National Register Listing

Livingston-Hess House

228 W. Huisache Ave., San Antonio, TX

The Livingston-Hess House is a fine example of the Prairie Style, and is a significant contributing building in the Monte Vista Historic District.

The house at 228 West Huisache was built for Charles Livingston and his wife. Rose, in 1915, in the stylish area known as Laurel Heights, a development first platted in 1890. In about 1910, Mr. Livingston moved to San Antonio from Wausau, Wisconsin, where his family operated a successful department store. The Livingstons lived in this house less than a year when Mr. Livingston died suddenly. His widow moved to Milwaukee, and the house was sold to Louis L. Hess, a Texas rancher whose family members were among the early settlers of Marathon in Brewster County. The Hess' used the Huisache Avenue house as their city home, living there until about 1950.

Designed by San Antonio architect Emest P. Behles, the house is among the finest examples of early 20th century, pre-World War I design in the City of San Antonio's Monte Vista Historic District. Behles, a skilled practitioner of the era's popular Prairie Style, worked with local architects James Wahrenberger, Atlee B. Ayres, and Charles Boelhauwe before establishing his own firm in 1917. The Livingston-Hess House combines strong horizontal elements emphasized by contrasting dark brick and light cast stone, with tall vertical gables. It is arguably the most refined expression of this style among the few large houses of its type found in Monte Vista. Its exterior expresses a wealthy San Antonian's willingness to construct a "modem" house, while its interior bespeaks the owner's strong traditional tastes. The Livingston-Hess House and the 2-story R.B. Cherry House (1913) to the west also designed by Behles, attest to the architect's skill. Together with the 1-story R.B. Cherry House to the east (1917-18; architect unknown) they present perhaps the strongest statement of the Prairie Style in San Antonio.

The Livingston-Hess House meets Criterion C (local level) in the area of Architecture as a fine and intact example of early 20th century Prairie School influence, as well as of the work of architect Emest P. Behles whose career in San Antonio and Texas ended in 1918. The house is an important contributing building in a still largely residential neighborhood and retains a remarkably high degree of integrity. Its period of significance extends from 1915 until 1946.
Bibliography
American Institute of Architects archives, Washington, D.C.
Bexar County Deed Records
Blumenson, John J.-G. Identifying American Architecture. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 1981.
Chambers, S. Allen, Jr. and Nancy B. Schwartz. What Style is it? Washington, D.C: The Preservation Press, 1983.
Comer, William. San Antonio de Bexar: A Guide and History. San Antonio. San Antonio: Bainbridge and Comer, 1890.
Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library archives
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.