MNO Partners is pitching Helotes residents a plan to transform a 20-acre vacant lot in the town northwest of San Antonio.
The New Braunfels-based developer wants to rezon the Bandera Road property to create a retail and residential complex called Trailhead in Helotes, San Antonio Business Journal Report.
This may be difficult to accept among the townspeople, who have history of opposition, because dense development does not conform to urban aesthetics. The site is across the street from the Old Town Helotes, a collection of historic buildings that is the town’s main attraction.
“We have a 20-acre contract site, but the five acres in front of that site will all be used for what I call ‘park-style’ retail,” MNO partner David Morin told the outlet.
40 feet of frontage along the property will be dedicated to tree preservation and will include a 1-mile trail, he said.
“So, when you’re driving around, you’re seeing trees and footpaths most of the time, but the visibility of the retail development is still high,” he said.
Retail tenants may include a dog park, bar, pickleball court, and food truck, while a corner of the site is reserved for a sit-down restaurant. There will also be a multifamily section, but the number of units and other details have not been revealed.
The site must be rezoned from its current commercial district designation for development to take place, which will require the support of local officials and residents.
The MNO plans to promote the city on July 11, and residents will have the opportunity to provide feedback throughout the summer.
— Quinn Donoghue
