Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) - 2026-03-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Historic and Design Review Commission approved phase two of the Brackenridge Park bond project improvements at 3700 North Saint Mary's by an 11-0 vote, including restoration of the 1877 pump house, rehabilitation of the historic Waterworks Raceway, and various site improvements with added ADA parking and picnic tables. The commission also approved seven consent agenda items and three individual cases including new construction at 2509 Mission Road and modifications at 1253-1255 East Crockett and 219 Thorrain Boulevard.
Key Decisions (5)
Brackenridge Park Phase Two Bond Project Improvements
Certificate of appropriateness approved for phase two improvements at 3700 North Saint Mary's including restoration of 1877 pump house, excavation and rewatering of historic Waterworks Raceway, stabilization of Upper L'Abour Sacia, rehabilitation of lily pond, two historic bathroom pavilions, conversion of electric pump house to storage, and site improvements including landscaping, walking paths, pedestrian bridges, and utility consolidation. Design modified to add two ADA parking spaces near Donkey Barn and nine picnic tables. Project funded by 2017 bond ($9.67M) plus $5.5M from Brackenridge Park Conservancy. Vote: 11-0 unanimous.
Consent Agenda Items 2-8
Seven items approved on consent including properties at 401 VITA, 462 Mary Louise, 344 North, 600 Theo Parkway, 118 East Reiche, 201 West Mariposa, and 9599 Braun.
New Construction at 1253-1255 East Crockett
Certificate of appropriateness approved for amendments to previously approved construction including modified roof form to front-facing gabled roof without side dormers, revised fenestration on west facade, 10-foot wide driveway installation at rear, and landscaping elements. Applicant Ricardo McCullough agreed to reduce driveway from 12 feet to 10 feet per guidelines and install natural grass.
Four Single-Family Residences at 2509 Mission Road
Certificate of appropriateness approved for construction of four two-story single-family residential structures on vacant lot in Mission Historic District. Applicant Ruben Saucedo agreed to all staff stipulations.
Exterior Modifications at 219 Thorrain Boulevard
Certificate of appropriateness approved for brick repair and replacement where brick previously existed, with stipulation that wood be repaired where original wood facade existed. Applicants Jose Mora and Dorian Casarez purchased home with 60-65% existing brick cladding. Front porch construction not approved. Limewash not approved.
Development Activity (4)
Brackenridge Park Phase Two Bond Project
Park improvements including 1877 pump house restoration, historic Waterworks Raceway rehabilitation, Upper L'Abour Sacia stabilization, lily pond improvements, two bathroom pavilion rehabilitations, electric pump house conversion to storage, walking paths, pedestrian bridges, utility consolidation. Two ADA parking spaces added near Donkey Barn, nine picnic tables added. Net 9% reduction in impervious cover. Approximately 250 new trees planned (10 fewer than original due to parking/picnic additions).
Mission Road Residential Development
Four two-story single-family residential structures on vacant lot
East Crockett Residential Construction
Single-family residence with amended roof form, fenestration modifications, 10-foot driveway, and landscaping
Thorrain Boulevard Renovation
Exterior brick repair and replacement on existing single-family home; significant interior remodeling including electrical and plumbing upgrades already completed
Market Signals (4)
Infrastructure
City of San Antonio 2017 bond funds for Brackenridge Park improvements have experienced 32.69% inflation since approval, adding pressure to project costs and fundraising requirements.
Housing Demand
New residential construction approved in Mission Historic District indicates continued development interest in historic neighborhoods despite design review requirements.
Sentiment
Strong community engagement on Brackenridge Park project with 54 voicemails (45 support, 9 opposed) and multiple in-person speakers demonstrates high public interest in historic park preservation and improvements.
Housing Demand
Homebuyers in historic districts facing unexpected costs for historic compliance including window replacements ($10,000) and material requirements, as evidenced by 219 Thorrain Boulevard case.