Sunstone Apartment
5606 Culebra Rd, San Antonio, TX | 130 Units 30% to 60% AMI
Long before the ribbon cutting, RJ faced the same challenge many West Side workers do: balancing steady employment with rising housing costs. Raised in affordable housing, he learned to stretch limited resources and pursue stability through discipline. After finishing school he entered the workforce determined to build a life of his own, staying employed and budgeting carefully despite escalating costs.
Qualifying at 30% of Area Median Income meant patience through a competitive leasing process—only a few units are reserved at that level, so access is scarce. He stayed focused, kept working, and remained committed to finding independent housing without sacrificing proximity to opportunity. “When something matters, you don’t give up on it—you figure it out,” he said. That mindset brought him to Sunstone.
Standing at the ribbon cutting in a red jacket with ceremonial scissors, he symbolized perseverance and the real impact of quality affordable housing. Sunstone’s West Side location and the new transit stop just outside the community let him reliably get to work, lower daily expenses, and plan for the future. What had been a struggle to stay afloat has become a chance to move forward.
“Affordable housing isn’t just about cost—it’s about opportunity,” he said. For the first time, he has a home that supports his independence and helps him begin building what comes next. At Sunstone, the ribbon cut more than a grand opening—it cut a barrier.
Sunstone Apartments was developed in response to a growing crisis on San Antonio’s West Side, where rapidly rising housing costs were displacing working families from the communities they helped build. Tirol Housing, in partnership with the San Antonio Housing Trust, set out to deliver a solution, but bringing Sunstone to life required overcoming significant challenges. At the height of escalating construction costs, every decision mattered. The team worked to value engineer every square inch of the development—carefully balancing budget constraints while preserving quality, durability, thoughtful design, and the modern finishes and amenities residents deserve. The result is a 199-unit community that serves households earning 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income. It is supported in part by local housing bond funding and delivered through a true public-private partnership.
Strategically located near Culebra and Callaghan, Sunstone reconnects residents to jobs, schools, and essential services—reducing daily burdens and increasing access to opportunity.
More than housing, Sunstone provides stability. It offers families a place to stay, not just a place to live—where children can grow, routines can take hold, and futures can be built.
Sunstone stands as proof that even in the most challenging conditions, thoughtful collaboration can deliver lasting impact.
Special Design Features
Sunstone Apartments was thoughtfully designed to balance high-quality aesthetics with long-term durability and everyday functionality for working families. The site plan centers around a connected, walkable layout that prioritizes visibility, safety, and community interaction. Buildings are arranged to activate shared spaces—particularly the central courtyard and pool— creating natural gathering areas that encourage connection while maintaining clear sightlines throughout the property.
Support Services
Sunstone offers on-site after-school programs for children, health and wellness resources and initiatives, resident-focused support services tailored to working families, childcare support to reduce gaps, partnerships with local service providers for referrals, flexible community spaces for programming, opportunities for community engagement and connection, and access to resource navigation and referrals.
Credits
Developer: Tirol Housing
Architect / Design Firm: HEDK Architects
Lenders: Colliers Mortgage
Syndicator: PNC Bank
Financing
Sunstone Apartments was financed with a layered public‑private capital stack to achieve deep affordability and high‑quality construction: 4% LIHTC (35–40%), tax‑exempt private activity bonds (40–45%), City of San Antonio Affordable Housing Bond (3–5%), deferred developer fee/sponsor equity (Tirol Housing) (3–5%), permanent debt financing (10–15%), and soft/gap financing from the San Antonio Housing Trust (5–10%). This coordinated financing enabled delivery of 199 units serving households at 30%–60% AMI, with local bond funding and Housing Trust support closing critical gaps amid elevated construction costs.
Amenities
Amenities include a great room, fitness room, computer lab, activity center, package room, swimming pool, playground, picnic areas, walk‑in closets, exterior storage, and high‑speed internet.