1 big thing: Stitching together history at Basila Frocks 

A black-and-white photo shows a two-story, brick building on a street corner with vintage cars parked outside.

2. Central Texas trees under stress

3. Inside the Loop 

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4. Statewide fashion unfurls 

Three women model in a group setting on one side of the image, while a woman wearing an all-black outfit walks a runway on the other side.

5. San Antonio sips: Uncorking a new look 

A view of a wine bar, with high-top seating in the center and tables to the right. Glass pendant lighting, hanging from wooden ceiling planks, accentuates the bar area. 

🍂 Good morning! We hope October is off to a great start.

Today's weather: Mostly sunny, but a chance of showers and storms. High near 94.

Today's newsletter is 945 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Thanks to our editor Bob Gee and copy editors Judith Isacoff and Keely Bastow.

🏀 Madalyn is excited to be at Spurs Media Day. Reply to this email with any burning questions you might have for the team.

🇵🇪 Megan is glad she finally tried the restaurant Leche de Tigre. 

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A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting San Antonio.

Axios San Antonio

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1 big thing: Texas sues EPA over emissions rules

2. 🍷 Texas wine month is here

A hand holding a glass of white wine in the middle of a green vineyard.

3. Inside the Loop

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4. Stat du jour: Higher education's cost 

Illustration of a graduation cap with a sales tag on the tassel

First look: Idle Beer Hall opening near downtown San Antonio

5. First look: New craft beer spot

🌧️ Today's weather: A 40% chance of rain with a high near 96 and a heat index up to 104.

🗳️ Situational awareness: Tuesday is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 7 constitutional amendment election.

Today's newsletter is 921 words — a 3.5-minute read.

✈️ Madalyn is excited to see her coworkers in Charlotte tomorrow, but not looking forward to her early flight.

🧛 Megan is continuing her October movie marathon with "The Lost Boys," the fun 1987 vampire movie.

1 big thing: Child care crisis looms 

Illustration of a child guiding a green toy train with dollar sign wheels off the edge of a table

San Antonio still has more remote workers than before COVID

2. 💻 Remote work holds steady in San Antonio

Illustration of a highway looping around and writing the letters SA. 

4. Weekender Guide: coffee and concerts 

On the job hunt?

5. Pic du jour: Coffee gang continues 

☀️ Welcome to Friday's prequel. We hope it's a fun one!

Today's weather: Sunny with a high near 96.

⚠️ Situational awareness: The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality declared today an Ozone Action Day because of expected high ozone levels.

Residents, especially those with respiratory issues, are advised to limit outdoor activities.

Today's newsletter is 915 words — a 3.5-minute read.

Thanks to our editor Bob Gee and copy editors Judith Isacoff and Carolyn DiPaolo. 

✌🏻 Madalyn is enjoying a peaceful day away from her computer in the Hill Country. 

🫶 Megan is learning about the new ceramics artist-in-residence at Mission San Juan.

1 big thing: Mexican regional music goes global

2. No one wants your fixer-upper

Illustration of two hammers forming an "X" shape. 

Illustration of the Axios logo wearing cowboy boots.

Trying Plantaqueria's vegan breakfast tacos in downtown San Antonio

4. Two, one, oh 🤩: Plantaqueria

Vegan breakfast tacos with red and green salsas on a bright pink plate with a blue and white checkered napkin.

5. 🎃 One burning question to go: Halloween decor

☕ TGIF, San Antonio! Enjoy a cuppa joe this National Coffee Day.

🚧 Situational awareness: Expect Southtown traffic. Beginning Monday, South Alamo Street will be closed to northbound and southbound traffic at César E. Chávez Boulevard through mid-November.

César E. Chávez will also be closed to westbound and eastbound traffic at Santa Rosa Avenue through the end of November.

Today's newsletter is 948 words — a 3.5-minute read.

🎤 Madalyn is excited for a girls' night at the Becky G concert.

🥂 Megan is looking forward to celebrating a long birthday weekend with friends.

1 big thing: Supreme Court to rule on Texas social media law

Exterior view of the SCOTUS building, showing its columns.

2. Key quotes from Spurs media day

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4. S.A. snapshots: Capturing our charm 

Postcard-like mural says "Greetings from San Antonio" with letters that are filled with smaller paintings of San Antonio landmarks.

A new career is waiting for you

5. One taco to go: Torres Special

An open-faced taco filled with beans, cheese, rice, bacon and guacamole. 

💪🏼 Good morning! New day, new victories.

Today's weather: A chance of storms, with a high of 92.

📳 Situational awareness: Don't be caught off guard. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will send out a standard test of the Emergency Alert System tomorrow at 1:20 p.m.

