(Seguin) — After nearly two decades of anticipation, questions about whether the project would ever become a reality, and a previous groundbreaking ceremony that never led to development, the long-awaited NewQuest project is finally becoming a reality.
Houston-based NewQuest has officially broken ground on infrastructure for the 544-acre Seguin Exchange, a massive mixed-use project at Interstate 10 and State Highway 46 that promises to bring the large-scale retail development local residents have long sought.
The development will include retail, medical, hospitality, entertainment and multifamily uses, along with two million square feet of industrial space. At its heart will be a shopping center totaling more than 750,000 square feet, making it one of the largest commercial developments ever undertaken in Seguin and Guadalupe County.
Austin Alvis, president and chief development officer for NewQuest, says the project’s impact on the local economy will be significant.
“Seguin Exchange is the most significant mixed-use development in Seguin and Guadalupe County, bringing a tremendous economic impact through sales taxes, property taxes and jobs,” said Alvis.
Much of that economic impact is expected to come from the retail component. NewQuest officials say the shopping center will be anchored by a major general merchandise retailer and a home improvement store. Company officials also report that lease negotiations are already underway for more than 400,000 square feet of retail space, including the anchor tenants.
Infrastructure construction is now underway, with utilities and roadway improvements expected to be completed by the end of this year. That work will pave the way for vertical construction of retail, restaurant and other commercial projects. The first stores are expected to open by the end of 2027, with most retailers, restaurants and service businesses opening throughout 2028.
Alvis says Seguin’s rapid growth has finally created the market conditions necessary to support a project of this magnitude.
“Seguin’s population and job growth has been substantial and has garnered the attention of enough retailers to justify new class A development,” said Alvis.
NewQuest originally acquired the property in 2007 and waited years for growth in the region to catch up with its vision for the site. Today, officials say more than 60 master-planned residential communities are under construction across the area, fueling demand for additional shopping, dining and services.
NewQuest investors say located along one mile of Interstate 10 frontage, Seguin Exchange is positioned to serve not only Seguin residents but also workers employed by major manufacturers including Caterpillar Inc. and Vitesco Technologies AG, whose local operations employ thousands.
In addition to retail development, the project includes more than 250 acres designated for industrial growth. The first industrial user, Ohio-based automotive supplier — KTH Parts Industries Inc., has purchased 40 acres and is expected to begin construction in late 2026.
As construction gets underway, Alvis says past years of planning and patience have brought the project to this point.
“We are fortunate to have been patient with superior land positions,” said Alvis. “Exchange represents a long-term bet that will prove to have far-reaching and positive impacts on the local economy. We want to express our sincere gratitude to Seguin and Guadalupe County for their support through the years to get to this critical milestone.”
Business leaders say Houston-based NewQuest continues to be the most active mixed-use developer in Texas. Seguin Exchange is also now one of the largest for the company’s current pipeline – with at least 30 projects in various stages of development.
When fully developed, officials say Seguin Exchange will become a major regional destination and one of the largest economic development projects in Guadalupe County history, bringing new shopping, dining, employment opportunities and investment to Seguin — reportedly one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas.