After eight years of living in a fast-paced city like San Francisco, I wanted to live in the middle of everything happening in San Antonio when I moved here in summer 2015. Thus, I had to choose a prime downtown location that was near work and all the fun stuff happening around the city.
(You may have seen my homecoming article here at the Rivard Report, “Betting on San Antonio” which described how and why I returned to the Alamo City.)
I found my dream apartment at The Peanut Factory Lofts. The near-Westside location allows me to live downtown, less than 10 minutes away from my job at WP Engine which operates out of San Antonio’s own Geekdom office. The River Walk, The Shops at Rivercenter, and tons of Southtown bars and restaurants are all just a hop, skip and a jump away from my front door. The Historic Market Square is only a short 15 minute walk or five minute Uber ride away.
San Antonio’s Fiesta celebrations are less than two months away. I made sure to request a full vacation during this time, as I plan to make the easy stroll down to the festivities for awesome Tejano music and street food.
On the occasional weekend that I decide I need to have some margaritas and dancing in my life, I take a five minute Uber ride down to “The Strip” on Main Street to some of my favorite bars: The Silver Dollar, Heat, and Sparky’s Pub. You can’t beat the convenience of getting your party on when living downtown. A variety of bars and clubs are minutes away.
I am lucky enough to live near some of the best food trucks in the city, found just outside the Lofts, which I visit at least three times a week for an easy dinner solution. For something different, I can easily drive a few minutes to Southtown and find a variety of options including La Tuna, Rosario’s, and other awesome hip spots. First Fridays are also a must.
By car, the Northside, Southside, Westside, and Eastside are all less than 15 minutes away. I can reach any San Antonio destination in about 15 minutes, thanks to the central location.
The Peanut Factory Lofts are a brand new apartment complex managed by GreyStar. I was lucky enough to be the first person to lease inside the historic portion of the complex, which is more than 100 years old. Built in 1912, the structure originally housed the Tamalina Milling Company, which is now known as B. Martinez & Sons Tortilleria. The structure then changed hands in 1931 and was occupied by the Sealy Mattress Company.
However, in 1940, after several other occupants, the building became an actual peanut factory. For many years it then became known as the “Birdsong Peanut Factory.” During this time, the silos were constructed and added on to the building. The building was abandoned in the early ’80s and was largely forgotten until 2013, when construction began on the Lofts. Construction was completed in 2015.
I am proud to say that I live in a former tortilla factory, mattress factory, and peanut factory. Besides the old factory building, which includes elegant silo lofts, there are also newly-constructed flats and townhouses available for rent complete with downtown views.
Available lofts have amazing preserved brick walls, all concrete flooring, and ceilings that range from 15-20 feet tall, not to mention all granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
The cabana-style pool also comes in handy after a long day at work in the summer heat. And for those who like to stay fit, there is a 24-hour fitness center in the basement of the historical building; from state-of-the-art equipment to a punching bag.
The future of San Antonio is going to be amazing with all the wonderful development happening, especially in the downtown area. Thankfully, I will have front row seats to the entire adventure. I encourage everyone who wants the same type of experience in San Antonio, to check out all the different housing developments popping up in and around downtown. This is truly just the beginning.
*Top Image: Entryway to The Peanut Factory Lofts. Photo by Scott Ball.
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