Central at Commerce Affordable Housing Project Breaks Ground in Downtown San Antonio

New 279-unit complex targets families below 70% of area median income

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:28am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a modern apartment building facade in vibrant shades of blue, green, and orange, repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the spirit of affordable housing development in downtown San Antonio.A bold, pop art-inspired rendering of the new Central at Commerce affordable housing complex, symbolizing San Antonio's efforts to expand access to quality, income-restricted homes in the city's urban core.San Antonio Today

A new 279-unit affordable housing complex called Central at Commerce is now under construction just north of the Alamodome in downtown San Antonio. Backed by the city's 2022 Affordable Housing Bond and Opportunity Home, the seven-story project is expected to open within about two years and will provide deeply income-restricted apartments and on-site support services for families below 70% of the area median income.

Why it matters

The Central at Commerce project is a significant step in addressing San Antonio's affordable housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by rising rents and home prices. By targeting lower-income families, the complex aims to provide stable, high-quality housing options in the city's urban core, helping to combat displacement and promote economic diversity downtown.

The details

The Central at Commerce development is being built on a vacant lot just north of the Alamodome, with construction expected to be completed in about two years. The seven-story building will offer 279 apartments, all of which will be restricted to families earning below 70% of the area median income. In addition to the affordable housing units, the complex will also include on-site support services to assist residents.

  • Central at Commerce broke ground in April 2026.
  • The project is expected to be completed and open within about two years.

The players

Central at Commerce

A 279-unit affordable housing complex under construction in downtown San Antonio, backed by the city's 2022 Affordable Housing Bond and Opportunity Home.

Opportunity Home

San Antonio's public housing authority, which is partnering on the Central at Commerce project to provide deeply income-restricted apartments and support services.

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What’s next

The Central at Commerce project is expected to be completed and open within about two years, providing much-needed affordable housing options in downtown San Antonio.

The takeaway

The Central at Commerce development represents a concerted effort by the city of San Antonio to tackle its affordable housing challenges, leveraging public-private partnerships and targeted investments to create deeply income-restricted units in the urban core. As rents and home prices continue to rise, projects like this will be crucial to maintaining economic diversity and opportunity in the city's downtown neighborhoods.