San Antonio developer proposes multifamily project across river from Lone Star Brewery

San Antonio developer James Lifshutz wants to build multifamily housing on vacant land across the San Antonio River from the shuttered Lone Star Brewery complex - which could be on the cusp of a long-awaited redevelopment.

Lifshutz is seeking to use a type of zoning city officials recently adopted to encourage construction of denser housing and stores near rapid transit lines. His property at 421 Roosevelt Ave. is near stations that will be part of VIA Metropolitan Transit's Green Line route running from San Antonio International Airport to Roosevelt Park.

 Lifshutz said he wants to build about 200 units, which could include townhomes along Mission Road and apartments. He bought the 4.6-acre property in 2021 from Martin Linen Supply Co. and demolished several small commercial buildings. Its proximity to the river and Roosevelt Park, and location "in a neighborhood that cares about itself," are appealing, Lifshutz said.

He said he applied for a transit-oriented development designation because he wants to build a four-story building with less parking than similar developments would normally be required to have.

The Zoning Commission on Tuesday voted 10-0 to recommend that City Council approve Lifshutz's request, which the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association supports.

Council members in late 2024 amended the city's code to allow for transit-oriented development, which they said would benefit residents using VIA's Green and Silver lines and cut costs for builders because it reduces parking requirements. About three square miles of properties along the Green Line are eligible for the zoning designation.

Transit-oriented development has been on the books since 2001 but has rarely been used because of potential pushback from residents concerned about developers proposing projects they viewed as incompatible with their neighborhoods. The changes the city made in late 2024 include height restrictions and mandatory buffers, and far fewer properties are eligible for the special zoning.

Lifshutz's property is south of his Blue Star Arts Complex and the Flats at Big Tex, apartments he helped build. The development is near the dilapidated Lone Star property, which is bordered by single-family homes, artists' studios and industrial buildings.

Local developer David Adelman is replacing a uniform-washing facility at 410 Probandt St. with apartments and commercial space, and attorney Jimmy Nassour and OHT Partners plan to replace a recycling facility next to Adelman's property with apartments.

But the redevelopment of the Lone Star would have the biggest immediate effect on the neighborhood. 

Southstar bought the brewery complex in January and is in discussions about purchasing nearby properties owned by the Newell family and CPS Energy, acquisitions that would give the New Braunfels-based company control of more than 70 acres on both sides of the river.

Southstar plans to redevelop the properties but has not shared further details. Many residents are eager to see the Lone Star property renovated after at least five attempts by previous owners failed.

Lifshutz said the timing of Southstar's project does not affect his plans for the Roosevelt property.

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