OPEN DOORS: Oak Hollow joins The Ranch as Seguin’s apartment options blossom

SEGUIN - Two large apartment complexes have opened this year in the city, and management teams at both complexes are being kept busy with inquiries from prospective residents.

The Ranch at State Highway 123, a 180-unit complex, opened in March in the 3000 block of North 123 Bypass, and Oak Hollow, a 160-unit complex, began leasing in July at its location on Jim Barnes Drive east of the intersection of South 123 Bypass and Barnes Drive.

Oak Hollow's management describes it as "a community of apartment homes." It consists of 80 one-bedroom apartments, 72 two-bedroom units and eight three-bedroom units.

"It's not your everyday apartment complex," said Lacey Garner, assistant vice president with Greystone Asset Management. "Our builders and our owners have taken into consideration trying to reduce our carbon footprint.

"We want to help Seguin ‘go green,'" Garner said.

Oak Hollow was constructed of sustainable materials and provides energy-efficient green initiatives as standard features.

For example, all light fixtures are fitted with compact fluorescent bulbs, and Garner said management will replace the bulbs when they go out.

All appliances are energy star rated, and the air conditioning and heating systems use energy-efficient heat pumps and digital thermostats that will help keep down residents' utility bills. Energy-efficient ceiling fans are installed in living rooms and master bedrooms.

Garner said Oak Hollow emphasizes an outdoor green lifestyle. Bicycle racks are conveniently located adjacent to the buildings, and there is a bike lane around the inside perimeter of the gated community.

The custom-designed swimming pool features a flowing waterfall and a hot spa heated by propane. Park benches are provided throughout the apartment community, and there also are barbecue grills, a gazebo and a picnic area.

Besides a state-of-the-art fitness center, Oak Hollow residents will have access to a competition-sized sand volleyball court and a basketball goal on a regulation striped concrete court. Residents also have free use of a business center offering computers and Internet access.

Oak Hollow's first building was completed in August, and a second building recently was released as completed. The entire complex is expected to be finished by November, and a grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 28.

At the grand opening, a 52-inch TV will be raffled off, and management will be collecting used cellphones and used ink cartridges. All proceeds will go to the Wish Upon A Hero Foundation which provides assistance to military families including medical needs, basic living needs, children and youth education and animal welfare.

Meanwhile, Oak Hollow offers a move-in special of one month free rent for residents who put down a deposit by Oct. 3.

Office hours at Oak Hollow are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Additional information is available by calling 830-386-0028 or by visiting their website, www.oakhollowliving.com/.

On the north side of Seguin, The Ranch at State Highway 123 has been leasing for five months, and the complex is nearly full.

"We're at 87 percent occupied right now," said Josh Garza, community director at The Ranch. "We only have one floor plan left, the Davy Crockett."

Floor plans at The Ranch are named after heroes of Texas history. The Davy Crockett is a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with a study.

Garza said The Ranch is "very, very close" to being 100 percent leased.

"The velocity has been tremendous," he said. "It's just getting the last few units tied up, and the race will be over."

Asked if most of the residents are moving to The Ranch from elsewhere in Seguin or coming from out of town, Garza said, "It's probably about half and half."

He described a diverse group of residents that includes retirees as well as young people. Some residents are university students, and others are associated with major local industries as well as some who are working in the area as a result of oil and gas activity.

Terry Trevino, executive director of the Seguin Economic Development Corp., said the new apartment complexes are good for Seguin's economy.

"Anytime you have available housing inventory, you open the door for businesses to be able to hire people who live close to where they work," Trevino said.

She pointed out that some residents will live in apartments for six months or so and decide they like the community to the point of looking for a larger home to rent or purchase.

"It encourages people to come and live here," Trevino said.