Residents of the historic Robert E. Lee apartments in downtown San Antonio have successfully stopped a proposed sale to a private developer that could have displaced dozens of low-income tenants. A new deal with the San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation ensures that the 72-unit complex will remain affordable and under local control. The move is a significant win for residents, many of whom feared homelessness if rents were raised or units redeveloped.

Nonprofit Steps In With Purchase Offer

The San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation announced a finalized deal to purchase the Robert E. Lee apartments for $3.27 million in cash. In addition to this amount, the nonprofit has agreed to assume a $1.7 million loan from the city. The building is located at 111 W. Travis St. and includes 72 residential units.

Tenants Organize Amid Growing Concerns

The decision follows months of growing anxiety among tenants. Concerns began when local developer Weston Urban expressed interest in purchasing the property for $4.35 million. Though the company never publicly shared redevelopment plans, tenants feared that upgrades to the building would lead to significantly increased rents, displacing current residents. The situation became especially alarming after Weston Urban displaced tenants from the nearby Soap Factory Apartments to make room for a minor-league baseball project.

Residents Face Unique Vulnerabilities

The majority of Robert E. Lee tenants earn 60 percent or less of the area’s median income. Many are elderly, disabled, or previously unhoused. Several residents receive federal housing vouchers. The building is one of the few remaining affordable housing options in San Antonio’s downtown area. Advocates argued that losing it would be a major blow to the city’s already limited affordable housing stock.

Housing Trust Pledges to Preserve Affordability

Pete Alanis, Executive Director of the San Antonio Housing Trust Foundation, confirmed that the building will remain an affordable housing complex. In a statement, he said, “This agreement ensures that one of downtown’s most affordable multifamily communities will remain accessible to the people who need it most.” The Trust aims to provide long-term stability for current residents and prevent future displacement.

Legal Contract for Affordability Nears Expiration

The urgency to secure the building was heightened by the upcoming expiration of its affordable housing contract. That agreement, which mandates the property to be operated as low-income housing, ends in 2026. Without intervention, the property could have transitioned to market-rate rents in just one year, making the Housing Trust’s acquisition even more critical.

Developer Competition & Ownership Background

Before the Housing Trust’s involvement, at least two private developers had submitted offers to purchase the building. Weston Urban and Chicago-based Celadon Construction Corp. NFP, a partner of Celadon Partners, both made bids of $4.35 million. The current owner is RELEE Partners LP, which is linked to JHM Financial Group LLC, a Connecticut-based financial company.

Elected Officials Support the Deal

District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur voiced her support for the acquisition, noting the effort it took to reach this point. “Over the past year and a half, my team and I have worked closely with residents through serious challenges, so we know how much this acquisition means,” she said.

Tenant Union Plays Key Role in Outcome

Organizing efforts by tenants played a significant role in achieving this outcome. Megan Navarro, founder of the Robert E. Lee Tenants Union, emphasized the power of collective action. “This is proof that when you organize, you win,” she said. Navarro also praised the Housing Trust for its plans to renovate the building while keeping it affordable, adding that residents look forward to upcoming improvements. The Housing Trust expects to finalize the purchase by July and has announced plans to upgrade the ageing structure to improve living conditions and preserve its viability for the future.