WE LOVE MONTE VISTA
Annual I Love Monte Vista Party on February 16th. Photos by David Smith.
CONTACT US
Monte Vista Historical Association
P.O. Box 12386
San Antonio, TX 78212 210-737-8212
Visit us at our website montevistasa.org
E-mail mail@montevista-sa.org
City of San Antonio Customer Service (7 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week) Dial 311
Councilperson Suhk Kaur
City Council District 1
Contact person: La Juana Chambers Field Office 210-207-0903
SAPD SAFFE Officer
Rob Henderson 210-207-7413
Email robert.henderson@sanantonio.gov
MISSION STATEMENT
“To encourage the preservation of the distinctive heritage of the Monte Vista area; to keep the physical identity of this late nineteenth-early twentieth century district intact; and to educate the public, especially the youth, with knowledge of our inherited neighborhood values which contribute to a wholesome urban environment.”
Is it really possible to have it all? (Spoiler: Yes, but……..)
Hello Neighbors! My name is Tom Archer and I am honored and thrilled to be writing to you as your Monte Vista Historical Association (MVHA) President for 2025. Thank you for allowing me to represent you and our neighborhood in this coming year.
So, can we really have it all? For me, it goes without saying, but it’s worth saying anyway……by living in San Antonio, and especially Monte Vista, we are all extremely fortunate. I would even dare say, yes, we in Monte Vista indeed do have it all…..and have for decades thanks in large part to 50+ years of the MVHA.
But can we keep it all? I firmly believe that answer is also a resounding yes……but we’ll have to adapt to make it happen.
The reality is that our city is changing and that’s a very good thing. The city is striving for better housing, better public transportation, greater walkability and more prevalent amenities. Frankly, San Antonio must change and change quickly if it is going to keep up (catch up?) with other major U.S. cities of similar size.
For us to have it all, we’ll have to change too. Specifically, we must aggressively build on the platforms, relationships and expertise our MVHA Board and dedicated neighborhood volunteers have already created in order to play a much bigger and more strategic role in helping San Antonio achieve its goals.
MONTE VISTA HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION
2025 OFFICERS
President
Tom Archer
President-Elect
David Dickie
Past President
Lynn Boyd
Treasurer
Fred Suchy
Recording Secretary
VACANT
BOARD MEMBERS
Melody Hull
Art Campsey
Judy Warren
Kathy Kennedy
Mallory Baird
Peter Hugill
Rick Wilson
Sally Bullock
Ann Van Pelt
Tony Garcia
Chris Scruggs
Angela Gallegos
Pat DiGiovanni
Trudy Kinnison
Tom Seerden
Victoria German
Lyndsay Varner
Lobie Stone
Mike Goos
Contributors
Tom Archer
Pat DiGiovanni
Ryan Reed
Victoria German
Leith Askins
Katharine Martin
Toni Van Buren
Images
David Smith
Editor-in-Chief
Lydia McAfee
The debate on this, if “debate” is even the right word, is simple. We can resist change and disregard the city’s efforts for our possible short-term gains. Or, we can provide meaningful contributions to help San Antonio succeed in moving us all forward. The bottom line is that things are going to happen with or without us.
In the end, having a meaningful seat at the city’s table is the ticket to having it all — the best preserved, most livable and enviable historic district in the country. Here are some of our immediate challenges and opportunities:
Monte Vista Traffic — While this is not a new issue, it is one that will be exacerbated by the arrival of VIA’s Green Line running along San Pedro. Members of MVHA are now actively involved with the Transportation Department to anticipate and mitigate potential traffic impacts to our neighborhood.
Parking — As past-President Lynn Boyd mentioned in his final 2024 comments, our MVHA representatives
Keith Sanford
JR Martinez
Ryan Reed
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Toni Van Buren
OFFICE ADMIN
Lydia McAfee
Have questions about the MVHA Board? Call 210737-8212 or email mail@ montevista-sa.org for more information.
on the TOD (Transit Oriented Development) Task Force achieved herculean results (shout-out to Tony Garcia & Victoria German!) by helping define TOD boundaries as a very tight strip of commercial buildings immediately adjacent to the San Pedro corridor, However, while the TOD remains tightly delineated, the city continues to lower minimum parking requirements risking additional congestion pressures along our streets.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) — Another focus of our city’s leadership is the reduction of barriers to any and all development, but especially, affordable housing development. To this end, the city has commissioned a pre-approved, onesize-fits-all ADU design that we do not believe is aesthetically (nor qualitatively) aligned with our historical neighborhood.
