T
he San Antonio Housing Trust aims to acquire nearly 6 acres of vacant land and buildings in the Cattleman Square area to stay ahead of gentrification. The nonprofit is eyeing four specific properties: the National Grocer Company building, the Rich Book Building, the Heimann Building, and a vacant lot behind the Scobey industrial complex.

    The purchase is part of the trust's effort to address housing affordability concerns and counteract gentrification by planning for future affordable housing. The organization plans to engage residents through surveys, meetings, and outreach events to develop plans that align with community needs. "We're going to put our money where our mouth is and use our experience and resources to make sure this community process is done right," said Housing Trust director Pete Alanis.

    The Cattleman Square area is caught in a period of transition, with downtown San Antonio experiencing rapid growth and development across the highway. However, this growth threatens affordability, as seen in the controversy surrounding the planned redevelopment of the affordable Soap Factory Apartments.

    The trust's acquisitions are part of its broader strategy to preserve options for future affordable housing developments through land banking. The organization is also collaborating with Corazón Ministries on a new facility serving homeless people, which has received $375,000 in funding from the Westside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.