LOCAL ADAPTATIONS OF NATIONAL ARCHITECTURAL TRENDS ARE REFLECTED IN an INTRIGUING MIX OF HOMES

The Homes

Monte Vista is one of the most storied neighborhoods in San Antonio. It is located roughly 1.5 miles north of Downtown and includes 14 subdivisions, the largest of which is where the area culls its name. The entire set of subdivisions spans 100 city blocks and houses approximately 3,000 people.

When the Monte Vista Historical Association came to order in 1973, one of its biggest goals was to achieve landmark status for the area. Its considerable efforts came to fruition in December of 1998, when it was finally listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This status is a source of pride to the proud residents who call Monte Vista home. It is currently the largest such historical district in the country.

Monte Vista is arguably the most prominent of the neighborhoods that blossomed during San Antonio's "Gilded Age." This was the period between 1890 and 1930 when the city began to establish itself as more than just an outpost for cattle drives. In fact, Monte Vista was where many of the rich people in the cattle and oil industries decided to make their home during this time

Instead of the usual Spanish-influenced architecture that was prominent at the time, San Antonio architects such as Atlee B. Ayers, Adams and Adams and Frost Carvel (to name a few) went outside of the box and varied the houses. The result is an attractive mix of Queen Anne, Hollywood bungalow, Georgian, Moorish and Victorian era architecture that gives Monte Vista its unique feel.