A new developer is working to buy the long-abandoned Lone Star Brewery, giving fresh hope for redevelopment as fires continue to plague the deteriorating site.<\/p>\n
SAN ANTONIO \u2014 Another fire broke out Tuesday night<\/a> at the long-abandoned Lone Star Brewery, a site San Antonio firefighters say is one of the most dangerous locations in the city to respond to due to the building\u2019s deteriorating condition.<\/p>\n The latest blaze \u2014 the 11th since 2021<\/a> \u2014 was reported after passersby saw someone enter the property along Lone Star Boulevard and noticed smoke on the third and fourth floors. Ten units were dispatched, and firefighters found a small trash fire on the fifth floor. No one was inside when crews arrived, and no injuries were reported.<\/p>\n Battalion Chief Tony Rodriguez said the property remains a major safety risk.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one of our least favorite locations in the city,\u201d he said. \u201cThe premises is not secured very well.\u201d<\/p>\n Rodriguez said firefighters refuse to enter the building unless absolutely necessary, citing multiple structural hazards.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always approach this building very cautiously\u2026 holes in the floor, holes in the wall, collapsed portions of the ceiling,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s very easy to get injured \u2014 even before you add fire or smoke.\u201d<\/p>\n Fire crews used an elevated platform to locate the flames from outside.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople probably trying to stay warm on a cold night,\u201d Rodriguez said of the trash fire.<\/p>\n As fires persist, the decades-long effort to revive the sprawling former brewery may finally be gaining momentum. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo confirms that New Braunfels\u2013based Southstar<\/a> is in the process of trying to buy the Lone Star complex \u2014 though the developer must still close on multiple parcels before any redevelopment could move forward.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know District 5 residents\u2026 are eager for some action with these vacant properties,\u201d Castillo said. \u201cReally grateful that there\u2019s interest because this property\u2019s been a nuisance far too long.\u201d<\/p>\n Castillo said community excitement is high, but emphasized that there is no clear development plan yet. She hopes the developer will begin conversations with residents early, saying the community visioning process will be essential.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re very eager and excited for that process,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Castillo wants any redevelopment to include public access and affordability, especially if the project uses city funding.<\/p>\n \u201cIf there is any public subsidy, the public will have access to any amenity there,\u201d she said. \u201cIf there\u2019s housing, we want workforce housing \u2014 ensuring teachers, nurses and working families can afford rent.\u201d<\/p>\n