Near North Community Area Planning — This is a huge project and will touch on, among other things, the designation of allowable “land uses” for every property in the pre-defined “near-north” area. This is different than zoning, and critically important to get right. To learn more you can go to www.nearnorth.sacompplan.com.
Call To Action: We need a new level of activism in Monte Vista this year and beyond. We need ALL of you, and we need your neighbors, now more than ever. MVHA’s membership participation currently stands near 28% of possible residents. We’d like to see that closer to 75% (or more!). So…….if you know of a friend and/or neighbor, who has yet to join up, please ask them to consider making 2025 the year they get involved.
Also, if you have suggestions for how we can make MVHA membership more attractive and meaningful, the MVHA Board and I are eager to listen.
It’s going to be a great and challenging 2025!
Regards,
Tom Archer, President
Monte Vista Historical Association, 2025
P.S. I hope you had a chance to swing by last month’s “I Love Monte Vista” event. If you missed it, you owe it to yourself to work this special Sunday afternoon into your future plans! Thanks again to this year’s wonderful hosts, Anna and Bruce Liesman!
Planning & Development Committee Report
By Pat DiGiovanni
There’s an old axiom “Plan the work, work the plan.” That’s why this year Monte Vista Board President Tom Archer appointed a Planning and Development Committee to review and make recommendations to the Board on its policies, plans and programs relating to land use, mobility, and development affecting the Monte Vista neighborhood. Chaired by board member
Pat DiGiovanni, the committee envisions proactively engaging with the City of San Antonio to update the SA Tomorrow plan and specifically the Near North plan which encompasses several neighborhoods including Monte Vista.
The Near North plan will address future land use classifications, mobility, housing, amenities such as parks and economic development. The city has created a planning team to steward the effort, and it includes two Monte Vista Board members. In addition, the city will host several community meetings throughout the year to receive input from residents.
“Monte Vista will be represented, and we will work with the city to harmonize neighborhood planning and development and most importantly promote orderly growth and development consistent with the preservation of our district,” said President Tom Archer. Future updates will be reported in this newsletter.
The second Planning Meeting of the Near North Community Area Plan will take place on March 25th at 5:30pm at Northrup Hall on the Trinity University campus.
The Plan will guide development and City decisions and investments over the next 10-15 years. The content of the Plan will address the following topics:
• Community Amenities and Public Spaces
• Economic Development
• Housing
• Land Use and Development
• Mobility
• Neighborhood Priorities
• Transformative Projects
Visit www.publicinput.com/k2274 to learn more about the Area Plan.
The Charles Baumberger House Featured on the 2025 MVHA Fiesta Medal
Questions by Victoria German, Answers by Leith Askins
What attracted you to the house?
Both Dick and I had lived previously in Monte Vista. He on Elsemere and myself on Huisache. We both love the neighborhood with its sidewalks and historic charm. We wanted to come back. I grew up in Central and South America as the daughter of a diplomat. This house reminds me of my childhood home in Nicaragua with its interior courtyard and fountains, red tile roof and white stucco walls.
Tell us about the architect and original home owner.
The architect was Carleton Adams. He and his father were best known for the King Ranch headquarters. This house and that one actually share many of the same architectural features like the vaulted and ornate ceiling of our music room, and the general “Spanish Revival” style with elaborate tiled floors, arches, interior wrought iron, courtyards and turrets.
The original owner deserves his own full page feature! But Charles Baumberger Sr. started the Portland Alamo Cement Company and handed the reins over to his son, Charles Baumberger Jr., who owned this house last.
What is special about this house and why is it worth preserving?
