Gilley International Group, a San Antonio-based real estate development firm, showcased its strategy for developing the South Side of San Antonio on a recent episode of The Building Texas Show. Hosted by Texas business leader Justin McKenzie, the episode featured founder Gilley Mendoza discussing how his company is reshaping the region with a focus on community-aligned housing and long-term growth.
Mendoza, a first-generation developer with roots on the South Side, explained his vision for building generational opportunity. “I’ve always envisioned building a brand that could go international,” he said. “But it starts here, with my own community.” Gilley International has identified the corridor between Loop 410 and Loop 1604 as a prime growth area, noting that while North San Antonio is fully developed, the southern arc remains largely greenfield. “For the next 20 years, there is room for growth for everybody,” Mendoza added.
The region's momentum is bolstered by major institutional anchors, including Palo Alto College, Texas A&M University–San Antonio, and expanding advanced manufacturing from companies like Toyota and JCB. These factors position the South Side as a future workforce, education, and housing hub.
During the episode, Mendoza unveiled details about Villaret Commons, an 80-unit mixed residential community directly across from Palo Alto College. The project will feature 19 duplexes (38 doors) and 42 single-family homes, with horizontal construction—including roads and utilities—scheduled for completion within 45 days. This development is designed to meet the needs of first-generation homeowners, students, and the region's expanding workforce.
Mendoza emphasized that Gilley International focuses on “approachable housing,” homes priced between $250,000 and $300,000 to match the salaries of South Side manufacturing and trade workers. “I didn’t say it was ‘affordable’ housing,” he explained. “But we are intentionally building homes in that range because that’s where the community’s workforce is. That’s the opportunity.”
Addressing skepticism from some residents toward developers, Mendoza stressed 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 Mendoza's approach, stating, “This is 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.”
For more on Gilley International's projects, watch the full episode at https://youtu.be/TWo74ePiNSQ.
