Apple Seeds Apartments Set for Completion in New Braunfels After Two-Year Delay
The Apple Seeds Apartments, an ambitious affordable housing project situated at 1530 South Seguin Avenue in New Braunfels, Texas, is on track to be completed by the summer of 2026, following a series of permitting delays that extended the timeline by two years. Eric Cooper, the President and CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank, confirmed that despite these challenges, the project remains within its initial budget and timeline.
The delays were primarily attributed to complications stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and the local permitting process. Cooper noted, “Coming out of the pandemic, we got architect drawings and a contractor ready to build—but we were missing the permits necessary to start the construction.” This lack of timely permitting not only halted the project but also necessitated revisions to the original architectural plans due to changes in building codes over the two-year period.
Initiated with a budget of approximately million, the Apple Seeds Apartments broke ground in June 2021. Once completed, the complex will feature 52 affordable housing units, offering both two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments targeted at families with children under the age of 15. The aim is to accommodate households earning 80% or less of the local median income, a critical aspect in addressing the pressing affordable housing crisis facing many communities.
The Project will provide residents with modern features, including energy-efficient appliances and in-unit washers and dryers. Additionally, the development plans to offer communal amenities, such as an amenity center, mail room, and a community kitchen area that fosters interaction among residents.
In a further commitment to community wellbeing, the Apple Seeds Apartments will offer programs focused on food access, nutrition education, children’s activities, and financial literacy. This multifaceted approach reflects Cooper’s vision of not just providing shelter, but creating a nurturing environment for families. “Through design and architecture, you have an opportunity to really inspire, and we want these families to be inspired by their surroundings,” Cooper remarked. “It’s not institutional—it’s home.”
Looking ahead, there is optimism that the project will be finished on schedule, marking a significant step forward in addressing housing needs in New Braunfels, while also reinforcing the community’s supportive infrastructure. The Apple Seeds Apartments stand as a testament to resilience, innovation, and the pressing need for affordable housing solutions in Texas and beyond.