Why the house is worth preserving is pretty straight forward. It is unique and its history is woven into the fabric of San Antonio via Mr. Baumberger’s contribution
to San Antonio. The fact that his cement company, Portland Alamo Cement is still in existence 100 years later, providing jobs and cement worldwide is a testament to his forward-looking vision. And his home is part of that vision! The house itself is very interesting with lovely features: the Batchelder tilework, the vaulted ceilings, the turreted stairwell, the interior and exterior wrought iron, the working casement windows, the fire places, the balconies, the elevator, and the four seasons garden. It sits on an acre so the gardens are definitely part of its overall charm.
Interesting features and stories about the home?
They say the house is over springs and haunted by a water spirit. If we are haunted it is definitely by a light-hearted water sprite who enjoys parties! But on a more serious note my favorite story about the house is that Charles Baumberger Sr. left it to his son, Charles Baumberger Jr., who died childless and left all of his money to the children of San Antonio in the form of The Baumberger Endowment. This foundation gives kids graduating frrom Texas high schools and attending Texas colleges in the Arts and Sciences a
$5,000-a-year scholarship if they maintain A’s and B’s. I have three friends and a cousin who received this scholarship! I love the fact that Mr. Baumberger continues to contribute and help San Antonio even after death.
As the winners of the newly revived Monte Vista Fiesta Medal raffle, why do you love your house?
Dick says he loves its beauty, stateliness and our nice neighbors. I feel the same and would add that we are honored to be the first winners of the revived raffle. The house is more than deserving of recognition. We have lived here for the past 14 years and we love the graciousness of the old house. While appearing grand, it is also intimate and very homey. We have been able to share it through parties and gatherings both private and public. Everyone always comments on what a loving house it is and I hope it stays that way for years to come so that future families may enjoy its spirit and graciousness the way we have.
Photos by SAhouseregistry.com
Why do we love the city’s Fiesta?
By Victoria German
Fiesta is the time of year when we rediscover what is great about San Antonio. What are some of your favorite memories of Fiesta? Mine is an epic battle for the ages in the front yard with my cousins and a carton of cascarones – egg shells and confetti splattering everywhere. Maybe yours is cheering proudly for your high school’s marching band. Or the history that comes with the traditions. Did you know the Battle of Flower Parade has been held, with the exception of the war years since 1891? It might be marching as a newly minted soldier, hearing your newly adopted town cheer for you, and standing just a little bit taller. For some of us, the best part of Fiesta has to be the mystical beauty of Flambeau or the anticipation of the River Parade. What child can forget the lights glittering on the river as the dancers and musicians go floating by?
We cherish all these memories that celebrate what it means to be San Antonians. Our generosity and love for a great party is extended to all the new friends we adopt as honorary San Antonians during this time of year.
Fiesta links all of our neighborhoods in a very special celebration of what it means to be a community. Transit-Oriented Development has reminded us that neighborhoods, like families, are connected by shared experiences, history, and culture. We cheer for each other. Each area has its own landmarks, quirky traditions, epic foods, unique architecture, and well, a very special vibe of its own. So, isn’t Fiesta a time of the year when San Antonians come together to share the very best of all our traditions? One of the very first travelers named Domingo Teran de los Rios, who came to San Antonio almost 300 years ago, recognized how amazing San Antonio would become when he wrote: “what a special city, a fine country…the most beautiful in New Spain…adorned with great…trees. This was called San Antonio de Padua because we reached it on his day.” Domingo could not have imagined San Antonio 300 years later…but I am sure he would have loved Fiesta.
Fiesta shows the wider world that we San Antonians are colorful, brilliant, romantic, and happy. In San Antonio the past is always alive through colorful markets, ancient missions, eternal parties, and family gatherings. Have a wonderful fiesta and make time to have fun. Make sure the people around you know that you appreciate what it means to be part of a very special community and an amazing city. Viva Fiesta!
The first official Monte Vista Fiesta Medal was created in 2006 with Landa Library on it. The Library’s roof needed to be replaced so MVHA agreed to help raise funds for the Library Foundation. With the sales of the medal and a Fiesta fundraiser, Monte Vista donated $5,000. The fundraiser was called Hasta La Vista Fiesta, and it was held on the rooftop of the Bushnell. The event was catered with Mexican food, margaritas, beer, and a silent auction.
