H-E-B announced preliminary plans to construct a state-of-the-art tech center at its headquarters in San Antonio, Texas.

According to company officials, starting next year the company will begin construction on approximately 150,000-square-foot, 5-story building located in the heart of the Arsenal campus in downtown San Antonio, further expanding its technology base in the Alamo City. Construction is scheduled to begin by summer 2020 and is tentatively set for completion by summer 2022.

As part of this expansion, H-E-B will add 500 new jobs in San Antonio and relocate its digital Partners from other locations in the city to house its digital teams closer together, officials said. With the growth of H-E-B Digital, which includes its product, design, technology and e-commerce teams, the company strengthens its position as a leading digital retailer and brick-and-mortar business. “Our success starts with our people, who provide exceptional hospitality to deliver world-class shopping and digital experiences,” said Craig Boyan, H-E-B President. “We’re committed to hiring more people, adding the necessary skills to become both a better tech company and even stronger brick-and-mortar retailer.”

“The San Antonio tech center will be become part of the new front door to our Arsenal campus, just as H-E-B Digital is creating a new front door for our customers online and via mobile shopping experiences,” said Jag Bath, H-E-B Chief Digital Officer.

“H-E-B’s service to customers, commitment to community and drive for innovation are why they are so much more than a store, and why the City of San Antonio is honored and proud of this incredible growth of 500 highly-skilled jobs,” said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Just as no store does more than our H-E-B, no city achieves more than San Antonio because of H-E-B.”