Historical Marker

Monte Vista Historic District

Historical marker location:
117 E. French Place, San Antonio, Texas
( 117 E. French Place, San Antonio)
Marker installed: 1985

One of several San Antonio suburbs created between 1890 and 1930, Monte Vista has retained much of its historic character from that time. City brewery president Otto Koehler, oilman Ed Galt, West Texas cattleman Alfred Gage, veterinary Surgeon J.G. Talcott, and former San Antonio mayor and New Deal Congressman Maury Maverick business and civic leaders who built their homes in this area. The neighborhood is an eclectic blend of many styles of architect, including Georgian and Renaissance Revival, Mediterranean, Neo-Spanish, victorian, and Art Deco. Represented here are the designs of several noted architects such as J. Riely Gordon, who is best known for his Texas courthouses. Atlee B. Ayres was responsible for a number of the homes in Monte Vista, while H.A. Reuter designed the distincitive renaissnce revivial Manison at 114 east Kings Hwy for cattle baron Herbert Kokernot. San antonio architect Robert Kelly designed the 8-story Bushnell apartment building, which is the tallest structure in the district. Characterized by its distinctive homes and colorful history, Monte Vista is a reminder of San Antonio's growth and turn-of-the-century development.