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SUCCESS! World Heritage Missions
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2015 was a huge year for historic preservation in San Antonio. Our Spanish Colonial Missions and their associated structures, archaeological sites, and landscape features were inscribed as a
World Heritage Site on July 5.
The Missions of San Antonio are one of the most complete and intact examples of their kind, and the World Heritage recognition will strengthen our global business and cultural ties. The inception is anticipated to have a significant economic impact in our region.
The successful nomination represents years of collaboration by many community partners. With the support of the World Heritage efforts, OHP developed crucial zoning buffers for the sites.
The Mission Protection Overlay Districts were adopted by City Council this year and accepted by UNESCO as part of the positive recommendation for World Heritage designation. We look forward to continued participation in the community-wide efforts to protect and enhance the mission areas.
For more information, downloads, and a recap of the celebration events, please visit the
missions website.
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Message from Shanon Shea Miller
AICP, Director
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Wow! 2015 was an exciting and busy year for OHP. Of course the biggest news from this year is the successful inscription of San Antonio’s Spanish Colonial Missions as a World Heritage Site. We were honored play a role in this community effort and to participate in the city-wide celebration by hosting the Restored by Light projection in October. Be sure to follow the video link below! The importance of the World Heritage designation for San Antonio cannot be understated, and the City is committed to the ongoing stewardship and promotion of these community treasures.
This year we launched the Vacant Buildings Registration Pilot Program which has already yielded some positive results in our center city neighborhoods and historic districts. We look forward to developing this program further based on input from the community and our elected officials.
We also began several new initiatives aimed at broadening the conversation about historic preservation to include cultural significance and the intangible aspects of heritage. We can’t wait to launch our ScoutSA survey and designation initiative which will further engage the community in the identification and designation of new cultural resources that are important to San Antonio. ScoutSA captures the spirit of exploration and discovery of the treasures that make San Antonio unique.
2015 also marks the availability of a new State Historic Tax Credit for rehabilitation. The new credit can be combined with the existing federal tax credits providing a valuable 45% of the rehab costs.. We know that this incentive will spur revitalization efforts in our historic center city, and have worked to facilitate the use of the credits by hosting multiple Historic Tax Credit workshops. The availability of the credit has also necessitated the creation of a new National Register District in Downtown San Antonio, which we will be in place in 2016.
Keep reading for more details on these initiatives and a recap of some of our biggest events from 2015. There’s also a sneak peak of what’s to come next year at the end of this newsletter. Be on the lookout for more details of our launch event in January!
We couldn’t accomplish all of this without the dedicated staff at OHP. This year, we’ve welcomed several new members to our team: John Stevens, Anitra Henning, Katie Totman, Lauren Sage, Ernie Gutierrez, and Jacques Villere. Thank you all for your hard work and commitment!
Finally, we want to hear from you! Please take time to complete our survey. Your input will improve our customer service and may shape future programs.
Happy Holidays,
Shanon
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Restored by Light
To celebrate the inscription of the San Antonio Missions as a World Heritage Site, OHP offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to view the facade of Mission Concepcion as it probably looked in the Spanish Colonial era. Over 1,200 people attended the "Restored by Light" ceremony on October 16 and were transported back in time to view the mission facade in all its glory. In case you missed this event, you can watch the facade lighting
here!
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Historic Homeowner Fair
The 7th-Annual Historic Homeowner Fair was held Saturday, September 19, at the Pearl. It was our biggest fair to date attracting over 700 participants. The purpose of the fair is to introduce homeowners living in historic districts or landmarks to the resources and solutions they need. Those in attendance enjoyed information from 34 exhibitors, 10 educational sessions, and a even a hands-on window repair demonstration. We are also thankful to have hosted Councilman Treviño who spoke at the plenary session. The Councilman covered several District 1 initiatives with impacts to residents in historic districts.