You'll receive the alerts on TVs, radios and cellphones, even if you've opted out of receiving them. No action is needed.

Today's newsletter is 900 words — a 3.5-minute read.

😍 Madalyn is loving how the University of Texas Longhorns band paid tribute to Selena over the weekend.

🎃 Megan is settling into October by getting her pumpkins from H-E-B. 

Idle Beer Hall and Brewery will open Friday at Make Ready Market, a new food hall in the River North area, just north of downtown.

What they did: Pouring with Heart, the bar's parent company, converted a portion of the former Cavender Cadillac dealership into Idle Beer Hall.

It features an indoor bar area with Mexican-inspired design elements and a dog-friendly courtyard.

Details: The brewery will serve Kolsches, Pilsners, lagers and IPAs.

The interior of Idle Beer Hall and Brewery. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios

Zoom out: Pouring with Heart also owns Three Star Bar on East Grayson Street and some Austin drinking spots.

The company also has locations in California and Colorado.

Idle Beer Hall and Brewery is ready to open. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios

Idle Beer Hall and Brewery will open Friday at Make Ready Market, a new food hall in the River North area, just north of downtown.What they did: Pouring with Heart, the bar&#x27;s parent company, converted a portion of the former Cavender Cadillac dealership into Idle Beer Hall.

News

Business

Things to Do

When Basila Frocks Co. opened in 1929 on the West Side, the city was a thriving hub for garment manufacturing, and the factory served as a focal point for entrepreneurial activity — something developers are working to revive at the location.

What's happening: Prosper West, a nonprofit focused on Westside economic growth, partnered with local developer DreamOn Group to transform the building into a modern hub for local businesses, especially those with ties to the neighborhood.

Why it matters: The building is important in Westside history, underlining the resilience of the historically low-income community. It's a testament to the work of Latinas in the garment industry.

Despite numerous challenges, these women played a vital role in supporting their families and in the local economy.

A black-and-white photo showing four women, wearing clothing of the era, sitting a sewing tables 

Basila Frocks seamstresses. Photo: Courtesy of Prosper West

Flashback: Nicolas and Marie Basila, an immigrant Syrian couple, opened the building to house their ready-to-wear dress factory.

The manufacturing space was on the second floor until it closed in 1936.

The street level housed social gathering spaces and hosted quinceaneras and performances by popular Latino singers like Perry Salinas.

State of play: The nearly century-old, 20,000-square-foot building stands out on its portion of Zarzamora, an artery of the Westside, amid smaller one-story structures. Described as "daylight factory" architecture, it incorporates high-rated fire safety materials of the era, which ensured safer and healthier working conditions.

Prosper West president Ramiro Gonzales tells Axios the building is a "happy surprise" on the street and a source of pride for area residents.

"People pass by it and reminisce, and even though people don't spend their time there now, it's still incredible how close people are to that building just being there. They'd rather see it vacant than see it torn down, but they absolutely want to see revitalized," he says.

What's next: Gonzales hopes the project will break ground by the end of the year.

It will serve as the headquarters for Prosper West with space for 10 to 15 units of commercial space.

There will also be a plaza, which will be used for events and food trucks.

A rendering showing a two-story structure with a grassy plaza and two food trucks parked nearby.

Rendering of the Basila Frocks project. Photo: Courtesy of Prosper West 

What they're saying: The goal is to position the building as a catalyst for economic mobility, so the Westside isn't left behind in the city's growth. The entrepreneurial spirit initiated by the Basilas is the cornerstone of the renovation, Gonzales says.

"We want this to be a place that the community embraces and feels like they've regained for the Westside."

Hispanic heritage journey: Stitching together history at Basila Frocks

Two groups are working to preserve the storied space for the Westside.

Basila Frocks in 1949. Photo: Courtesy of Prosper West

When Basila Frocks Co. opened in 1929 on the West Side, the city was a thriving hub for garment manufacturing, and the factory served as a focal point for entrepreneurial activity — something developers are working to revive at the location.What&#x27;s happening: Prosper West, a nonprofit focused on Westside economic growth, partnered with local developer DreamOn Group to transform the building into a modern hub for local businesses, especially those with ties to the neighborhood.

Culture

Development

The Spurs hosted media day on Monday, gathering journalists to interview coach Gregg Popovich and players including Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, Jeremy Sochan and, of course, Victor Wembanyama

Why it matters: It was the first time since June that the Spurs spoke to the media following a whirlwind summer, highlighted by the addition of Wembanyama, the 19-year-old French phenom who is the most anticipated NBA rookie since LeBron James.

Spurs fans are hoping that Wembanyama can turn around a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2019.

Yes, but: The common theme throughout the day was that the 2023-2024 season will be about more than Wembanyama.

