Hurdle cleared for possible Tesla showroom

This building, the former headquarters of San Antonio-based cybersecurity company E-Watch, is being converted into Tesla’s new showroom and service center. This building, the former headquarters of San Antonio-based cybersecurity company E-Watch, is being converted into Tesla’s new showroom and service center. Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News Photo: John Davenport /San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Hurdle cleared for possible Tesla showroom 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Plans to rezone a property that Tesla is eyeing for its first San Antonio showroom got a thumbs-up from the city Zoning Commission on Tuesday.

The commission approved the request to rezone the 1.4-acre property, at 23011 Interstate 10, to allow for vehicle sales. City Council will consider the request on August 4.

Tesla filed an inquiry with the city in April asking if the property could be used as an electric vehicle showroom and service station under its current zoning. But it’s unclear whether Tesla is involved with this application for a zoning change.

The application was submitted by the property’s current owner, Unobtanium Property Solutions LLC, a company led by local tech pioneer David Monroe. Unobtanium is selling it to local commercial real estate firm Concord Properties, which plans to lease it to a tenant, said Ken Brown, an attorney at Brown & Ortiz who is representing the firm. He said he didn’t know the identity of the tenant.

Reached by phone, Concord Properties Vice President Chuck Reger said he couldn’t discuss the property because of a confidentiality agreement. David Monroe didn’t respond to a request for comment.

On Tuesday, Tesla spokeswoman Alexis Georgeson said in an email the company “plans to have a presence in San Antonio and (is) currently evaluating different locations.” She didn’t answer a question about whether it is considering the 23011 Interstate 10 site.

The property includes a 12,700 square-foot building that would be used as an automotive showroom if the rezoning is approved, according to plans submitted to the city by Unobtanium Property Solutions.