Harbor Freight Tools, USA, Inc. renewed 18,125 square feet at 5464 Walzem Road in San Antonio, TX. Kat Morrison represented the landlord, Hartman Income REIT. 

The Kerr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) announced today that its “KerrEDGE Entrepreneurial Center” is now open. The one-stop-shop for current and prospective business owners offers support, education and mentorship from national and regional experts. It is the first of its kind in the Texas Hill Country region – an area along the growing San Antonio – Austin business corridor, home to 4.5 million people.

The KerrEDGE Entrepreneurial Center, which plans to open a brick-and-mortar facility in 2022, aims to diversify the area’s economy, making it a cross-sector “hotbed” for innovation and investment. The region’s growing industries include aviation and avionics, health care, craft agriculture and advanced manufacturing.

“About half of the U.S. private workforce is employed in the small business sector, and 99% of Kerrville’s businesses are considered ‘small,’” said Kerr EDC Executive Director Gil Salinas. “Because these companies have a significant economic impact, it remains vital to the Texas economy to encourage entrepreneurship and support local businesses. That is exactly what we aim to do with the area’s first-ever Entrepreneurial Center.”

Kerr County, Texas, remains a prime destination for new business relocation and remote work and has seen 15 new businesses launch in the past 18 months. The region remains particularly attractive to agriculture, technology and manufacturing entrepreneurs, as well as companies in aerospace and avionics.

“Kerrville provides the best of both worlds: It’s a county of some 53,000 residents and so a desirable, tight-knit community, though it offers the rural retreat that many seek in the Hill Country,” said Austin Brown, who recently expanded his business, Prime Metal Buildings & Components, to Kerr County. “I expect the county’s growth to continue at a rapid pace and look forward to being a part of its collective future.”

KerrEDGE programs include a monthly roundtable series that began streaming in late May. Upcoming sessions will cover topics such as finance, leadership, marketing, real estate, business law, strategy, insurance, and more. The training is designed to help entrepreneurs succeed throughout multiple business cycles – from inception to start-up and scaling for growth.

Lument has announced the closing of an $18.6 million Fannie Mae loan to refinance bridge debt on Meadows Apartments, a 216-unit multifamily community in Universal City, Texas. Lument’s Marc Suarez spearheaded the transaction.

The sponsor is Lynd Company, a multifamily developer and manager with a portfolio of 42,000 units in 187 properties across 26 states. In 2019, Lument provided $41.6 in bridge financing to Lynd for a three-property portfolio which included Meadows Apartments. The $18.6 million Fannie Mae multifamily loan replaces the bridge financing on Meadows and puts in place an attractive long-term debt solution with a low, fixed interest rate.

Meadows Apartments was constructed in 1972 and has been owned by Lynd for over 30 years. The community is 100% mission-driven, with all of the 216 units affordable to renters at 80% area median income (AMI).

“Lynd excels at enriching communities across the country with high-quality affordable housing,” stated Suarez. “Any time we can collaborate with them to advance that mission — we’re all in.”

In addition to the low-interest rate, the transaction qualified for Fannie Mae’s Green Rewards program, resulting in over $100,000 for green repairs, including measures that are anticipated to save over 30% on water and energy usage at the property.

Koontz Set to Develop 35-Acre Industrial Park on the Near West Side of San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO—August 2, 2021. San Antonio-based Koontz Corporation today announced plans to develop Westport Industrial Park, a 35-acre industrial project near the corner of South Callaghan Road and Highway 151 on the Near West side of San Antonio.

“The west side of San Antonio has experienced rapid residential growth over the past decade, with limited industrial inventory available for businesses supplying and servicing this burgeoning market,” said Koontz Corporation President and CEO Bart Koontz. “The area’s manufacturing base is also poised for significant growth, and we want to be there to serve that demand.”

The future Westport Industrial Park will consist of four 90,000 square-foot industrial buildings featuring 24-foot clear heights, ESFR sprinkler system, 130-foot truck courts and trailer parking. Westport is in the design phase and additional amenities are still to be determined, as are the project consultants, all of which will be announced at a later date.

When completed, The Westport development will be able to accommodate tenants’ space needs ranging from 25,000 to 90,000 square feet.
Koontz Corporation purchased the site on July 26, 2021, from three sellers, two of whom were represented by Harry Leeper, of Leeper Commercial Real Estate Brokerage, and the other by Glen Boehm, of The Boehm Team/Keller Williams Commercial Real Estate. Koontz’s in-house broker, Loren Gulley, represented them as the buyer.

Landmark developments in the vicinity of the future Westport Industrial Park include the San Antonio Food Bank, Glazer’s Beer and Beverage, and Silver Eagle Distributors, an Amazon sortation center, and Bay Valley Foods. Bill Miller Bar-B-Q recently announced construction of its $60 million corporate headquarters and commissary on 57 acres near the intersection of Enrique Barerra Parkway and SH 151. Additionally, Toronto-based FGF Brands is moving forward with plans to build a new $129 million bakery on 100 acres at the southwest corner of Callaghan and SH 151. When complete, the bakery is expected to employ nearly 1,000 full-time workers.

Westport Industrial Park will be built in two phases, with each consisting of two buildings. Phase I construction is slated to begin during the first quarter of 2022, with completion by year’s end. Preleasing will begin soon. “We believe our Westport project will be the right product at the right time for the city’s booming Near West area,” said Koontz. “We’re excited to be a part of the area’s dynamic growth.”

About Koontz Corporation

Headquartered in San Antonio, Koontz Corporation is an award-winning industry leader in the development of commercial and multi-family properties throughout the state of Texas. The company takes great pride in building projects of enduring quality and exceptional value for their clients, investors, buyers and tenants.

For more information, visit //www.koontzcorp.com.

Evert Y Chung, Ashley A. Perez, and Gina M. Rodriguez leased 2,758 square feet at 8610 North New Braunfels in San Antonio, TX. Kacie Skeen and Austin Brodeur represented the landlord, Hartman Income REIT.