Midtown in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Monte Vista Historic District

Photographed By James Hulse, December 27, 2022

1. Monte Vista Historic District Marker

Inscription. One of several San Antonio suburbs created between 1890 and 1930, Monte Vista has retained much of its historic character from that time. City Brewery president Otto Koehler, oilman Ed Galt, West Texas cattleman Alfred Gage, veterinary surgeon J.C. Talcott, and former San Antonio mayor and New Deal Congressman Maury Maverick were among the many prominent state and local business and civic leaders who built their homes in this area.

The neighborhood is an eclectic blend of many styles of architecture, including Georgian and Renaissance Revival, Mediterranean, Neo-Spanish, Victorian, and Art Deco. Represented here are the designs of several noted architects such as J. Riely Gordon, who is best known for his Texas courthouses. Atlee B. Ayres was responsible for a number of the homes in Monte Vista, while H.A. Reuter designed the distinctive Renaissance Revival mansion at 114 East Kings Highway for cattle baron Herbert Kokernot. San Antonio architect Robert Kelly designed the 8-story Bushnell apartment building, which is the tallest structure in the district.

Characterized by its distinctive homes and colorful history, Monte Vista is a reminder of San Antonio's growth and turn-of-the-century development.

Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3441.)

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 29° 27.01′ N, 98° 29.629′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Midtown. Marker is at the intersection of East French Place and North Main Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East French Place. The marker is located just inside the fence along the sidewalk at the San Antonio Academy. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 117 East French Place, San Antonio TX 78212, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Roy and Madge Hearne House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Otto Koehler House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Christ Episcopal Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jay Adams House (approx. ¼ mile away); Belknap Place (approx. 0.3 miles away); David J. and May Bock Woodward House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Woman's Club of San Antonio (approx. 0.3 miles away); St. Anthony Catholic School (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.

Also see . . . Monte Vista Historic District (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the district, which

The Monte Vista Historic District Marker is just behind the fence image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, December 27, 2022

2. The Monte Vista Historic District Marker is just behind the fence

was listed in 1998. (Prepared by Maria Watson Pfeiffer and Sue Ann Pemberton-Haugh, assisted by Bruce Jensen; via National Archives) (Submitted on October 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Frank A. Weeks House (1925) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 8, 2023

3. Frank A. Weeks House (1925)

It was designed by noted San Antonio architect Harvey L. Page (1859-1934), who designed several others (including his own residence) in Monte Vista.

O.D. Woestman House (1906) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 8, 2023

4. O.D. Woestman House (1906)

This house is among several in the district that was built in the Craftsman style.

Legare H. Bethea House (1928) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 8, 2023

5. Legare H. Bethea House (1928)

It is among several houses in Monte Vista designed by Russell Brown (s. 1877-1963). His Houston-based architectural and design firm was noted for elaborate houses designed for wealthy clients.

D.K. Furnish House (1903) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 8, 2023

6. D.K. Furnish House (1903)

Furnish, a prominent San Antonio real estate developer, commissioned this Mission Revival residence from prominent architect Atlee B. Ayres in 1903. Ayres' design contrasts red brick wall surfaces with cast stone detailing and ornate wood trim accents at doorways, windows and level changes. Unusual dormers with curvilinear parapets provide the primary Mission Revival stylistic features.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 142 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 3, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 28, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.