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Open House
In an effort to improve customer service, OHP teamed up with DSD to host an “Open House” for property owners and contractors on Saturday, June 27. The concept for this event stemmed from the many positive responses we received after the Conversations in Historic Preservation, held last year, where staff was on hand to answer commonly asked questions regarding the permitting process and historic review. The event gave property owners a chance to meet with staff outside of regular business hours and gain a better understanding of the historic and design review process.
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Power of Preservation PROM
PROM was back and bigger than ever! With over 450 guests in attendance, the Power of Preservation Foundation hosted its 4th-Annual fundraising gala at historic Stinson Airfield.
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This year, we honored the achievements of three individuals in the preservation community and celebrated the community efforts to achieve World Heritage Status for the San Antonio missions:
- BC Lynd, The St. Anthony, Preservation Project Award
- Susan Snow,
Preservation Champion Award
- Virginia Van Steenberg,
Vision Award
The adaptive reuse of the Pearl Brewhouse took home the People’s Choice Award for favorite project completed in 2015. Architect Jeffery Fetzer accepted the award on behalf of the Pearl.
This amazing celebration couldn't have happened without our sponsors. Thank you!
Proceeds from PROM support hand-on preservation and service learning in San Antonio. Learn more about the non-profit here.
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Realtor Training
Realtors who are knowledgeable in local historic preservation code and best practices make for an informed and confident historic homebuyer. OHP hosts an annual realtor training which gives local realtors a chance to become an official Historic House Specialist. This year, over 60 licensed realtors received valuable training from OHP staff and field experts.
The 2016 Realtor Training is scheduled for
January 22 at the historic Plaza de Armas building. If you are interested in attending, please contact Lauren Sage at 210-207-3327.
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Every May, the City of San Antonio celebrates Preservation Month by hosting a number of events that engage the community in our history and culture. In 2015, it was all about People + Place; a reminder that preservation is more than just buildings. It's about our connection to the places that are special to us all.
The Rivard Report featured an article which speaks to the heart of what this year's Preservation Month was all about. Thank you to all of this year's sponsors - we look forward to doing it again next May!
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Amazing Preservation Race
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The Amazing Preservation Race is the ultimate urban adventure. Every year, teams of four compete in a challenging course which highlights some of San Antonio's most historic sites. This year, 25 teams competed for this year's title. Ultimately, The Wrecking Balls (Marc, Lexa, James, and Tim ) took the top prize. Early registration for next year's race will be available in February. For more fitness events, check out the SApreservation 5k series at the end of this newsletter.
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Amazing Preservation Race Kids
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Why should only the adults have fun? The Amazing Preservation Race is also adapted for elementary-aged kids. This year, participants had fun and learned about history on a competitive scavenger hunt through the King William neighborhood. Be on the lookout for this year's location announcement!
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Festival of Arts: Celebrating our Cultural Heritage
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OHP was pleased to partner with New Frontiers Charter School on an exciting new event which encouraged students to celebrate their heritage through the arts. In this program, students participated in the Con Safo photo campaign and other special projects that focused on heritage.
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Texas Historic Tax Credit Workshop
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OHP hosted a Historic Tax Credit Workshop during Preservation Month to explore the potential for using this important economic development tool. The presentations that were given covered the basics of the credits and followed case study examples. Click
here to view the presentations and event sponsors.
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In addition to the youth-focused events held during Preservation Month, OHP is developing a number of heritage-based educational programs which will be offered to local students all year long.
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Traveling Trunk
OHP maintains a Traveling Trunk of artifacts which is used to present students with tangible pieces of local history. This youth program gives kids a chance to view and touch the prehistoric and historic artifacts that are often discovered in archaeological excavations in and around the City of San Antonio. This year, presentations with the Traveling Trunk were performed for the St. Paul’s Episcopal Montessori School, the New Frontiers Charter School, and at the Historic Homeowner Fair.
