A home for sale in San Antonio’s Monte Vista neighborhood is one of the earliest designs credited to Atlee Ayres, the renowned architect behind the McNay Art Museum, Municipal Auditorium, Smith Tower and other local landmarks.
It’s also worthy of note because it was built for a prominent businessman who quite literally shaped San Antonio, especially its downtown.
The home was built for L. J. Hart, a high-profile real estate developer and loan officer, according to historical records. Hart’s bigwig status is evidenced to this day by a meeting room at the Gunter Hotel named for him in recognition of his prominent role in promoting the hotel in the early 1900s.
Hart was one of the organizers of the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, having served as its president in 1901–02 and as a director for 20 years, according to the Texas State Historical Society. However, he was best known for his instrumental role in shaping downtown San Antonio through his real estate dealings.
For that reason, some called him the “Builder of St. Mary’s Street,” a thoroughfare he opened and developed.
Hart’s former residence, listed for $1.3 million, has five bedrooms and four baths, and it’s considered an early example of the Mission Revival style, a craze that swept San Antonio during the early 20th century.
Built in 1920, the home features a striking exterior of textured stucco, which includes brightly colored architectural details, sweeping archways and Spanish cobalt Talavera tile accentuating its front steps. The home also features the Mission Revival’s signature bell-shaped parapet, extending above the rooftop much like the façade of the Alamo.
The home’s historic grandeur continues inside with 10-foot coffered ceilings, pocket doors, original hardwood floors, a butler’s pantry and a third-floor attic that’s been converted into bedroom with its own full bath. The second floor offers its own attractions, including a private balcony tucked inside a canopy of trees for enjoying morning coffee.
But lest you think this Century Home is stuck in the past, it does offer modern touches. Outside, a wraparound porch overlooks the backyard, where a hot tub and private pool await. And a two-car carport comes with an electric-vehicle charging port.
This home is listed by Liz Petroff with Texas Premier Realty.
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
Every house has a story, and our mission is to tell San Antonio’s story through the lens of our community’s historic and colorful homes. The San Antonio Current’s real estate features are not ads, and are strictly operated through our editorial department. But we love public input. Do you know of a unique San Antonio home that we should highlight? Let us know, and email skoithan@sacurrent.com.
