April 17, 2026
Construction is now underway on Central at Commerce, a seven-story apartment community that will bring 279 affordable homes to San Antonio’s Eastside, just steps from downtown.
Community leaders, partners and neighbors gathered April 14 at the site on East Commerce Street to celebrate the milestone for the new community, which reflects a broader effort to increase affordable housing options near the heart of the city as San Antonio continues to grow.
Led by Opportunity Home San Antonio in partnership with The Annex Group, Central at Commerce represents an $86.9 million investment in affordable housing, supported in part by the City of San Antonio through its 2022 Affordable Housing Bond.
When complete, the community will offer one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments serving households earning 30 to 70 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) — creating homes for many of the workers who keep the city running, including service industry employees, health care staff and educators.
“Residents who work downtown deserve to live downtown, and Central at Commerce provides that opportunity,” said Michael Reyes, Opportunity Home president and CEO. “By connecting this community to the future VIA Rapid Silver Line, we’re helping ensure residents are linked to jobs, schools and opportunity across the city.”
The development will also reserve up to 30 homes for referrals from Haven for Hope. Residents in those homes will have access to on-site supportive services that help individuals transition to stable housing.
Beyond the apartment homes themselves, the development will include shared spaces that encourage interaction and a sense of belonging among residents.
Central at Commerce is rising in an area experiencing renewed momentum on the Eastside. The location places future residents near several of the city’s major destinations, including the Alamodome, St. Paul Square and downtown arts and cultural venues. The community is also positioned near the planned VIA Rapid Silver Line and the future Spurs Arena and surrounding Sports and Entertainment District, connecting residents to jobs, transit and opportunity.
The groundbreaking ceremony included remarks from Opportunity Home Board Chair Estrellita Garcia-Diaz, President and CEO Michael Reyes, and Chief Real Estate and Development Officer Lorraine Robles, along with development partner Tom Tomaszewski, president of The Annex Group, and Veronica Garcia, director of the City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department. Speakers emphasized the partnerships helping expand housing choices across San Antonio and the importance of continuing to invest in communities where families can live, work and build their future.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial turning of the dirt marking the official start of construction. The celebration also featured appearances by the San Antonio Spurs Coyote and VIA’s Buster, whose presence added to the spirit of the occasion.
Central at Commerce is anticipated to welcome its first residents in 2028.
Learn more about Central at Commerce ➜
Experience the Future: Watch the Central at Commerce groundbreaking highlights and see the first steps of the Eastside’s transformation.