Welcome to the Office of Historic Preservation

The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) protects the historical, cultural, architectural, and archaeological resources that make San Antonio unique.  Our office promotes preservation through the creation of local historic districts and local individual landmarks.  Along with the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC), the OHP oversees a design review process for exterior alterations to historic landmarks and districts, properties within the RIO districts (spanning the San Antonio River), public properties, and public art to ensure that modifications and changes are appropriate for historic resources.  We coordinate with other City departments to comply with required environmental review processes to protect historic resources. 

The OHP is also committed to historic preservation outreach and education.  We have established a Preservation Academy to host lectures, workshops, and events promoting historic preservation to the community.  We have offered Window Restoration Workshops, a Homeowner’s Fair, and many other activities to share information about caring for historic resources. 

Our offices are located at the Development and Business Services Center at 1901 S. Alamo.  Explore our website to find out more about who we are and what we do! 

Historic District Design Guidelines Coming Soon!

A second public meeting for our citywide historic district design guidelines initiative was held on April 9th. Our consultants, Clarion Associates and Hardy Heck Moore, presented a draft of the Historic District Guidelines for review and discussion.  The design guidelines will have a profound effect on the future development and preservation of our historic districts.  The establishment of more substantial, city-wide historic district design guidelines for San Antonio will provide predictability in the interpretation and implementation of design standards, consistency during the design review process, incentives for investment, and economic stability for property values.  Historic district guidelines can help to reinforce and preserve the character of our historic districts!

We need your input to help shape the design guidelines that will protect the historic places in San Antonio.  Your participation is important in guiding the development of final guidelines over the next several months. For additional information, contact Wallis McMillin at 207-1496. To submit comments on the draft Historic District Guidelines, click on the link below.

Online Comment Form for Draft Historic District Guidelines

Historic District Design Guidelines Second Public Meeting  - April 9th        

OHP - Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

The Office of Historic Preservation maintains a Facebook page, Twitter account, and YouTube Channel.  Follow us using social media to keep up with all of our events and activities!

Friend us on Facebook: "City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation"

Follow us on Twitter at SA_Preservation.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: SApreservation.

Neighborhood Tours Neighborhood discovery tours are available online! The tours feature Downtown North River, the Westside, and the Eastside. Each tour includes restaurants, arts and culture, people, historic sites and landmarks, and local shops in the neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to explore San Antonio’s rich cultural heritage throughout the city. The tours are free of charge and available to download or view online at www.saculturaltours.com.

Historic House Rescue List The Office of Historic Preservation maintains a list of people interested in acquiring or selling historic properties. Many of these properties are in need of significant rehabilitation. The list may include properties in need of relocation to prevent demolition or properties for sale that an owner is unable to maintain.  If you are interested in more details or would like to be added to the list to be notified about potential properties that require assistance, please contact Larry Gutierrez at 207-7902 or by email at larry.gutierrez@sanantonio.gov.