Southeast Side Business and Housing Growth: Brooks Area Leading the Charge

Brooks Area Catalyzes Development on San Antonio’s Southeast Side

Over the past decade, Brooks, a community on the southeast side of San Antonio, has been a magnet for businesses from every corner. The results of this are evident in a double in the number of jobs available in the area. Since opening their facility ten years ago, companies like Mission Solar Energy have been witness to the incredible growth. They attribute their success not only to the competent workforce but also to the area’s increasing popularity.

Unparalleled Growth in the Manufacturing Sector

Mission Solar Energy, a manufacturer of residential solar panels for companies across the nation, has become a key player in the community’s development. The company’s operations have a substantial impact. Every day, enough solar panels to power 325 homes are manufactured and shipped from the facilities. The company has just expanded its manufacturing facility by another 200,000 square feet, nearly doubling in size and solidifying its presence in the area.

Employment Opportunities Skyrocket

The expansion goes beyond manufacturing spaces. The jobs in Brooks has surged from around 2,700 a decade back to 5,500 as of now, as reported by Connie Gonzalez, the Chief Strategy Officer at Brooks. The rise in employment is largely due to smart economic development strategies adopted to transform the Brooks Air Force Base site into a hotbed for business activity. The 1300 acres of the former base is now estimated at $1 billion, a stark jump from its $37 million values ten years ago.

Unprecedented Economic Impact

Gonzalez sheds light on Brooks’ far-reaching economic impacts. The district has already managed to generate development worth $1.3 billion, with construction projects valued at an additional $680 million underway. These projects span various sectors, promising diverse employment opportunities and a healthier economy for the people of San Antonio.

Future Developments

As Brooks continues to evolve, new projects are beginning to take shape, promising the continued boost of the area’s economic vitality. Arboretum San Antonio, a park featuring native trees, is set to spring up at the former Republic Oaks Golf Course, adding another facet to the community’s varied appeal.