Big Tex sidles up to the San Antonio River ecosystem restoration project, one of two major expansions to San Antonio’s famed River Walk. The buildings offset along the bend in the river, affording city skyline views. It energizes almost a half mile of reclaimed industrial acreage, transforming the site into prime riverbank real estate for apartments and restaurants. The Flats at Big Tex are directly adjacent to the Blue Star Arts Complex, a downtown draw.

In 2025, the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) recognized Artisan at Ruiz as the winner of the 2025 AIA-SA CRAN Award for a Multi-Family Structure. “Receiving the CRAN Award for an affordable housing project is a clear win for social justice through equitable housing,” notes Jim Bailey, AIA, Senior Principal. “It means that peers see our belief in public-spirited architecture as important and relevant to current socio-economic conditions.” The Artisan at Ruiz showcases our multi-dimensional understanding of what makes an urban core neighborhood tick – strong cultural roots, aspirational pride, and livability.