Historic Places & Potential Designations

Cultural Heritage recognition is an endorsement of noteworthy sites, structures, objects, businesses, and the living heritage—the expressions, traditions, knowledge, skills, identity and representations— that impart a distinct aspect to the city and serve as tangible and intangible reminders of the city's culture and heritage. The intent is to build awareness and knowledge of San Antonio’s living heritage. The recognition is designed for neighborhoods, corridors, individual buildings, sites, objects, and elements of social heritage that hold historic or cultural value to the community beyond architectural value. Cultural Heritage recognition is an honorific title endorsed by the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) upon recommendation from the Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) staff. There is no design review process for Cultural Heritage Districts or Cultural Heritage Buildings.

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In San Antonio, landmark designation is a zoning overlay that is applied to a property that has been determined to have historic and/or cultural significance. Landmark designation protects a property by applying regulatory requirements that have been adopted by City Council. Through the African American Heritage Preservation Initiative, OHP has determined that many properties are eligible for landmark designation. Property owners, residents, and community members interested in landmark designation should attend an OHP information session or reach out to the Office of Historic Preservation for more information about the landmark designation review process.

The “There’s a Story Here” (TASH) program is part of OHP’s Local Markers Program and was developed to capture San Antonio’s previously untold, underrepresented, or erased history. The program is free to participate in and is community driven. Stories can be submitted on the OHP Discovery Map, and submissions may include text, photos, historic newspaper clippings, and audio. Participants in the program may elect to receive a yard sign or window sticker to be installed at the location of their story at no cost. OHP shares story submissions through the City and OHP social media platforms. These stories help us to tell a fuller San Antonio history.

The “History Here” program is a component of OHP’s Local Markers Program. The intention of the History Here program is to reduce the barriers to entry for San Antonio’s commemorative landscape. “History Here” is a traditional-style markers program, offering low-cost, community-reviewed markers to celebrate local history. The cost of the “History Here” marker is $250, which can be paid by a sponsor. The markers include a QR code, which directs to a blog about the story and site, where additional information including photos, videos, and audio may be shared.

The Legacy Business Program celebrates local businesses that contribute to the history, culture, and authentic identity of San Antonio. Businesses are generally nominated when they have been in operation for 20 years or more. The Office of Historic Preservation celebrates Legacy Businesses through social media promotion.