The Traveling Trunk program will be expanded in the future to capture multiple themes that are representative of San Antonio life and culture.
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Archaeology Exploration! Program
The Archaeology Exploration! Program is an innovative program between the Brackenridge Park Conservancy, the Office of Historic Preservation, the UTSA-Center for Archaeological Research, the San Antonio River Authority, and the Witte Museum. The program offers a variety of opportunities for students at area San Antonio schools to learn and experience the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of San Antonio, prehistoric lifeways, and archaeological field methods. Events in 2015 included a tour of Brackenridge Park’s prehistoric history with Kay Hindes, City Archaeologist, a flint knapping demonstration in the San Antonio Botanical Gardens with Sam Viera, Parks and Recreation, and Matthew Elverson, Assistant City Archaeologist.
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Archaeology Month
Throughout 2015, OHP oversaw a number of exciting archaeological excavations that have yielded valuable information about our past. Read more about the work at these sites here.
This October, OHP highlighted these discoveries during the Archaeology Month Kick-Off event (see video link below). Staff also provided support for the 2nd-Annual Currents in Texas Archaeology Symposium at the Witte Museum and the Archaeology Festival at Mission San José.
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OHP began Texas Archaeology Month this year with a unique Kick Off Event on October 2. Federal, state, and local dignitaries attended and spoke in recognition of the rich and diverse cultural resources in San Antonio. Artifacts from recent excavations were unveiled and displayed for the public for the first time. Read the San Antonio Express News article highlighting this event.
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Currents in Texas Archaeology Symposium
OHP and the Witte Museum held the Currents in Texas Archaeology Symposium on October 9. The symposium, featured in one of the newly-restored portions of the Witte Museum, offered special sessions exploring recent excavations in San Antonio. Presenters included Clint McKenzie, Project Archaeologist for the UTSA Center for Archaeological Research, and Dr. Nesta Anderson Senior Archaeologist with Pape-Dawson Engineers, Inc.
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Archaeology Day at Mission San Jose
The year, the National Parks Service hosted the Archaeology Festival in conjunction with the World Heritage celebration weekend. OHP participated in the festival which offers free, hands-on activities, exhibits, and demonstrations for the whole family.
OHP and the Southern Texas Archaeological Association offered a "painted pebbles" activity for kids. Archaeological excavations in the Lower Pecos region of Texas have revealed painted pebbles or stones with designs that are thought to represent a transportable version of art or a religious offering.
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Con Safo Campaign
Local heritage is more than just our historic buildings. It the personal and shared experiences that give places meaning. We launched the Con Safo social media campaign during this year's Preservation Month which provides a method for people to share their favorite places and stories. Con Safos is a term used to mean “this is protected, don’t mess with it” (among its other meanings), and it's the perfect phrase for San Antonians to use when sharing the stories of places that matter to them.
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The Con Safo Campaign also yielded a new local landmark which was found to be eligible for having cultural significance. Read more about the history of 4537 Monterey (pictured above) on our
blog.
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S.T.A.R
"Students Together Achieving Revitalization"
The OHP S.T.A.R. project is a collaboration with the UTSA College of Architecture, San Antonio College, the student-led Historic Preservation Association (HPA), and local contractors to provide exterior home repairs and maintenance to homeowners within local historic districts. This year, over 60 volunteers worked in the King William Historic District and Government Hill Historic District to complete work on over 10 houses! The projects consisted of window and siding repair, painting, building new window screens, and porch repairs. To date, S.T.A.R. has performed work on over 100
houses in 8 different historic neighborhoods.
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Vacant Building Registration Pilot Program
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The City of San Antonio’s eighteen-month
Vacant Building Registration Pilot Program became effective on January 1, 2015. The primary goal of the Vacant Building Registration Program is to raise the level of accountability of owners of vacant properties and require that they adequately maintain their property. These buildings often invoke a strong image of disinvestment, and they often contribute to neighborhood blight.
