MNO Plans Resi, Retail in Helotes, Northwest of San Antonio

MNO Partners is pitching a plan to Helotes residents that would transform a vacant 20-acre tract in the town northwest of San Antonio.

The New Braunfels-based developer wants to rezone the property on Bandera Road, to allow for a retail and residential complex called Trailhead at Helotes, the San Antonio Business Journal reported.

It might be a tough sell among townspeople, who have a history of opposition, as dense development is not in line with the city’s aesthetic. The site is across the street from Old Town Helotes, an assemblage of historic properties that is the town’s main attraction.

“We have a 20-acre site under contract, but the front 5 acres of the site will all be dedicated to what I’m calling ‘park-like’ retail,” MNO partner David Morin told the outlet.

Forty feet of frontage along the property will be devoted to tree preservation and will include a 1-mile walking trail, he said.

“So, when you’re driving around you’ll mostly see trees and a walking trail, but there will still be plenty of visibility of the retail development,” he said.

Retail tenants could include a dog park, bar, pickleball court and food trucks, while a corner of the site is reserved for a sit-down restaurant. There will also be a multifamily portion, but the number of units and other details haven’t been revealed.

The site will have to be rezoned from its current business district designation for the development to happen, which will require support from local officials and residents.

MNO plans to make its pitch before the city on July 11, and residents will have a chance to provide feedback throughout the summer.

—Quinn Donoghue