Construction crews are set to break ground on a new McDonald’s at 4455 E Southcross Blvd in San Antonio, replacing a six-bay self-service car wash that’s stood on the site since the mid-1980s. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, the project is scheduled to begin this coming October, with completion expected by February 2026.
The new McDonald’s will span 4,146 square feet and include a dual-lane drive-thru layout behind the building. Site work is also part of the scope, likely involving a full demolition of the existing structure and resurfacing of the property.
A Car Wash Built in 1985
The property currently houses a 1,500-square-foot car wash built in 1985, sitting on a 0.47-acre lot. With six wash bays and high visibility from E Southcross Blvd, it has served the surrounding residential neighborhoods for nearly four decades. As of now, the property is listed for sale under its current use, but that listing will likely be withdrawn once construction begins.
Satellite imagery from 1995 and commercial aerials confirm the same structure has occupied the site for years, with the open-bay design unchanged since at least that time. Historical aerials from 1954 show that the lot was undeveloped back then, consistent with broader suburban growth patterns in the area.
High-Traffic Location
The site sits just west of the intersection of E Southcross Blvd, Roland Road, and WW White Road, a high-traffic area that includes a Shell station, Valero, and several small businesses. It’s also near residential zones and public transit lines, which likely influenced the decision to develop a new fast-food restaurant here.
Once complete, this new McDonald’s will serve as a fresh addition to a busy commercial corridor—replacing a piece of 1980s infrastructure that’s quietly faded from relevance.
Last Updated on July 23, 2025 by F.E.M