Catch up fast: Here are some key quotes from media day.

A group of Spurs players pose for photos.

Jeremy Sochan, Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios

"I understand that but there's a team out there. He's no different from anyone else. He's got to develop and improve his knowledge of the game and some of his skills just like every other player. Fortunately for us, he's very coachable, he's very intelligent."

Popovich on roster rotations, now that Wembanyama is part of the team:

"If Manu Ginobili can come off the bench, anyone can, and I don't want to hear it."

Sochan on building team camaraderie outside of the buzz, and if other players will follow his lead in dying their hair:

"It's been a lot of fun. We've been going to dinners, bowling and stuff like that. I don't know about the hair thing. I think it'll just be me for now. I've tried to get the whole team to do it, but we'll see what happens."

Wembanyama on realizing he's a Spurs player:

"It's hitting me more and more every day, but at first I didn't realize how big of an impact this could be. It's really funny walking around or driving around and seeing my face sometimes. People here treat me like family even though they don't know me. It's a really good place."

Johnson on the Spurs being overlooked in previous seasons:

"We've been slept on, I feel like we've been overlooked as far as saying we don't have good talent. I feel like we put in a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day, once we get out there on the court, can't no media talent play for us, can't no coach play for us. I feel like when I look to the left and right I'm pretty comfortable with who I have going to war for me each and every night. I'm excited. I feel like my teammates are excited. We're ready to stir some things up."

What's next: The Spurs tip off the 2023-2024 season against the Dallas Mavericks at home on Oct. 25.

Here's what the Spurs had to say during media day

The future of the Spurs. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios 

The Spurs hosted media day on Monday, gathering journalists to interview coach Gregg Popovich and players including Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, Zach Collins, Jeremy Sochan and, of course, Victor WembanyamaWhy it matters: It was the first time since June that the Spurs spoke to the media following a whirlwind summer, highlighted by the addition of Wembanyama, the 19-year-old French phenom who is the most anticipated NBA rookie since LeBron James.

Sports

Exciting news for wine enthusiasts: High Street Wine Co. has reopened in a significantly larger space.

What they did: The Pearl wine bar temporarily closed in July for renovations.

High Street acquired an adjacent tenant space, demolished the dividing wall and expanded its area.

Details: The enhanced space features an expansive bar, modern lighting and ample seating.

By the numbers: High Street now covers 2,888 square feet, up from the previous 1,250 square feet, according to the Express-News.

It can now accommodate 120 people, versus the previous 40.

The cellar space more than doubled and now holds 2,500 bottles.

About 70 wines by the glass are offered, up from 45.

Flashback: The bar was a James Beard semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program in 2022.

First look: Pearl's High Street Wine Co. expands, reopens

High Street Wine's makeover is ready for sights and sips.

High Street's much roomier bar area. Photo: Madalyn Mendoza/Axios

Exciting news for wine enthusiasts: High Street Wine Co. has reopened in a significantly larger space.What they did: The Pearl wine bar temporarily closed in July for renovations.

Local and statewide talent is hitting the runway for the third installment of Texas Fashion Week, hosted in San Antonio.

Why it matters: The event, which features runways, panels and networking opportunities, serves as a platform for emerging designers and models throughout Texas.

It also aims to propel Texas onto the international fashion stage as a hub for creativity.

What's happening: The event kicked off Sunday and will culminate in an awards show on Saturday at the Tobin Center.

Most of the events will take place at KLRN TV studios on Broadway.

Three college designers from different Texas universities will be showcased.

See the full schedule and ticket information here.

What they're saying: "Fashion students deserve a chance to stage their work as well, without the standard financial limitations holding them back," Saige Thomas, executive producer of Texas Fashion Week, says in a statement.

San Antonio hosts third annual Texas Fashion Week

The fashion events will be hosted throughout the week.

Looks from previous years of Texas Fashion Week. Photo: Courtesy of Texas Fashion Industry Initiative

Local and statewide talent is hitting the runway for the third installment of Texas Fashion Week, hosted in San Antonio.Why it matters: The event, which features runways, panels and networking opportunities, serves as a platform for emerging designers and models throughout Texas.

Madalyn Mendoza

Stories

First look: Idle Beer Hall opening near downtown San Antonio

Here's what the Spurs had to say during media day

Hispanic heritage journey: Stitching together history at Basila Frocks

San Antonio hosts third annual Texas Fashion Week

First look: Pearl's High Street Wine Co. expands, reopens

Newsletter editions

🍷 Wine month deals

🏀 Inside Spurs world

🧵 Weaving Westside's tale

🌎 Mexican music's moment

👶🏻 Child care crunch