Developer Gilley Mendoza, founder of Gilley International Group, recently appeared on The Building Texas Show to outline his firm's strategy for responsible development in South San Antonio. The episode, hosted by Texas business leader Justin McKenzie, highlighted Mendoza's vision for transforming the region between Loop 410 and Loop 1604 into a major workforce, education, and housing cluster.
Mendoza, a first-generation developer with deep roots in the South Side, described his journey from college student to land developer, driven by an early fascination with real estate and a desire to build long-term generational opportunity for his community. "I've always envisioned building a brand that could go international," Mendoza said. "But it starts here, with my own community." This local focus is central to the firm's philosophy, distinguishing it from large institutional builders entering sensitive neighborhoods.
The strategic importance of this development lies in addressing a significant regional imbalance. While North San Antonio has been fully developed for years, the southern arc remains largely greenfield, presenting what Mendoza calls "room for growth for everybody" over the next two decades. This growth is not speculative; it is anchored by major institutions that provide stability and demand. These include Palo Alto College, directly across from Mendoza's flagship development; Texas A&M University–San Antonio, one of Texas's fastest-growing universities with a 700-acre master plan; and expanding advanced manufacturing facilities from employers like Toyota and JCB.
A key project exemplifying this strategy is Villaret Commons, an 80-unit mixed residential community. Located directly across from Palo Alto College, the development is designed to meet the needs of first-generation homeowners, students, and the expanding regional workforce. It will consist of 19 duplexes (38 doors) and 42 single-family homes, supported by complete horizontal infrastructure including roads and utilities. With horizontal construction scheduled for completion within 45 days, the project is poised to become one of the most accessible new communities in the area.
Perhaps the most critical aspect of Mendoza's approach is the concept of "approachable housing." He explicitly distinguishes this from traditional affordable housing, instead focusing on building homes priced between $250,000 and $300,000 to match the salaries of South Side manufacturing and trade jobs without compromising quality. "That's where the community's workforce is," Mendoza explained. "That's the opportunity." This pricing strategy directly impacts local residents by providing homeownership opportunities aligned with prevailing wages, potentially reducing displacement and fostering economic stability.
The development process on the South Side is not without challenges, as Mendoza openly acknowledged resident skepticism toward developers. He emphasizes transparency and community engagement as essential tools. "You can't make everyone happy," he noted. "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 full discussion detailing Mendoza's vision and projects can be viewed on The Building Texas Show's YouTube channel. This model of community-aligned development, focusing on a specific growth corridor supported by institutional anchors and workforce-sensitive pricing, presents a replicable framework for responsible urban expansion that balances economic opportunity with local needs.
