As we bid farewell to 2023, we would like to recap Brooks’ biggest stories of the year. Each day was dedicated to our mission and vision to develop an energetic, sustainable community and transform the surrounding neighborhoods by providing world-class opportunities.
From international businesses to expanded living options, opportunities for those on the Southeast Side of San Antonio are endless.
Vertical construction begins on high-end office buildings in Southeast San Antonio
Vertical construction kicked off on a major development on the Brooks campus, known as WatersEdge I & II. The milestone real estate project will bring two, Class A commercial office buildings to San Antonio’s South Side for the first time in the city’s history. This is the project’s latest milestone since breaking ground in August 2022 across from Mission Trail Baptist Hospital.
Massive built-to-rent housing community coming to Brooks
Brooks is betting big on built-to-rent housing with a massive rental community, called Los Cielos. The community is slated for almost 500 single-family residences and duplexes, and will include a leasing center, fitness center, pickleball court and dog park, among other common amenities. The first phase of the project – which is set to be constructed over the course of three total phases – will only include living units. Amenities, in addition to more living units, will begin construction during the second phase of the project.
Brooks surpasses $1.34 billion in development
Brooks, a former Air Force Base, has seen stunning transformation into a vibrant community where you can live, work, learn, play and stay. In July 2002, the 1,308-acre campus was conveyed to Brooks Development Authority, one of only three authorities across the state of Texas, and has since completed more than $1.34 billion (previously reported as $1.2 billion) in investment, to date, with another $550 million (previously reported as $425 million) in development underway.
La Picosa retail and restaurants announced
South San Antonio’s growing Brooks community has released plans for a slew of new restaurants over the next 12 months. The new additions include Pluckers Wing Bar, Outback Steakhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Salad and Go, Dutch Bros. Coffee, MOD Pizza, Crumbl Cookies, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Bubba’s 33, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Stout House.
Mission Trail Baptist Hospital expands NICU
Now even more of the tiniest infants — preemies — born with special medical needs, can receive lifesaving care, thanks to expansions in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Mission Trail Baptist Hospital on the south side. Hospital leadership recognized the need amid a boom in population and growth on the south side and with the closing of Texas Vista Medical Center and its ob-gyn services nearby. Mission Trail Baptist Hospital, which is owned by Tenet Health and Baptist Health System, received approval last year for more than $1.9 million to add an additional 1,600 square feet to its existing NICU.
Brooks Gives Back gifts $200,000, most in any given year
Brooks Gives Back announced the disbursement of $200,000, the largest gift in any given year. As a part of its 5th annual cash awards, Brooks Gives Back distributed funding to six local nonprofit organizations: Child Advocates San Antonio, The Children’s Shelter, Meals on Wheels San Antonio, Presa Community Center, Ride Connect Texas, and Vibrant Works. Additionally, Brooks Gives Back increased it’s three-year-long commitments to Any Baby Can San Antonio and Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio.
Arboretum San Antonio allocated $7.3M from Bexar County
Arboretum San Antonio received approval from Bexar County Commissioners Court for the allocation of $7,300,000 for the purchase of land, master planning, and infrastructure for the future Arboretum. Arboretum San Antonio will be a preserve in the heart of San Antonio’s historic southeast side that will focus on celebrating the native trees of South Texas. The park will be located at the former Republic Golf Club, off SE Military Drive, of which Brooks will purchase 158.5 acres and enter a long-term lease with Arboretum San Antonio to develop. With the inclusion of multi-use pathways, the park will total 188 acres.
Affordable and senior living coming to Brooks
The affordable housing components needed for growth at the Brooks campus are becoming more clear. In September 2023, the Brooks Development Authority Board of Directors — which manages the campus of the former Air Force base — pushed forward with two affordable housing developments on 20 acres. A 340-unit apartment complex would take shape at the northwest corner of Research Plaza and Challenger Drive. A 240-unit senior living project is slated to rise next to it.
Tesla supplier opening a plant at Brooks
A Tesla supplier is opening a facility at Brooks, joining a growing automotive manufacturing hub on San Antonio’s South Side that already includes Toyota, its suppliers and Navistar International. Simwon NA Corp., which makes doors for electric vehicles produced at the Tesla factory near Austin, is moving into a roughly 150,000-square-foot building under construction at Brooks. Work to outfit the space is expected to begin in December and conclude in March, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Brooks Board elects first woman as Board Chair
Brooks conducted its biennial board elections to determine its slate of board officers for its 2024 and 2025 calendar years. Dr. Lorena “Lorraine” Pulido was elected as Chairwoman, the first-ever woman to lead the Brooks Development Authority Board of Directors in its more than 20 years of existence. Rudy Garza was elected as Vice Chair, Dan Rossiter was elected as Treasurer, and Sonia Veliz was elected as Secretary. Board officers will begin their terms on January 1, 2024.