AVENIDA GUADALUPE ASSOCIATION

What started as a gathering of concerned individuals wanting to make a difference in their neighborhood has blossomed into a respected community development corporation and neighborhood association, setting a standard for inner-city revitalization. From that vision was born the Avenida Guadalupe Association (Avenida). The Avenida was incorporated in 1979 to bring community members together in an effort to revitalize the neighborhood and encourage growth through economic development, while preserving the distinctive quality and personality of the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood. Since its incorporation, Avenida has enjoyed steady growth and its mission has evolved over time.

The mission of the Avenida Guadalupe Association is to economically transform the lives of Avenida neighborhood residents and businesses by empowering our community, developing our commerce and honoring our culture. We do that through the various programs we offer in the areas of: Housing, Job Readiness and Learning Centers for members of the Hispanic community

During more than 30 years of service, Avenida Guadalupe has enjoyed significant successes in both economic and housing development, stimulating business and commerce while beautifying and restoring the physical and spiritual character of the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood. Avenida has achieved notable success in a variety of projects, from structural renovations and brand new construction to housing, counseling and cultural events.

Avenida’s most significant accomplishments over the past few years include the following:
Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program – a six-year project consisting of a partnership between the private, public and non-profit sectors of the community, aimed at revitalizing Guadalupe Street from Frio St. to Zarzamora St.

H.A.C.E.R. Gala Award for Best Redevelopment presented to Guadalupe Street Coffee House (November, 2007)

H.A.C.E.R. Gala Award for Partnership of the Year presented to Nationwide Insurance (November, 2007)

Asset Preservation Emergency Repair Program – emergency rehabilitation work, assisting low-income seniors and disabled residents in our community

HUD Certified Counseling Agency -11 years of continuous dedication to the community, touching the lives of over 800 participants in the 8-hour homeownership training course and one-on-one counseling sessions

Single Family Housing Program (In-Fill Housing) – over 7 homes constructed to date, with an additional 7 homes slated for the JT Brackenridge Affordable Subdivision and another 3-4 homes as part of AGA-owned properties

JT Brackenridge Homes – Showcased the first affordable green (energy-efficient) subdivision in San Antonio
First low-income senior residence – The San Jacinto Senior Citizen Community was developed with major funding support from the State of Texas.

Located at 1512 El Paso, San Jacinto’s fifty (50) units offer elderly residents all the conveniences of modern apartments
Bank of America – Neighborhood Community Excellence Award

The Ernest C. Olivares Senior Community Residence – Constructed in 2002, this residence is located at 1003 Vera Cruz Street, just east of South Brazos Street. This facility for independent senior living includes fifty-nine (59) units with balconies/patios and several common areas.

The Charles A. Gonzalez Senior Community Residence – Completed in 2005, Avenida’s third senior housing community, a low-income senior complex, is located at 2022 South Zarzamora Street. This facility, named after Congressman Charles A. Gonzalez, includes sixty (61) units with balconies/patios and several common areas, all designed to facilitate independent senior living.

El Parian Business Incubator Program – provides low-cost office space to cultivate commerce and activity in the area, offering services that satisfy an important need in the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood.

16 de Septiembre Celebration – one of San Antonio’s largest citywide multicultural events, the parade and festival celebrate Mexico’s Declaration of Independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. The Guadalupe Street Parade is the third largest parade in San Antonio and includes the Calle Guadalupe Festival. The festival offers music, food, games and family-friendly events for the entire community. The Diez y Seis Gala is held to honor local individual, civic and business contributions to the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood.