Welcome to the Office of Historic Preservation

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) protects the historical, cultural, architectural, and archaeological resources that make San Antonio unique.  Our office promotes preservation through the creation of local historic districts and local individual landmarks.  Along with the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC), the OHP oversees a design review process for exterior alterations to historic landmarks and districts, properties within the RIO districts (spanning the San Antonio River), public properties, and public art to ensure that modifications and changes are appropriate for historic resources.  We coordinate with other City departments to comply with required environmental review processes to protect historic resources. 

The OHP is also committed to historic preservation outreach and education.  We have established a Preservation Academy to host lectures, workshops, and events promoting historic preservation to the community.  We have offered Window Restoration Workshops, a Homeowner’s Fair, and many other activities to share information about caring for historic resources. 

Our offices are located at the Development and Business Services Center at 1901 S. Alamo.  Explore our website to find out more about who we are and what we do! 

Amendments to Unified Development Code (UDC) Adopted by City Council

On June 24, 2010, City Council unanimously approved amendments to Chapter 35 of the Municipal Code (Unified Development Code) in order to implement the City's Strategic Historic Preservation Plan (SHPP).  The SHPP includes a variety of recommendations for amendments to the UDC to enhance the City's historic preservation program.  On February 18, 2010, City Council passed a resolution directing the Office of Historic Preservation to draft amendments to the UDC for City Council consideration based on these recommendations. 

The amendments adopted by City Council include but are not limited to enhancements to the existing historic preservation tax incentive in order to encourage additional reinvestment in historic properties; increasing the types and number of Certificate of Appropriateness applications that can be approved administratively by staff; changes to the River Improvement Overlay District made necessary by the opening of the Museum Reach of the River Extension last year and the future opening of the Mission Reach; the creation of a demolition permit fee for historic landmarks; changes to the process for the creation of a local historic district; and consolidation of the two current landmark designations into one Historic Landmark (HL) designation.  Click on the link below to review the complete UDC amendments.

UDC Amendments and Ordinance

Summary of UDC Amendments

Historic Plaque Program

The Office of Historic Preservation is pleased to announce the initiation of the Historic Plaque Program! Historic plaques are available for individual local landmarks and contributing properties within local historic districts.  The plaques will visually identify those properties and districts that have been officially recognized by the City of San Antonio for their architectural and historical significance. San Antonio currently has 26 local historic districts and more than 2,000 individual local landmarks.

The plaques, available for purchase for $95, are of cast aluminum with raised silver letters on a dark grey background.  The plaque is approximately 7-1/2 inches in diameter and ¼ inch thick.

We began taking applications August 28th and when we reach a threshold of 75 approved applications, we will process our first plaque order. We are encouraging owners of historic structures to apply now to receive their plaques as soon as possible. Staff will review your application to verify the historic status of your property before collecting payment and issuing a historic plaque.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to distinguish your landmark property!

Fill out the application form below and submit it to the Office of Historic Preservation.  For further information, please contact Amy Unger at 207-1496.

Historic Plaque Application Form

Neighborhood Tours Check out the neighborhood discovery tours available online at www.saculturaltours.com. The tours feature Downtown North River, the Westside, and the Eastside. Each tour features restaurants, arts and culture, people, historic sites and landmarks, and local shops in the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to explore San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage throughout the city. The tours are free of charge and available to download or view online at www.saculturaltours.com.

Historic House Rescue List The Office of Historic Preservation maintains a list of people interested in acquiring historic properties. Many of these properties are in a dilapidated state and require significant investment. The people on this list can be contacted regarding moving a house to a more secure location to prevent demolition or to purchase the property if the current owner cannot or does not want to maintain the property. View properties currently available. If you are interested in more details about this contact list or would like to be added to the list to be notified about potential properties that require assistance, please contact Larry Gutierrez at 207-7902 or by email at larry.gutierrez@sanantonio.gov.

King William Proposed Historic District Expansion A public meeting was held on Tuesday, August 24th at the Development and Business Services Center (1901 S. Alamo) for property owners within the surrounding area to discuss the potential expansion of the King William Local Historic District.  The meeting was conducted by the City’s Office of Historic Preservation staff to provide information and answer questions about the proposed expansion of the district.  The presentation from the meeting is available to view at the link below.  The map link below reflects the proposed boundary and indicates properties within the area that are already designated local historic landmarks.  A second meeting for the proposed expansion will be held in September (date to be determined).  Property owners within the boundary will be notified by mail when the meeting date has been confirmed.  For information relating to the proposed expansion of the King William Historic District, please contact Elizabeth Porterfield at 207-3327 or elizabeth.porterfield@sanantonio.gov. King William Potential Historic District Expansion Presentation King William Potential Historic District Expansion Boundary Map   Government Hill Proposed Historic District Expansion A community meeting was held on Tuesday, May 25th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Grayson for residents and property owners within the Government Hill neighborhood. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the potential expansion of the Government Hill Local Historic District and to provide input on other City initiatives within the area including the proposed comprehensive rezoning initiative, the Government Hill Neighborhood Plan update, and the rezoning of Walters Street. The meeting was conducted by staff from the City’s Office of Historic Preservation, Fort Sam Community Development Office, and Planning and Development Services Department. The presentation from the meeting is available to view at the link below.  For information relating to the proposed expansion of the Government Hill Historic District, please contact Elizabeth Porterfield at 207-3327 or elizabeth.porterfield@sanantonio.gov. Government Hill Community Meeting Presentation - May 25th