A historic East Side shopping center is getting a new lease on life with a slate of new businesses. On April 26, the '50s era strip at 904 E. Nolan St. in Dignowity Hill will relaunch as Nolan + Pine, a new retail and dining destination.
Since 2012, neighborhood Tex-Mex diner Panchos & Gringos has anchored the small center, but the retail concepts and office spaces have come and gone. With an upcoming block party, both new and old tenants are putting up a unified front.
Three newcomers will be celebrating their grand openings at the event. Popular barber shop Traveler has opened a satellite location, and Tyler Beakley, the owner of San Antonio tea brand Relyt, will debut Wildcraft General, a contemporary apothecary selling home, pantry, and wardrobe goods.
Army veteran-owned Blue Falcon Bar, which quietly opened in November 2024, will also celebrate its grand opening. Gift shop and home goods store Son of a Sailor, which relocated from Austin to San Antonio in 2023, will be celebrating its 14th anniversary in business.
Each storefront has new hand-painted signage.Photo courtesy of Billy Knopp.
Alexander Perez and Michael Casteneda, the center's owners, have been slowly curating Nolan + Pine's businesses to turn the building into a community hub. The pair worked with Son of a Sailor co-owner Billy Knopp and Domeinic Jimenez or Teardrop Studio to create hand-painted period-appropriate branding for each small business.
"The building finally is full of new and old tenants that are all happy to be part of this neighborhood and community," says Knopp.
During the block party, the storefronts have come together to offer fun at each stop. Son of a Sailor will lead the charge with a permanent jewelry station, free drinks, treats from Coven Cakes, and raffles.
The shindig will also include several pop-ups, including Pin & Pencil Tattoos, Good Eye Gordie, Mas Creatives, Anthology Photo, and Lauren Berk. Hungry guests can stop by Panchos & Gringos for brunch or grab barbecue from the David Andrews Co. food truck.
The April 26 event will be held from noon-4 pm. And a hint to anyone planning to enjoy Fiesta activities later that night: the party will have a flower crown station.
