SAN ANTONIO – The downing of a chain link fence Friday became the symbolic start of a $140 million investment in downtown by grocery giant HEB.
Mayor Julian Castro said the event signifies the first step toward a long awaited downtown HEB set to open next summer at the corner of South Flores Street and Cesar Chavez Boulevard.
"Having a downtown grocery store is important because it can help attract residents who want to live downtown," Castro said. "That's going to spark even more investment and more momentum for the decade of downtown."
He said the grocery giant will also be expanding its downtown headquarters on Arsenal Street, doubling its workforce there over the next 15 years.
For starters, it was announced work will begin on hike and bike trails along South Flores between Arsenal and Cesar Chavez, due for completion by the end of the year.
Dya Campos, HEB spokeswoman, said, "These are improvements to city property. We are donating land and right-of-way."
She said it also is funding and building the pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as other traffic improvements.
"Starting in December, we can start working on the inside of the property and build the new HEB store," said Todd Piland, HEB vice president of real estate.
Piland also said the entrance to its campus will move from Main Street to South Flores, while the employee entrance will be on Dwyer Avenue.
The mayor said the HEB investment also includes a culinary center down the block from its campus, as well as the major renovation of its landmark Nogalitos Street store on the Westside, re-opening in December.
Campos also said after its work downtown is done, HEB has a 20-year maintenance agreement to maintain the city park around the historic Commander's House. She said HEB owns the property around the park.
Early on, there was controversy over the expansion and its effect on neighborhood residents.
However, Campos is confident residents will be pleased with the finished product.
"They understand that change is coming, but change is really going to benefit them and their families and create a more pedestrian-friendly neighborhood," said Campos.