SAN Antonio – Long considered obsolete and unsafe by public housing experts and many East Side residents, Wheatley Courts is coming down, with demolition beginning in about 30 days.
"Long overdue, but really a testament to the courage and commitment of residents," said Lourdes Castro Ramirez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Housing Authority.
Less than two years after getting the initial $30 million federal Choice Neighborhoods grant, a SAHA spokeswoman said the money was leveraged using SAHA funds, as well as federal, state and local dollars, bringing the total amount to $100 million.
Replacing Wheatley Courts, built in 1940 with 250 units, will be 417 new mixed-income apartments.
SAHA spokeswoman Melanie Villalobos said they will include 119 units with rent at market rates, as well as 210 units considered affordable housing, and 88 more for residents on public assistance.
She said the development probably will have a new name to go with the new image, but it will likely be up to the community whether to incorporate the name Wheatley.
Villalobos said Wheatley Courts residents were relocated less than a year ago, with most moving out earlier this year.
Dominique Allen and his wife, Datra Moore, were among many former residents who returned Thursday for the celebration announcing the demolition and the project due for completion in December 2017.
The couple had lived at 1833 Hays, where Moore's grandfather once lived.
"We're just glad to be part of history," Allen said.
Moore said she's looking forward to coming back to Wheatley Courts.
"I do, I really do. I want to move to the new place," Moore said.
Mayor Ivy Taylor said the project represents "a rebirth of the community."
Taylor says this will be a promise fulfilled.
"Oh, yes. We've got the money in the bank," the mayor said.
Taylor said the project known as the Wheatley Choice Transformation is a vital component of the large-scale revitalization underway on the East Side.
She said it is part of the area's federal Promise Zone designation, which focuses on education, poverty and increasing economic opportunity.
"We're turning the page, setting the next chapter for this part of San Antonio," Taylor said.