History of Brooks City Air Force Base
Located on the grounds of the former Brooks Air Force Base, Los Cielos at Brooks has a proud place in American history, stretching back to World War I and JFK's fateful Texas trip in 1963. Established more than a century ago, the Brooks Air Force Base's military presence and spirit of innovation were vital to San Antonio's economic growth. And that tradition continues today with the new, vibrant Brooks master-planned community unfolding on the South Side of San Antonio.
During both World Wars, Brooks Air Force Base was home to thousands of Air Force cadets who eagerly signed up to serve their country. Before heading overseas for active duty, the young pilots would spend countless hours training on the Curtiss JN "Jenny" planes out of Hangar 9. The Brooks redevelopment vision honors these significant historical roots and has carefully preserved Hangar 9 and transformed it into a stunning venue. Today, Hangar 9 is host to popular community events like the annual Día del los Muertos Gala and the backdrop for weddings, holiday parties and exhibitions.
Fast forward to President John F. Kennedy's historic 1963 visit to Texas, where he made his first stop at Brooks Air Force Base to dedicate the School of Aerospace Medicine. In his last official act, JFK delivered an inspiring speech to a large Texas crowd about embracing new frontiers and standing on the cusp of a new era brimming with opportunity. Today, his message of innovation, ambition, and limitless possibilities reverberates throughout Brooks. It is the guiding force transforming this South Side community into a thriving hub for businesses, entrepreneurs, and families looking to put down some roots.
Los Cielos at Brooks is honored to provide single-family and townhome rentals in this vibrant and ever-evolving corner of San Antonio. We give our residents the runway they need to experience a true feeling of community with all the conveniences of modern living that is uniquely Brooks.
Brooks Air Force Base Fun Facts
Measuring Speed
Before planes had fancy instruments to measure speed, pilots chased jackrabbits through the grounds of Brooks Field. When their aircraft reached the same speed as the rabbit, they knew they had enough speed to become airborne.
Hanger 9
Hangar 9 is the only aircraft hangar listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 1918 wood structure has been carefully restored and transformed into a spectacular event hall, where you can sense the history of its timbers course through you.
Birthplace of Innovation
Constantly innovating, Brooks Air Force Base was the birthplace of several 20th-century innovations in aviation, including early flight instruments (good-bye bunnies) and the backpack parachute, plus the modern medical technologies of the MRIs and Lasik.