SAN ANTONIO – The Peanut Factory Lofts at 939 South Frio Road debuted Tuesday morning with a press conference and ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The shiny, modern urban development is a big transformation from the way this area used to look.
Formerly the Songbird Peanut Factory, the complex had been abandoned since 1985.
"Something that was so overdeveloped with brush and decayed now looks perfect," said former West Side resident Vincent Huizar.
The complex caters to families, young professionals, and students at UTSA's downtown campus, which is just five blocks away,
It has 102 units, including studios with garages, lofts, flats and a 3,000-square-foot penthouse. It also has a pool, fitness center and will provide retail space for shops.
"The West Side needs something like this. We're trying to build the West Side up," said Paige Shinn, 210 Development Group's director of marketing.
Builders preserved the historical features of the 103-year-old peanut factory building. Four 60-foot-high silos are being transformed into lofts.
Developers say the $10 million project is the first major residential real estate investment in this area in more than 20 years.
However, they believe the area is on the brink of a big change.
"There's a lot going on on the West Side and we're hoping to continue the momentum of the housing," said Michael Wibracht, 210 Development Group's president.
"It's needed it for a long time and I'm glad it's here and I hope it keeps on happening, more development, not just here on the (near) West Side but deeper into the West Side," said Huizar.
While part of the Peanut Factory Loft complex is still under construction, most of it is ready for move in.
More than a dozen units are already occupied.
The entire complex, including the penthouse, is expected to be complete in June.