Your portal to historic preservation in San Antonio.
September 2016
Message from Shanon Shea Miller
AICP, Director

Last month the City of San Antonio and its partners held our first World Heritage Festival to commemorate the inscription of San Antonio's missions as a World Heritage Site. There were a number of fun and educational events for the public to attend including a few that were presented by OHP. If you missed Restored By Light at Mission San Jose, then be sure to check out the awesome video from the event. 

The upcoming month of October will have even more to offer as we celebrate Texas Archeology Month. Speaking of archaeology, our own City Archaeologist Kay Hindes was recently recognized by City Manager Sheryl Sculley for her contributions to the recent excavation work at Alamo Plaza. Congratulations, Kay, on your achievements this year! 

With the recent adoption of the FY17 City Budget, the Vacant Building Registration Program has been EXPANDED to include additional areas of the City with historic and aging building stock. We are excited to begin working with these new property owners to realize even greater potential for revitalization. 

I'm also pleased to announce that the Office of Historic Preservation has been named a Community Partner for the 2018 Tricentennial. We look forward to collaborating with the San Antonio Tricentennial on projects that showcase our rich heritage and cultural identity. 

Finally, the Power of Preservation Foundation is hosting its 5th-annual PROM event on historic Houston Street at the Kress Building on Thursday, October 27. I love working with our talented and creative committee, and this year's PROM will reach new heights for sure (hint, hint).

- Shanon

News and Announcements
Each October, Texas Archeology Month celebrates the spirit of discovery. It's an opportunity for Texans to understand the depth and richness of our heritage, from the former dwelling sites of prehistoric hunters and gatherers to historic shipwrecks and military sites. It also offers an avenue to explore the historical significance of the state's archeological sites, the importance of proper archeological practices, and the contributions made by professional and avocational archeologists to our understanding of Texas’ ancient and recent past.

This has been another big year for archeology in San Antonio, so please join us as we celebrate Texas Archeology Month with a number of events:
Vacant Buildings Program Area Expanded
With the passage of the FY 2017 annual budget, the City Council expanded the program area for the Vacant Building Registration Program. The expansion adds 75 Sq. Miles to the program are, roughly tripling the size of initial area. The expansion is effective on January 1, 2017. You can read more about the expansion and view the map here.
Restored By Light was a Huge Success!
More than 2,000 people showed up to see Mission San Jose Restored By Light. It was a spectacular show and an amazing sight to behold.                                              
Watch the Video!
 
Notice of Public Hearing
The General Services Administration (GSA) is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, September 28, to provide an update regarding GSA's ongoing activities relating to the new federal courthouse project as it pertains to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The meeting begins at 6:30 pm at the Adrian Spears Judicial Training Center, 643 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd (just west of the John H. Wood Courthouse).
 
 
 
APT Annual Conference
The Association for Preservation Technology International's Annual Conference will be held right here in San Antonio, October 30 - November 3. Learn how new technologies and techniques are advancing the field of Preservation.

Click Here to Register!


NPS is celebrating 10 0 years!
The centennial will kick off a second century of stewardship of America's national parks and engaging communities through recreation, conservation, and historic preservation programs.  Find your park !

Commemorating 50 Years of  The National Historic Preservation Act 

The National Historic Preservation Act is turning 50!  Visit the  website  to read more about the legislation that transformed the nation’s communities.  





Programs and Initiatives
 
Landmarks in the Making
After a hearing at the Historic & Design Review Commission last month, 29 gas stations are on their way to becoming designated historic landmarks. These properties, which represent a diverse range of not only architectural styles but also uses, including auto repair shops, a church, restaurants, and even a residence, will be eligible for the local rehabilitation tax incentive once designated. The next step in the designation process is a public hearing and request for action at City Council. OHP will host another informational meeting for the property owners prior to the City Council meeting to discuss the benefits of designation, permit process, and that local rehabilitation tax incentive.

Read more in the Express News.
Join the next Rehabber Club Meetup
This fall, Rehabber Club will be hosting more hands-on training opportunities including a window repair workshop. Check our website or facebook page for updates as they are available.

You can also sign up to receive Rehabber Club notices by updating your subscription profile using the link at the footer of this email.
Cultural Initiatives
As part of the World Heritage anniversary celebration, OHP collaborated with the Department of Culture and Creative Development and the World Heritage Office to install banner size historic photographs at 5 locations along the World Heritage Route. Make sure you check them out during your next visit to the Missions. 
From OHP Staff
Katie's Corner
Painting is a routine part of any maintenance plan, and a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required before work may begin. Just bring in a clear, color picture of the historic structure you wish to paint and samples or swatches of the colors you wish to use, and staff will review it and issue a COA. Staff may approve similar colors to what exists on the structure and colors that are appropriate to the style of the home. Please keep in mind that some painting requests may need to be reviewed by the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) if they are not consistent with the Historic Design Guidelines. 

Don't know where to start or where to go? We put together a short video to show you just how simple a free consultation with OHP staff can be. No appointments necessary!

 
Update on Downtown National Register District
A nomination submitted by OHP for a new National Register District for Downtown and the River Walk has received approval from the State Board of Review. Once verified by the U.S. Department of the Interior, property owners of historic buildings within the district will now be eligible for state and federal historic tax credits. See if your property is included here.
 

Manage Your Subscription
There are several categories under which you can sign up to receive email notifications through the SApreservation Portal in addition to this regular newsletter.

Please take time to update your desired subscriptions using the "Update Profile" link in the footer of this email. 

Upcoming Events
The Power of Preservation PROM is returning on October 27, 2016. Don't miss this party of the year - reserve your individual tickets or become a table sponsor today! www.powerofpreservation.org
Our next installment of the SApreservation 5k Guided Run / Walk Series gets spooky. Join OHP and Fleet Feet Sports for a fitness-focused guided tour that explores San Antonio's Eastside Cemeteries! In this haunted adventure, you will meet several of the cemetery’s most well-known historical figures. We’ll be drawing for door prizes and awarding prizes to the best costumes. Register now!