In the years following, neighbors would enter a lottery system with a donation in order for their house to be put on the medal until 2017 when we moved to neighborhood landmarks. We revived the contest in 2024 and raised over $2,000 for the organization. See the 2025 medal below!
or at April Third Thursday.
What is the Architectural Review Committee? Certificate of Appropriateness Process
By Ryan Reed
There are several misconceptions about the role of the MVHA Architectural Review Committee. It is important for residents to know that the committee acts as advisors and does not have the authority to approve or deny changes to properties in the Monte Vista Historic District. Instead, the committee serves as a resource to help homeowners navigate the preservation process, ensuring changes respect the historic character of the neighborhood while accommodating modern living needs. The committee has extensive knowledge of Monte Vista’s history, the City of San Antonio’s Historic Guidelines, and the application and approval process of the CoSA Office of Historic Preservation.
The Architectural Review Committee is composed of 11 members with backgrounds in architecture, design, real estate, law, education, and other fields. All members are volunteers who are passionate about maintaining the rich architectural legacy of Monte Vista. The Committee meets monthly, on the 1st Monday at 6 pm. These meetings are open to all residents, and walk-ins are welcomed. Attending a meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about ongoing projects in the neighborhood, hear about preservation best practices, and connect with others dedicated to protecting Monte Vista’s unique charm.
When a homeowner is considering a renovation or exterior alteration, the committee is available to offer guidance on how best to align those changes with the historic district’s character. Whether it’s choosing period-appropriate paint colors, selecting materials that complement the original architecture, or navigating the intricacies of the Office of Historic Preservation’s application process, our goal is to simplify the journey for residents. The committee can also provide examples of successful past projects, offering inspiration and practical insights to homeowners.
We encourage homeowners to reach out early in their planning stages. By doing so, they can avoid potential setbacks and gain valuable insights that may save time and resources. Our members are happy to review design concepts, provide feedback, and recommend approaches that balance the resident’s needs with the historic context. Early consultations can streamline the approval process and ensure that proposed changes are in harmony with Monte Vista’s architectural heritage.
Some may think of this process as unnecessary or a hindrance. Our aim is not to discourage homeowners from making changes, but to help them understand the historic significance of
Continue Reading on Page 8
Homeowner Plans Property Changes
• Researches desired renovations or alterations.
Contact the MVHA Architectural Review Committee OPTIONAL
• Seeks advice and guidance on historic district requirements.
ARC Provides Recommendations
• Reviews proposed changes.
• Offers feedback based on historic guidelines.
• Suggests adjustments, if necessary.
• Advises on OHP application process
Homeowner Prepares Application for CoSA Office of Historic Preservation
• Incorporates committee feedback.
• Completes and submits the official application.
CoSA Office of Historic Preservation Reviews Application
• Determines if eligible for Administrative Approval, or needs futher review Approved Administratively
• Certificate of Appropriateness granted
Sent to HDRC or CTAB
• OHP Staff conducts detailed review, prepares case packet with Staff Recommendations
• Project scheduled for hearing with HDRC or CTAB
• Applicant to appear in person to make case to HDRC or CTAB
HDRC or CTAB vote to Approve or Deny
• If approved, Certificate of Appropriateness is granted
• If approved with stipulations Certificate of Appropriateness granted once changes are shown.
ARCHITECTURE
FROM PAGE 6
Monte Vista’s homes and make design decisions with care and respect. The committee views preservation as a partnership, where homeowners’ visions can coexist with historical integrity. Furthermore, we can offer suggestions for design consultants and contractors who are familiar with Monte Vista and have experience working with historic homes, providing homeowners with trusted resources to bring their projects to life.
In the months ahead, an informational work session will be held for residents considering modifications to their homes. Design consultants will be available to provide advice and guidance at no cost. These sessions will cover common renovation questions, share tips for maintaining historic materials, and outline the processes for preservation work. It’s a valuable chance for homeowners to gather expert advice, network with fellow residents, and gain confidence in their renovation plans.
For more information, or to schedule a consultation with the committee, residents can visit the MVHA website or contact mail@ montevista-sa.org. Preserving the historic essence of Monte Vista is a collaborative effort, and the Architectural Review Committee is here to support every homeowner in that mission. Together, we can honor the past while thoughtfully shaping the future of this historic district.
