Two major brands are preparing to put down roots in a tiny Texas town. Plans for their arrival are detailed in a site plan for a property that has been generating buzz in the rural community.
Residents of Castroville, roughly 25 miles from San Antonio, have noticed major construction underway. Next to the Walmart off U.S. Highway 90 — the city’s only national grocer — a massive mixed-use center is under construction.
Several well-known retailers are expected to anchor the 83-acre site. In the latest development, a look at the property flyer on Tuesday, June 9, shows that Boot Barn and Academy Sports + Outdoors have joined the mix. This will put an end to folks driving to the Dove Creek plaza to shop for their products.
According to Merit CRE, a commercial real estate firm working on the project, Academy Sports + Outdoors secured the spot next to Burlington. Meanwhile, the western outfitter will open to the left of Ross Dress For Less.
Medina County residents reacted to the additions on Facebook, with many sharing mixed emotions. Many expressed sadness that the grassy area is being replaced by big-name companies. Others say they are excited to have more retail options.
“Progress happens. We all know it—it’s still okay to mourn a simpler time.” Emilia Meyer wrote in a Facebook post. “My largest fear —with such a focus on box stores and commercial development—we’re losing any charming Alsatian aesthetic we had.”
Castroville is also known as the Little Alsace of Texas. Its French heritage is reflected in much of the town’s architecture and community events, and is part of what visitors and locals find charming. Others revel in the fact that it’s historically avoided the urban push of San Antonio’s Far Westside. Yet some worry that Alsatian Oaks marks the beginning of the end of that avoidance. On its website, Merit CRE describes the forthcoming retail hub’s location as strategic and highly visible.
“Castroville’s close proximity to San Antonio gives us an advantage when consumers on the west side of San Antonio are looking for a place to shop and dine,” the firm’s marketing documents state. “While Castroville has a population of only 3,007, our market area is over 56,000 strong.”
MySA contacted Academy Sports + Outdoors and Boot Barn for details on their grand opening dates. This story will be updated as new information becomes available. Merit CRE declined to comment.
Phase one of the project, estimated to be completed in January 2028, involves the construction of the following tenants: Rack Room Shoes, Bath + Body Works, Burlington, Ross Dress For Less, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Boot Barn, according to Merit CRE. Leasing opportunities for nine other suites remain available. These retailers will be part of a master-planned community featuring over 1,000 residential lots.
According to company flyers, phase two does not have an estimated completion date. It involves the creation of a drive-thru and other retailers, which have not yet been secured by specific tenants.
A past poster displayed near the land suggested that a Chick-fil-A and a Portillo’s were also coming. MySA reached out to those restaurants to confirm whether they still plan to open in Castroville.