March 11, 2025: Construction is underway at NALCAB’s new San Antonio office in Downtown San Antonio. Photo: NALCAB

After two decades, NALCAB is returning to San Antonio’s Downtown with a new office space, designed by architecture firm Gensler and built by Shepperd Construction. Located at 109 N. San Saba, the new office sits across from San Antonio’s Historic Market Square and at the edge of the city’s historic West Side—an area long recognized as a hub of Latino culture and heritage, with deep ties to San Antonio’s Mexican-American history. Known for its strong sense of community and resilience, the West Side has been home to generations of families and remains central to the city’s identity.

This move takes NALCAB full circle. The West Side was home to NALCAB’s original offices on Avenida Guadalupe, located less than two miles from the new building site. The new office will transform a former Wells Fargo building into a space for community engagement and national collaboration, reinforcing NALCAB’s mission of community economic development while honoring the neighborhood that shaped its early years.

“This homecoming couldn’t be timed better for NALCAB given all that we’ve achieved and all that’s in front of us,” said Marla Bilonick, President and CEO, NALCAB. “I’m thrilled that our national reach will emanate from this location with such significant history and meaning.”

In a year marked by the launch of NALCAB’s 2025-2027 strategic plan and a new brand identity, this move adds to the organization’s growing momentum. To support the transition, NALCAB is launching a Capital Campaign to bridge $4 million for project completion.

The 109 N San Saba building was one of the first banks to serve the West Side Latino community, with a location that was easily accessible and utilized bilingual staff. Westside Bank opened in 1949 and later became West Side State Bank. Services included a drive-in teller window, a night depository, and adjacent parking.

Building with the Best

March 11, 2025, Shepperd’s VP of Sales, Brett Grobarz meets with NALCAB staff and Board of Directors to discuss building layouts. Photo: NALCAB

With walls coming down and the new building progressing, NALCAB’s staff and Board of Directors, visited the building in March for a preview. At 15,570 square feet, NALCAB’s new HQ nearly doubles the size of its current location. This effort represents a broader effort to revitalize and reinvest in a historically significant area. Delivering this vision rests with Gensler and Shepperd Construction – two renowned firms in Texas and beyond.

The building design is inspired by its original Mission-style architecture and thoughtfully blended with principles of modern Mexican design to create a space that feels both rooted in history and relevant to the future. Key features include a double-height atrium that brings natural light into the heart of the building echoing traditional courtyard architecture. Outside the building, the bank’s former drive-through teller line will be transformed into a canopy-covered plaza to host Mercaditos and other community events. Custom furniture, artwork, signage, and accent pieces will be sourced from local artisans and small businesses, embedding the community into every detail of the space. Ultimately, the new space will serve as a hub for gathering, storytelling, and celebration.

“This project is more than reimagining a building; it’s about championing identity, honoring legacy and creating a home for a movement,” said Gerardo Gandy and Lauren Sant, project architects, Gensler. “At its core, the design of NALCAB is shaped by the values of the communities it serves —resilient, resourceful, and reflective of their heritage. Take a look at the latest renderings [here] to see how this vision is coming to life.

Construction VP of Sales, Brett Grobarz of Shepperd Construction emphasized the importance of the project, stating:
“This project is important not only for the West Side but for the city of San Antonio. Bringing NALCAB back to its roots is a joy for us”, said Grobarz. “We know the impact this will have on the mission is massive, said Grobarz. We’re activating a space that was previously underutilized—mainly for parking and bank customers—and transforming it into a place that will engage the public and strengthen the neighborhood’s impact.”

Stay tuned for updates on the project and the upcoming grand opening of this transformative space honoring San Antonio’s West Side. This new office not only reinvests in a historically rich community but strengthens San Antonio’s position as a hub for Latino-led economic development .

Interested in supporting our Capital Campaign? Reach out to our team at development@nalcab.org .