Glossary of Terms
MVHA ARC: Monte Vista Historical Association Architectural Review Committee
• 11-person advisory committee
CoSA OHP: City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation
• City Staff that reviews applications for Certificate of Appropriateness
• Have authority to approve smaller project.
• Will review larger projects, write a staff recommendation, and send to HDRC or CTAB for hearing
HDRC: Historic Design Review Commission
• 11-person commission, composed of one commissioner for each of the 10 districts, appointed by their Councilperson. The 11th member is appointed by the Mayor.
• Commission meets every other Wednesday at 3pm for review of projects
CTAB: Historic Compliance and Technical Advisory Board
• This board acts as a subcommittee of the HDRC, and reviews routine requests such as window and roof replacements, and fence additions
Examples of projects that require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the
Office of Historic Preservation:
• Exterior additions
• Accessory Dwelling Units
• Addition of freestanding structures (excluding playhouses, greenhouses, and sheds under 300sf)
• Enclosing existing patios with screens, windows, or walls
• Removing living ground cover
• Hardscape elements, such as patios, landscape walls, fences, and retaining walls
• Driveway modifications (including removal)
• Window and door replacement
• Roof replacement
• Changes to exterior openings (windows, doors)
• Changing or replacing any exterior materials (i.e. wood siding)
• Painting over a previously unpainted material (i.e. painting exposed brick or stone)
Examples of changes that do not require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Office of Historic Preservation:
• Changes to the interior of the structure, that will not affect exterior doors or windows
• Exterior colors (when painted over a previously painted surface) – although the MVHA does have a list of suggested color schemes by architecture type
Vistas Newsletter Then and Now
By Katharine Martin
Within months of its 1973 founding, the Monte Vista Historical Association published a simple four-page newsletter for area residents.
At the time, two metro dailies and a suburban weekly, The North San Antonio Times, were also keeping track of what was happening with the Association and in the Monte Vista area. News reporting on important local issues continues today, of course, but the outlets and media technology have changed. Reporters are no longer regulars at Board meetings; feature photos rarely spotlight our neighborhood traditions.
Now more than ever, the Vistas,
MVHA’s quarterly newsletter, offers readers what they can’t get anywhere else–news and information specific to Monte Vista. With Lydia McAfee as editor-inchief, a Vistas issue is published each season as a full-color glossy magazine. Each Vistas issue includes a letter to residents from the Association president and additional pieces written by others. Topics covered range from in-depth examination of a land-use issue or discussion of a city works project to an inquiry into area architectural features or a whimsical look at life in the past. Vistas issues promote upcoming events and solicit volunteers to make events and special projects successful. Thanks in large part to David Smith’s photography, the Vistas is also our ever-expanding scrapbook, our collected and recorded history.
Continue Reading on Page 11
Upcoming Events
Seeking hosts for 2025! Please reach out to mail@montevista-sa.org if you are interested in hosting a neighborhood social event.
Third (fourth) Thursday March 27, 6:30-8:30pm 355 E Huisache
Third Thursday April 17, 6:30-8:30pm 2519 N Main Ave
Easter Egg Hunt April 19, 10am Landa Library
Third Thursday May 15, 6:30-8:30pm Landa Library
Board Meetings, every second Tuesday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library & over Zoom
Architectural Review Committee, every first Monday of the Month @ 6pm MVHA Office at Landa Library
Sign up for our Monte Vista Monday Newsletter! Email mail@montevista-sa.org or visit the home page of our website to sign up.
Show off your Monte Vista pride with a t-shirt featuring the MVHA logo for just $20! They are a cotton/polyester blend (and very soft!). Sizes available include S, M, L, XL and XXL. Sizes generally run small. We will notify people when the shirts are ready. Purchase at montevistasa.org/mvha-merch.
VISTAS Assignments Desk
PAGE 9
Good Today, Useful Tomorrow
In this issue, we’re endeavoring to identify the smiling faces David captured at the I Love Monte Vista Party at Anna and Bruce Liesman’s house on February 16. Though memories are fresh now, printed names will make future Vistas more useful as historical documents.
