City supports affordable housing near Lake View High School
John Tufts
SAN ANGELO — An affordable housing complex on San Angelo's north side is closer to being built after city council unanimously approved a measure to support its construction using tax credits.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019, city council members heard more details about "The Villas at Shriner's Point," a 156-unit apartment complex planned between East 37th and 40th streets.
The complex is slated to offer a mix of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments circled around a grassy lawn and swimming pool a few blocks from Lake View High School.
"Our site plan shows a tremendous amount of green space and open area," said Granger MacDonald, chairman of MacDonald Companies and MacDonald Property Management. The Kerrville-based company has constructed other apartment buildings in San Angelo, including Bent Tree Apartments and The Vistas at Red Creek.
"We cater to families. We're not corporate housing. We want families that live here ... The units will average about 1,100 (sq. feet) — lots of light, lots of windows." MacDonald said.
San Angelo Mayor Brenda Gunter expressed her enthusiasm for the project.
More:Future of San Angelo to include interstate, more water and housing, in 'State of the City'
"There's a big need in San Angelo for this project with apartments 96% full," Gunter said. "One of the biggest opportunities for us is to find affordable housing if we're going to continue to grow this city in this economy. Housing is going to be a key factor, so I'm thrilled and I strongly support ... what you're presenting today.
A week ago, Gunter delivered a "State of the City" address at the McNease Convention Center where she stressed San Angelo needed to prioritize finding affordable housing for its residents.
With no public comments, motion to create a resolution of support passed unopposed.
"Thank you; get started on it," Gunter said. "We need it now."
The project could break ground as early as the summer of 2021.
John Tufts covers enterprise and investigative topics in West Texas. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Consider supporting West Texas journalism with a subscription to GoSanAngelo.com.