The McLain, a planned multimillion-dollar student housing project near Texas State University in San Marcos, is moving closer to construction.
MySanAntonio.com reports that filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation outline an $88.5 million, three-building student-focused housing development across from the Texas State campus.
Plans call for about 345,000 square feet of multifamily units, structured parking and tenant amenities. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, and completion is expected by August 2028.
The San Marcos City Council voted 6–1 in April 2024 to approve rezoning and a conditional use permit for high-density student housing on the south corners of Lindsey and North streets.
Supporters of the McLain have argued the new complex would bring more students within walking distance of downtown and the university.
Opponents, meanwhile, say they worry that demolishing existing apartments would accelerate the loss of older, lower-cost housing and leave existing tenants with few affordable options near campus.
Others argued that another dense student-focused development could intensify noise, traffic and displacement pressures in a residential area.
To address criticism, city leaders added several conditions during the 2024 approval process, including giving tenants 12 months to relocate, expanding eligibility for families seeking comparable rents in the new development, lowering one building’s height from four stories to three and preventing the developer from selling the property to a non-taxpaying entity for seven years.
