. |
| Development Plans | Mixed-use project featuring housing, retail, and restaurant spaces, a hotel, and outdoor plazas. |
| Historical Significance | The Lone Star Brewery, constructed between 1895 and 1904, has been vacant since 1996. Previous redevelopment efforts have faced challenges, including financial difficulties and environmental issues. |
| Affordable Housing | The development plan emphasizes the need for affordable housing in the area, aligning with the city’s housing goals. Councilwoman Teri Castillo has had preliminary discussions with Southstar about the acquisitions, highlighting the importance of affordable housing in the development plans. |
| Community Impact | The revitalization of the Lone Star Brewery site is expected to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and cultural enrichment in the area, transforming the historic brewery site into a vibrant mixed-use destination. |
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