San Antonio Conservation Society Position Statement

Historic and Design Review Commission

November 7, 2018

First Vice President Patti Zaiontz delivered a statement in support of the Mission Historic District Design Manual, which the HDRC approved.  The Society had participated in reviewing the draft authorized by City Council in October.

The manual will go next to Zoning Commission, then on to City Council for final approval.  It provides homeowners, business owners, and developers with a guide for understanding the historic forms and patterns of the South Side district’s built environment.  These guidelines encourage various approaches to commercial and residential development that respect specific community needs, while building on historic neighborhood characteristics.

We continued to oppose construction of two multi-family dwellings at 255 Brahan in the Westfort Historic District.  Architect C.T. Boelhauwe’s distinctive Craftsman style home stood on this site until 2016 .  City Council’s decision to deny landmark designation paved the way for demolition of what had originally been one single-family house, contradicting the goals set forth in the Westfort Alliance Neighborhood Plan.  HDRC referred the case to the Design Review Committee.