Developer Gilley Mendoza Outlines South San Antonio Growth Strategy on Building Texas Show

Developer Gilley Mendoza, founder of Gilley International Group, recently appeared on The Building Texas Show to discuss his ambitious strategy for developing South San Antonio's largely untapped corridor between Loop 410 and Loop 1604. Mendoza, a first-generation developer with deep roots in the area, emphasized a community-driven approach focused on creating long-term generational opportunity. "I've always envisioned building a brand that could go international," Mendoza said. "But it starts here, with my own community."

The South Side region is identified as one of Texas' most promising growth areas, contrasting with the fully developed North San Antonio. Major institutional anchors are fueling this momentum, including Palo Alto College, directly across from Mendoza's flagship development, and Texas A&M University–San Antonio, one of Texas' fastest-growing universities with a 700-acre master plan. Expanding advanced manufacturing from employers like Toyota and JCB further positions the South Side as an emerging workforce, education, and housing cluster. "For the next 20 years, there is room for growth for everybody," Mendoza noted regarding the greenfield opportunities.

During the episode, Mendoza unveiled new details about Villaret Commons, an 80-unit mixed residential community designed for first-generation homeowners, students, and the expanding workforce. Located directly across from Palo Alto College, the project will feature 19 duplexes and 42 single-family homes with thoughtful horizontal development including roads and utilities. With horizontal construction scheduled for completion in the next 45 days, Villaret Commons aims to become one of the most accessible new communities in South San Antonio. More information about the show and this episode can be found at https://youtu.be/TWo74ePiNSQ.

Gilley International Group emphasizes "approachable housing"—homes priced to match South Side manufacturing and trade salaries without compromising quality, intentionally built in the $250,000 to $300,000 range. "I didn't say it was 'affordable' housing," Mendoza explained. "But we are intentionally building homes in the $250,000 to $300,000 range because that's where the community's workforce is. That's the opportunity." This strategy contrasts with large institutional builders moving into sensitive neighborhoods, focusing instead on aligning development with local economic realities.

Mendoza discussed the challenges and opportunities of building in his hometown, acknowledging resident skepticism toward developers while advocating for transparency and engagement. "You can't make everyone happy," he said. "But most people on the South Side want better retail, better housing, better options. I grew up here. I'm willing to do the work, have the conversations, and build what this community deserves." Host Justin McKenzie praised this commitment, calling it "the best kind of development we can hope for—local investors reinvesting in their own community with intention, long-term thinking, and respect for San Antonio's heritage."

The development philosophy centers on responsible growth that connects housing with workforce needs, educational institutions, and South Texas' expanding industrial corridors. By focusing on the underserved South Side corridor, Gilley International Group's strategy highlights a significant shift in San Antonio's urban development patterns, potentially setting a precedent for community-aligned real estate investment in growing Texas regions. This approach matters as it addresses critical housing accessibility while supporting economic and educational infrastructure, demonstrating how localized development can foster sustainable regional growth without displacing existing communities.