Special Series: Historic Conservation in San Antonio
TPR News presents a special of news reports highlighting historic conservation initiatives in and around San Antonio. The unique cultural heritage of South Central Texas is imprinted in the decades and even centuries-old architecture that still stands amidst our modern metropolitan landscape. Special guest reporter Michelle Koidin Jaffee recounts the rich history of San Antonio by sharing stories about preservation efforts around our community. This special series is made possible by a grant from the San Antonio Conservation Society.
Villa Finale
What once was a dilapidated rooming house in King William is now the only place in Texas that's part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are only 29 such sites across the country. Among them: James Madison's home Montpelier and Frank Lloyd Wright's home in Chicago. Here in San Antonio it's the home of visionary preservationist Walter Mathis. As part of Texas Public Radio's special series on historic preservation, Michelle Koidin Jaffee reports.
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Lerma's Nite Club
For decades, Lerma's Nite Club provided a stage for up-and-coming conjunto musicians. The dancehall was an integral part of the social fabric on San Antonio's West Side, especially for the older Latino couples who came to do the polka and cumbia every weekend. A year ago, city inspectors with concerns about the safety of the building shut Lerma's down, leving its future in limbo. - more -
San Pedro Springs Park
A fluke of geology turned a South Texas plot of land into a bubbling oasis of fresh cool water. For thousands of years, people have flocked to the San Pedro Springs for enjoyment and survival: Mesoamerican nomadic tribes, Spanish and Canary Island settlers, and Americans today.
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Military City U.S.A.
San Antonio is known as “Military City, U.S.A.” Some other community might have claimed that title if not for city leaders’ decision long ago to give a swath of pastureland to the Army. The donated land would become Fort Sam Houston, and with its first structure, the Quadrangle, would become an ever-evolving nerve center.- more -
The Borglum Studio: Mount Rushmore Takes Shape in San Antonio
Mount Rushmore is among America's most revered and spectacular monuments. Allthough San Antonio is more than 1,200 miles from Mount Rushmore, the landmark first took shape here in the Alamo City. As part of Texas Public Radio's special series on historic preservation, Michelle Koidin Jaffee reports. - more -
Local Literary Landmark Faces Uncertain Future
O. Henry is one of America's best known and admired writers, but his time spent in San Antonio is largely forgotten. As part of a special series on historic preservation, Michelle Koidin Jaffee reports that a small limestone building in downtown San Antonio still stands to remind us of O. Henry's time here, but the future of the historic structure is in question. - more -