Digital versions of Vistas issues going back to 2013 are posted at the Monte Vista website (montevistasa. org/association).
Hard copies of old newsletter issues are saved in binders in the MVHA office. Because volume and issue numbers were not used consistently from the beginning and because publishing schedules have varied over the Association’s years, we can’t always know whether a copy is actually missing or an issue just wasn’t published.
The February 1994 issue of “Monte Vista News” announced a naming contest for the newsletter. The next issue, published in April 1994, was named “VistaS of the Monte Vista Historical Association.” No contest winner was named. The VistaS nameplate was tweaked slightly a few times in the next 10-plus years, and the publication continued to be printed in black and white.
“This issue of Vistas Newsletter marks its rebirth,” the Spring 2007 issue reads. “With this new format we not only benefit from a new design and full-color printing, we are also pleased to offer advertising space.” The capital “S” at the end of “Vistas” was no longer part of the nameplate design and the two-loop squiggle that was added under the name remains part of the nameplate today. For several years outside
professionals assisted volunteers with the design of the newsletter. Lydia, with years of experience in layout and graphic design, took over the design and production of Vistas in 2021.
February 1994 appears to be the first issue with names of an editor and staff. By October 1994, the newsletter listed staff members but no editor. The staff box included two to six names through July 2000.
Ajay Castro is listed as editor in the Fall 2000 issue with staff and contributors totaling 10. In June 2003, The Association for Women in Communication/San Antonio
Chapter recognized Ajay and fellow staff members Rosanne White and Caroline McKenzie for achievement with a non-profit newsletter. According to past Vistas issues, the editors serving after Ajay have been Roseanne White (2005-2010), Julie Van Zandt (2010-2013), John Agather (2013-2015), Rosanne White again (2015-2018), and Larry Powell (2018-2020). David Smith, then a MVHA Board member, debuted in the Summer 2015 Vistas issue as staff photographer for “neighborhood gatherings.”
Good putting names to faces? To help with photo identification in future issues of Vistas, email mail@ montevista-sa.org.
Have something interesting to share? Email content ideas, questions, and volunteer to contribute content. Send to mail@ montevista-sa.org.
Find what we do with the newsletter important? Appreciate the info? Consider being an underwriter. Printing & digital costs are on the rise. Help us to keep our costs down.
Advertising in the Vistas affordably reaches a valuable market of over 1,300 addresses in Monte Vista. Ad revenue supports production of Vistas issues. Contact Lydia at mail@montevista-sa. org to reserve ad space or to volunteer to solicit advertising in future issues.
As mentioned, we aren’t always sure which issues are missing from Monte Vista’s newsletter collection. (For example, we have comparatively few issues for the 1980s and no issues at all for 1981 and 1982.) If you’ve been wondering what to do with your private collection of past Vistas, contact Katharine Martin (katharine.m.martin@gmail. com).
1973 issue of Vistas.
Pictured in this issue: Bruce Liesman, Anna Liesman, McKenna Liesman, Tessa Liesman, Alan Pearson, Janie Pearson, Courtney Shultz, Mallory Baird, Judy Warren, Pam Kittrell, Isaac Nabarrette, Alejandra Giavedoni, Jane Lewis, Angela Gallegos, Lobie Stone, Sally Bullock, John McCusker, Cyndi Lyons, Kathy Kennedy, Dawn Castilleja, Tony Castilleja, Tracy Wilson, Melody Hull, Dennis Karbach, Charlotte Wilson, Randy Kahle, Julie Bryan, Trudy Kinnison, Pam Thomas, David Thomas, Kevin Pape, Jennifer Paley, Aditya Muzumdar, Diane Abdo, Helen Perry, Sylvia Thompson, Taylor Allen, Steven Willson, Aaron Retersdorf, Tom Archer, Kimberly Archer, Kelli Weedon.
Sorry if we missed you!
at www.montevista-sa.org or
List a topic or activity for the MVHA board to pursue:
2025 Membership Form
Membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Questions? Call 210-737-8212 or Email mail@montevista-sa.org Website: www.montevistasa.org
form and mail check payable to the Monte Vista