Revitalizing San Antonio's South Side: Gilley International's Visionary Approach

Shaping the Future of South San Antonio

On a recent episode of The Building Texas Show, hosted by Texas business leader Justin McKenzie, a groundbreaking conversation unfolded with Gilley Mendoza, the visionary founder of Gilley International Group. Mendoza, a first-generation developer with a profound connection to San Antonio's South Side, shared his ambitious journey from a real estate-enthused college student to a pioneering land developer. His mission? To build long-term generational opportunities and uplift the community that nurtured him.

"I've always envisioned building a brand that could go international," Mendoza articulated, highlighting his deep-rooted belief in starting with the community he calls home. This episode not only spotlighted Mendoza's strategic vision but also underscored the potential of South San Antonio as a burgeoning hub for education, workforce, and housing development.

Unveiling Villaret Commons: A Community in the Making

The spotlight of the discussion was Villaret Commons, an 80-unit mixed residential community poised to cater to the needs of first-generation homeowners, students, and the expanding workforce in the region. Strategically located across Palo Alto College, the development is designed to be a beacon of "approachable housing," with homes priced within the $250,000 to $300,000 range to match the salaries of local manufacturing and trade jobs. Mendoza's commitment to quality without compromise speaks volumes about his development philosophy, one that places the community's needs at the forefront.

With an emphasis on thoughtful, "horizontal" development, including roads, utilities, and modern infrastructure, Villaret Commons is set to become a pivotal addition to South San Antonio. Mendoza's approach, focusing on the corridor between Loop 410 and Loop 1604, identifies this area as ripe for growth, driven by the presence of major educational institutions and expanding industries.

A Commitment to Community and Growth

Mendoza's narrative is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to his roots. Despite the challenges and skepticism that come with development, his strategy hinges on transparency, engagement, and a dedication to providing better housing, retail, and lifestyle options for the South Side residents. This development philosophy has earned the praise of Justin McKenzie, host of The Building Texas Show, who lauded Mendoza's efforts as the epitome of community-focused development with respect for San Antonio's heritage.

Gilley International's approach to aligning new housing with workforce needs, educational institutions, and industrial growth is a testament to Mendoza's long-term vision for the South Side of San Antonio. As the region stands on the cusp of transformation, initiatives like Villaret Commons represent not just physical structures, but pillars of opportunity, progress, and community empowerment.

The episode featuring Gilley Mendoza on The Building Texas Show is more than just a conversation; it's a call to action for developers, community leaders, and residents to envision and work towards a future where growth is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in the community's needs and aspirations. Watch the full episode to witness how Mendoza and the Gilley International Group are setting new benchmarks for development in Texas, fostering a legacy of progress and resilience on the South Side of San Antonio. Watch the Full Episode.