Located at 1601 Nogalitos Street for the past 70 years, the landmark H-E-B grocery store just off Highway 90 has closed for major renovation.
The original is set to become the state's first two story grocery store with an escalator, similar to its stores in Mexico, said Dya Campos, its corporate spokeswoman.
Campos said before it begins operation, seniors will be invited to practice on the escalator that also has grips for grocery carts.
"We're actually doubling the square footage of the store, taking the grocery store to two levels," Campos said.
She said there will be additional space for more fresh goods, a bakery and even a pharmacy with a drive-through that the store didn't have.
Campos said the new store will re-open in December.
"I'll be happy when you open it up like a Christmas present," said Mary Mireles, one of the last shoppers at the store.
"Over here on the Southside, we do need it. I think it's going to be exciting, very, very nice," said Ida Gonzalez, a shopper with a load of groceries in the parking lot.
However, shopper Nelson Gonzales said he is concerned about seniors in the interim who relied on the store's close proximity.
"It will impact my mother-in-law. She's older and doesn't drive anymore," Gonzales said.
Campos said for their customers who take the bus, H-E-B is offering free VIA passes to reach its handful of other stores within a mile or two of the Nogalitos location.
She said those free bus passes are available at the Nogalitos district office of City Council member Shirley Gonzalez, as well as two churches in the neighborhood, Good Shepherd and St. James,
Campos said HEB also will be giving away collapsible carts and reusable bags for those bus riders.
One of its first customers when it opened 70 years ago, 99-year-old David Reyna was the last one to go through the check-out line, as his daughters watched with the little wagon they would ride to the store when they were little.
Beatrice Reyna Cantu said when their shopping was done, "You could get $15 of groceries and it would be stacked high and we'd be carrying groceries, too."
Her father said he now wants to be the store's first customer when it re-opens.
He said, "I've seen H-E-B go from a real small store right here to a big giant one now."