Southstar to revive Lone Star Brewery
US property developer Southstar has acquired San Antonio’s Lone Star Brewery and has revealed plans to revitalise the property and bring it back to life with the old brewery building being used for a number of local projects.
The New Braunfels-based developer has bought the 32-acre property with the hope of returning the site to its former glory. Originally, the Lone Star Brewery site was built circa 1933 after Lone Star Beer outgrew production capabilities at W. Jones Ave in the current home of the San Antonio Museum of Art. But it didn’t officially begin to brew the brand until 1940, since it had to wait for the owners to obtain the beer brand’s copyright to proceed.
Now, the new deal follows more than five other firms having already attempted redevelopment of the site after being thwarted by financial and environmental issues that stopped the process.
In a recent letter announcing the acquisition, Southstar CEO Thad Rutherford described the undertaking as a “complex” redevelopment and admitted that it “won’t be easy” to revitalise the building.
Complex
Rutherford explained: “This won’t be easy. Complex development can only be successful if we’re all ready to join the conversation and commit to a shared vision. For us, the goal is to shape a new future for Lone Star that includes everyone. That our children will proudly talk about with future generations.”
Partner Content
The property, which features a smokestack, has long been recognised as a landmark of San Antonio’s skyline and, while other businesses have been repurposed already, Lone Star had still not been flipped by developers.
While Southstar has not unveiled formal plans for the building, Rutherford has hinted that the site could become used by several other projects that the developer already has in the works. According to recent reports, these projects could include transit initiatives, the local river authority’s planned improvement schemes along with the new Spurs’ arena’s planned items such as Project Marvel. Southstar has also said that the mixed-use development would be shaped by the public.
Iconic
Rutherford added: “Many neighbours have shared their stories about the proud working legacy of Lone Star. Of generations working together to care for their families. Of learning to swim in the pool. And family gatherings that occurred beneath ancient oaks along the river. We’re reminded of that pride every time we see that iconic chimney stack.”
Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, but according to Bexar Central Appraisal District records, the site was most recently valued at US$18.6 million. Despite this, the City of San Antonio has previously approved a valuation of US$24 million in public incentives during a previous attempt to attract developers to considering the property’s potential.
Related news
You can now buy a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired beer
