Envisioning a Community of Hope at The Commons at Acequia Trails.

The housing complex is located near the Mission Reach trail system, linking it to the historic Missions. The location roots the project in a centuries-old tradition of self-sufficient communities along the banks of the San Antonio River. We took inspiration from the walled settlements of early mission architecture, which were supported by acequias, an early aqueduct system. The Commons offers sustenance, healing, and faith outreach within a secure perimeter. Social services, a food pantry, and a clinic are available to the community, and a community center and landscaped courtyard gardens cultivate a sense of home and spiritual well-being. Courtyard gardens within The Commons include the Stations of Peace, a meditative pathway, and The Nave Courtyard, a smaller, contemplative gathering spot.

The security-conscious nature of The Commons community and budget constraints typical of any subsidized multifamily housing required an extra measure of adaptability on our part. We achieved economies wherever possible, for example, through simplified interior layouts. To address security concerns, we established clear sight lines within common areas. Our broad experience in multifamily housing gave us the tools to address unique problems while maintaining architectural integrity and delivering a market-rate quality building.

“We believe that the most important thing we can do for the homeless is to offer hope, and the face of hope is a person who believes in them.”
– SAMMinistries Values

To express “compassionate community” as part of the architecture, we added three illuminated elements planned as gifts from the donor community. “Light in the darkness” is synonymous with hope across cultures, and the raw-metal openwork of our Entry Lantern, Nave Garden Luminaria, and Chapel mimic folk-traditional punched-aluminum lanterns. Fostering nature and habitat diversity also mirrors SAMM’s stewardship goals. With donor support, the organization may add native plantings to attract butterflies and other pollinators and a formal meditation garden.

Moving the Needle on Homelessness: A City and Faith-Based Partnership

In 1981, SAMMinistries began as a faith-centered, grassroots response to a growing downtown homelessness problem. Membership grew from one church to thirteen congregations, and today, SAMM has a staff of more than 80 and thousands of volunteers to support programs.

According to SAMM, “On any given day, San Antonio’s homeless population consists of approximately 3,372 individuals. However, nearly 50% of San Antonio’s population is living with no savings, putting them at risk of becoming homeless.” The Texas Homeless Network (thn.org) notes the most significant risk factor by far is the cost of housing. Low-wage earners, who are primarily renters, are cost-burdened by housing expenses and can fall into homelessness simply due to rent increases. Solving the greatest problem first – matching people in need with stable housing – creates a meaningful first step to self-sufficiency.

In partnering with SAMM, the City of San Antonio benefits from decades of “boots on the ground” experience. SAMM, in turn, receives access to permanent supportive housing solutions for their unhoused constituents. We are proud to contribute our expertise to launching The Commons at Acequia Trails, a uniquely civic-spirited and innovative joint initiative.