Showcase offers affordable homes, community reinvestment
-New subdivision features Green homes, neighborhood park-

The City of San Antonio and the Greater San Antonio Builders Association (GSABA) today celebrated the opening of the Tierra del Sol subdivision on the City's west side with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The subdivision is the featured development of the 2011 Affordable Showcase of Homes and the GSABA's 9th Spring Tour of Homes. The showcase is open to the public April 2 through April 10.

The Tierra Del Sol subdivision is the sixth residential community in the nationally-recognized Affordable Showcase of Homes program created by the public/private partnership between the City of San Antonio and the GSABA. Established in 1995, the initiative seeks to revitalize the inner-city by targeting areas that are beginning to show signs of deterioration. Homes are made available to low and moderate income families and compliment the existing character of homes in the surrounding community. "This program spurs community reinvestment in so many ways," said Adrian Lopez, economic development manager in the City's Planning and Community Development Department." "It not only provides affordable housing, but it also generates an economic boost to the local economy, and enhances the beautification and quality of life in the surrounding community," he added.

Once complete, the subdivision, located at the corner of Maridel and Surrells streets, west of Monterrey Park on West Commerce Street, will have 31 energy efficient homes featuring a variety of floor plans built by five GSABA member home builders. The homes will be priced at $85,000 to $110,000 and will be certified by Build San Antonio Green. The subdivision features a neighborhood park, with a playground, an outdoor pavilion and picnic tables.

"We are excited to again present what is new and available in the homebuilding industry to the public. While these homes are affordable, they also represent the very best in energy efficiency and green building in San Antonio, "said Becky Oliver, executive vice president, GSBA. "These five builders: Jaigon Enterprises, Richard Lira Homes, San Antonio Alternative Housing, Neighborhood Housing Services, and T&J Builders have all put forth their best to showcase not only this new neighborhood, but some great floor plans and front elevations. We are anxious for the public to come out and view these homes and find out how simple it is to purchase a home today," she added.

The public can preview the new homes for sale weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April 2 to April 10. Potential home buyers can receive information about credit counseling, homebuyer education programs, and learn how to pre-qualify for home loans. In addition, down payment and closing cost assistance is available for eligible first-time home buyers.

For more information on the program, call 207-7881 or visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/planning/housing/AffordableHousing.aspx.