Historic Preservation

Chairperson - Jane Lewis

The overarching purpose of MVHA is the preservation of the historic character and integrity of the Monte Vista Historical District. MVHA believes that the key to preserving Monte Vista involves not only the preservation of the structures, but also the distinctive personalities of past residents, stories, genealogies, and anecdotes that have made Monte Vista the distinctive neighborhood that it is today. The Historic Preservation Committee is responsible for overseeing these activities.

The Architectural Review Committee advises Monte Vista residents on home renovation issues related to historic codes. Licensed architects advise residents and assist them with approvals with the city historic review process.

The city of San Antonio preserves its unique cultural heritage by setting aside certain areas as historic districts. By ordinance, every resident or business within an historic district must have approval from the San Antonio Historic & Design Review Commission before any permit for building or renovation of a property, including painting, landscaping, fences and signs, can be issued. Historic Preservation Resources have been added to the site which include useful information and links to brochures and forms to assist residents in understanding the requirements prior to beginning work on any exterior repair, maintenance, construction, or restoration project. The Historic Preservation Resources include:

    •  Before starting a Project
    •  Historic Preservation Guidelines
    •  Useful Forms

The Monte Vista Historical Association recommends all residents and businesses within its boundaries come before this Committee prior to submitting a plan to the San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission. This is not legally required, but can greatly facilitate approval of your plan by the HDRC. The Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Landa Library Annex (the small building just west of the main Library building, 233 Bushnell). When a holiday falls on that Monday, the Committee will meet on the first Tuesday of the month. The Committee will make a recommendation to the San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission and to date has had a very high rate of concurrence by the Committee. The Committee may oppose or ask for a continuance for any plans it has not had a chance to review.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Since the regularly scheduled meetings of the Architectural Committee in July is the day after the Fourth of July and the September meeting falls on Labor Day, the Architectural Review Committee will meet in the second (2nd) Monday of both July and September, 2010.

The Historic Preservation Guidelines Committee works with the San Antonio Historic & Design Review Commission and other local historic districts to establish guidelines for historic preservation in all of San Antonio's historic districts and specifically within the Monte Vista Historic District. Certain historic guidelines may be found at Historic Preservation Guidelines.