Fire Destroys Sweb Building

February 29, 2020 - Downtown San Antonio

Photos by: Antonia Padilla - Contributor, SA Sentinel

Article by: B. Kay Richter - Writer, SA Sentinel

Within seconds, the one-story Sweb Development building was engulfed by flames on Friday morning. 

Shortly after 10 a.m., the San Antonio Fire Department responded to reports of a structure fire along the 1500 block of South Flores St. The Southtown building is located on the corner of Cevallos and South Flores.

The building, which is known for its triangular shape, was stripped to its shell by the fire which swiftly consumed the structure. Due to the fact the building was older, it was reinforced with heavy timber which caused giant smoke clouds that could be seen from Interstate 35. 

Magaly Chocano, the owner of the web development firm Sweb, posted on Facebook that the fire was an “absolute tragedy,” but assured supporters that everyone was safe.

Chocano acknowledged it was difficult to see the building she renovated three years ago reduced to its frame, but says she has been uplifted by local community support. She also commented Sweb will be back and working again on Monday in an office offered by the Weston Urban group. 

During an interview with the San Antonio Express-News, SAFD spokesperson Joe Arrington confirmed that there were no reports of injuries, but the building appeared to be a total loss. He said the roof collapsed and the brick walls looked to be in danger of suffering the same fate.

Arrington said the source of the fire started in the alley between the La Parrilla Azteca restaurant next door and the Sweb building. According to reports, both structures caught fire, but the wind was blowing directly towards the newly renovated Sweb building. 

SAFD sent twenty-seven units and more than 100 firefighters to the scene of the two-alarm fire where first responders put out the flames from the street while using an aerial ladder positioned over the flames. Meanwhile, the intersection of South Flores and Cevallos was shut down temporarily due to the fire and the threat of nearby power lines. 

Arrington said the busy intersection would remain closed until firefighters and city utilities could declare the area as safe. As far as the cause of the fire, Arrington said arson investigators would process the scene but the cause of the fire was still unknown. 

B.Kay Richter is a San Antonio-based writer and photographer. Email her at bkay@sasentinel.com.