To address this, the ordinance includes a new standard of care for vacant structures that focuses primarily on the structural integrity of the building along with exterior maintenance. The exterior of these buildings must be maintained and windows and doors may not be boarded.
The second major goal of this program is to see these vacant buildings put back into productive use, which the ordinance provides tools to help accomplish. There are fee waivers available to property owners who intend to improve and lawfully occupy their building, as well as registration extensions available to owners who are willing to sell their property. Prompting these owners to contact our office also gives staff an opportunity to connect them to available resources and incentives that may help with the rehabilitation of their building.
We are just one year into the program and are already seeing results through neighborhood revitalization. A successful result is also sometimes represented by a change in ownership for some of the most problematic properties in our historic neighborhoods and commercial corridors. To date, 114 buildings have registered and 35 others have received extensions because the buildings are being marketed for sale or lease. There are also at least 35 buildings that are now either lawfully occupied or have been improved to the point that they meet the standard of care. The 114 registered properties are at various stages of rehabilitation.
For more information, visit the program website.
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Downtown National Register District
Recognizing historic designation as an important economic development tool, OHP launched a new initiative aimed to expand the range of historic buildings downtown that can be considered eligible for State and Federal Historic Tax Credits (HTC’s). This summer, a pilot survey for a new downtown National Register district was undertaken revealing over 140 new buildings which may contribute to a new district. The district nomination will be submitted to the Texas Historical Commission, and if approved, will be in effect next year.
Read more about the project and benefits of a National Register listing
here.
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Economic Development
Early this year, OHP released a study on the impact of historic preservation to the local economy and quality of life. Don Rypkema of PlaceEconomics prepared the study which is structured around the SA2020 vision for San Antonio. The study reveals that historic preservation not only makes economic sense, it builds strong, vibrant communities! Don presented his findings at the Centro Urban Renaissance Luncheon on February 18. OHP also hosted an evening reception at the Milam Building for Don to facilitate public discussion about the study. The reception was made free and open to the public and attracted over 75 guests.
Read the full study
here.
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Mission Trails Website Launch
We are excited to announce that the new Mission Trails website officially launched on December 8, 2015!
As part of the required mitigation resulting from the environmental compliance responsibilities of the Mission Trails project (constructed 2002-2014), OHP, TCI, and ITSD staff have recently completed the development of a new website which provides historical and directional information within the project area. The website effectively highlights historic resources and points of interest along the improvement areas and provides valuable historical information to its visitors. Hike or bike along the Mission Trails today!
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Beginning in January, OHP invites you to help identify important places in San Antonio by participating in ScoutSA. All you need is a tablet or smartphone to answer a few short questions about places that matter to you. You don’t need to be an architect or an historian. As long as you care about buildings and places in your neighborhood and San Antonio, we’d love your participation! Stay tuned for more information next month.
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SApreservation Rehabbers Club
Are you a SApreservation Rehabber? Have you ever wanted to take on a fixer upper but didn't know where to start? The SApreservation Rehabber Club will establish a rehabilitation network in San Antonio through a series of events covering relevant topics, providing hands-on demonstrations, facilitating property matchmaking, and community building. Stay tuned for a special announcement of our first event in January!
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This holiday season, OHP hosted its first 5k guided run. 65 runners and walkers enjoyed touring historic sites in San Antonio while getting a little exercise at the same time. Since fitness and history pair so well, we are pleased to announce a special 5k series for 2016. Stay connected through our newsletter and social media pages for the details.
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How do you document the intangible aspects of heritage?
OHP will facilitate Cultural Mapping and Oral History Collection at the Mission Branch Library on January 12, 14 and 16. Cultural Mapping is a UNESCO recommended tool for engaging local communities in issues regarding land use within World Heritage zones. Cultural Maps are meant to capture intangible heritage in a fun and creative way. Bring your stories about the Missions along with any photographs or documents you would like for us to scan and share.
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