A gilded-age mansion next to San Pedro Springs Park has it the market, and the home was built in 1910 for T.C. Frost, heir to the Frost National Bank fortune.
T.C. Frost’s father, who also went by T.C., founded Frost National Bank after serving as a lawyer, businessman and colonel in the Confederate army. He was also a member of the convention that signed the Articles of Secession in 1861, according to the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). Indeed, the senior Frost was reportedly so loyal to the Confederacy that he refused to take an oath of allegiance to the Union after the Civil War, meaning he was no longer able to practice law.
As a businessman, Frost was viewed as a “trusted merchant with a strong safe,” which made customers feel secure leaving money and valuables with him, according to the TSHA. As a result, he got into the banking business and founded the San Antonio-based Frost National Bank in 1868.
After T.C. Frost senior’s death in 1926, the son took over as president of Frost National Bank. At the time, he was already residing in this opulent mansion fit for a banking behemoth.
Perched on an elevated bluff above San Pedro Springs Park, the estate offers breathtaking views of downtown from its wraparound front porch and second-story balconies. What could be more appropriate than a Frost heir being able to survey the kingdom he had inherited?
The 9,464-square-foot dwelling’s design is a blend of Prairie, Arts & Crafts, Mission Revival and Classical architecture, including coffered ceilings, rich wood panelling and stately columns. The house also sits on an oversized 1.3 acres of land, unusual for the neighborhood — and clearly signifying status.
The four-bedroom, three-and-a-half bath home was converted to office use in the 1950s. More recently, it harbored Philo Coffee.
Now, with a price tag just shy of $1.5 million, the property is again open to interpretation by a new owner. Thanks to its flexible zoning, it could become some combination of residential and commercial use or be converted back to purely residential, funds permitting.
Perhaps a meeting with the bank is in order.
This home is listed by Stephen W Yndo with Yndo Commercial Real Estate Company.
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.
