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Board orders demolition of multiple unfinished Lake Vista structures, requires partial foundation remediation
Summary
After evidence of vandalism, removed framing and safety hazards at 8503 Lake Vista Street, the Building Standards Board ordered demolition of select structures, cleanup, continued security and removal/filling of two unfinished foundations; other foundations to remain.
The Building Standards Board voted unanimously Feb. 13 to order demolition of multiple unfinished and vandalized structures at 8503 Lake Vista Street and to require cleanup, continued security and limited foundation remediation.
Dangerous‑premises officer Stephanie Sanchez described 10 structures on the site — a mix of incomplete foundations, partially built wood‑frame buildings and finished foundations with rebar and anchor bolts protruding. Photos and staff analysis showed removed headers and studs, fallen roof trusses, exposed rebar that poses tripping hazards and evidence of trespass, dumping and vagrant occupation. Staff recommended demolition of all structures, removal of foundations and continued site security.
Alejandro Bautista, who said he represented the prior developer San Antonio 101 TX LLC, told the board that the company lost title to the property after a bank foreclosure and that a prospective buyer and bonding company were in due diligence discussions. Bautista asked the board to preserve completed foundations because they are the basis for lender and builder interest; he warned that removing foundations would likely kill pending financing and end prospects for redevelopment.
Board members and staff compromised: the board ordered demolition within 30 days for the listed buildings (Buildings 1, 2, 4, 8, 9 and 10 per staff numbering), required that the entire site be cut, cleaned and remain secure, and directed that two incomplete foundation pits (Buildings 6 and 7) be removed and the ground filled to eliminate hazards. The board left in place two completed foundations (Buildings 3 and 5) and clarified those foundations would remain as‑is. The vote passed 8–0.
Development Services noted the city had already erected temporary fencing and planned debris‑removal proceedings; the board added site remediation for the two unfinished foundation pits to address immediate public‑safety hazards near adjacent apartment complexes.
