The 135,000 sq. ft. shopping center is the largest retail space built in Seguin in more than 30 years
(Seguin) — The largest retail development project in nearly 30 years is coming to Seguin. The Seguin City Council on Tuesday approved a deal that will allow the Seguin Crossing retail project to get started.
The new shopping center will be built along the Interstate 10 Frontage Road and Jay Road, which is an area near the Starbucks located east of State Highway 123. The joint venture is being developed by Collett & Associates and the Alexander Family. The city of Seguin, the Seguin Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and Guadalupe County all worked together to also make this project possible.
Seguin Economic Development Director Josh Schneuker the new shopping center will include a number of major national retailers. He named a few during Tuesday’s council meeting and suggested that more are expected to come.
“This is a big, big deal in Seguin. We are announcing the Seguin Crossing retail development project that will be home to future tenants such as Hobby Lobby, James Avery 5 Below, and a national sporting goods retailer. We anticipate that those tenants are working to be open by the fall of 2025,” said Schneuker.
The Seguin Crossing retail development will include more than 135,000 square feet of new retail space, and it will represent a capital investment of at least $25 million. Schneuker describes it as an historic project for Seguin.
“This is the largest retail project built in Seguin in at least 20 years — since the Home Depot was built. It’s the largest multi-tenant retail development project built in probably about 30 years. So, I want to thank you all, the EDC Board, and the (Guadalupe) County commissioners for helping get this project over the finish line tonight,” said Schneuker.
Much like the recent announcement of Chick-fil-A coming to Seguin, on I-10 near Highway 46, this project will receive some local incentives. Most of that will come from a grant from the SEDC. That grant will be used to help improve the infrastructure in that area so that the project can move forward.
“The EDC, as a part of this project, will be providing an infrastructure grant for the project that you just approved. We’ll be appropriating funds for that out of our incentive infrastructure fund. And we’re also appropriating the funds for the Chick-fil-A project that was approved a few weeks ago. We’re just securing that money and making sure it’s ready to deploy once the (Seguin Crossing) developer and Chick-fil-A meet their performance benchmarks outlined within the performance agreement,” said Schneuker.
Mike Robbe, of Collete & Associates, says they are thrilled to bring this exciting new retail development to Seguin.
“Seguin is one of the fastest-growing communities in the United States, and its rapid population growth has driven significant demand for more retail options. Our decision to develop here was influenced by Seguin’s vibrant economy, strategic location, and the city’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment. The national retailers involved in this project see the immense potential in Seguin and are eager to serve this expanding market. We believe this development will not only meet the needs of the community but also contribute to Seguin’s continued growth and prosperity,” said Robbe.
The project is set to break ground by the end of 2024 on a 14-acre site located at the northeast corner of the westbound Interstate 10 Frontage Road and Jay Road. The majority of the retail tenants at Seguin Crossing aim to open their doors by fall 2025, just in time for the holiday shopping season.
Seguin Mayor Donna Dodgen says they are incredibly excited about the retail project.
“Expanding and diversifying our retail offerings has been a key priority for the city. This development reflects our commitment to providing residents and visitors with access to well-known national retailers. It’s a significant step forward in positioning Seguin as a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, and community activity,” said Mayor Dodgen.
Seguin is currently one of the 25 fastest-growing cities in the United States for communities with populations over 20,000. From 2022 to 2023, Seguin ranked as the 21st fastest-growing city in the nation, with a 7.79 percent population increase.
Between 2020 and 2023, the city experienced a 22.3 percent growth rate, placing it 25th nationally. Within the past year, Seguin has been the fastest-growing community in the San Antonio metro area and the third fastest-growing city in the broader San Antonio-Austin mega region, trailing only the cities of Kyle and Georgetown.
City officials say this rapid growth has spurred a retail boom in Seguin, with national retailers like Chick-fil-A, Ross, Marshalls, Boot Barn, Spec’s, and Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply recently opening or planning to open in the market within the next year.
The new Seguin Crossing retail center will feature Hobby Lobby, Five Below, and James Avery. Schneuker says other stores will be revealed later, including a nationally recognized sporting goods store, which has led to speculation that it will either be an Academy Sports and Outdoors or a Dick’s Sporting Goods store.
The major players in the project include the SEDC, Collett & Associates, and the Alexander Family. The SEDC says it is the driving force behind economic growth and prosperity in Seguin, Texas. As a Type A Economic Development Corporation, the mission of the SEDC is to promote and enhance the economic vitality in Seguin, Texas. The primary goal of the SEDC is to attract and retain businesses, facilitate job creation, and stimulate overall economic prosperity in the community.
Collett & Associates was founded in 1987 in Charlotte, North Carolina. According the press release issued on the project, the company is made up of a team of dedicated real estate professionals whose main goal is to provide the highest level of service possible to our clients. Institutions, corporations and individuals – whether developers, owners or tenants – trust and rely on our experienced and knowledgeable professionals. Collett team members work together to serve our clients in the areas of development, leasing, property management, strategic asset management, investment sales and brokerage.
The Alexander Family is well known in Seguin. Its presence here began in 1980 with the purchase of the Gulf Oil Distributorship. They say recognizing the strategic location of Seguin for future growth, property was acquired along Interstate 10 and SH123 Bypass. Initially constructing a new office for Alexander Oil Company and adding Jud’s Food Stores on the property was the start of attracting new businesses to Seguin. Over the years, the family has also developed other projects, includnig the Ranch at SH 123 Apartments. the development includes two restaurants, four hotels, two coffee offerings and The Ranch at SH123 Apartments. The family stated it is very pleased to have partnered with Collett & Associates to bring a new retail development to the city of Seguin.