Our Mission

Two people at a workbench measuring a window. The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) works to preserve and leverage San Antonio's historic and cultural resources to support economic opportunity, vibrant communities, and smart, sustainable growth. We believe San Antonio's heritage is a foundation for its future—strengthening our sense of place, supporting economic competitiveness, and advancing environmental sustainability.

Existing buildings are essential to creating livable communities, expanding affordable housing options, and preparing for climate change. We believe every old building should be viewed as an opportunity, not an obstacle. By preserving and reusing our existing buildings, we can reduce waste, support local economies, and create places that reflect San Antonio's unique history and identity.

San Antonio's Historic Preservation Program

Group of youth standing around a table of historic pieces. San Antonio's award-winning historic preservation program positions preservation as a tool for neighborhood stability, community revitalization, and sustainable development. Our work connects historic preservation with broader city priorities, including land use, housing affordability, climate resilience, and job creation.

OHP empowers property owners, residents, and professionals to become effective stewards and advocates for San Antonio's historic and cultural resources. We do this by:

  • Equipping property owners with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to care for their historic properties.
  • Building skills and expanding opportunities through hands-on training, professional development, and contractor certifications.
  • Connecting communities to history and culture by strengthening residents' relationships with the places and stories that shape San Antonio.

Preservation is also an important building reuse strategy that supports sustainable development and smart growth. OHP administers the City's deconstruction ordinance, helping reduce landfill waste while supporting a local circular economy for reusable building materials. These efforts help expand access to locally sourced materials for affordable housing initiatives and community impact projects.

Project Review

Group of employees wearing yellow vests. OHP administers City codes and policies governing project review in designated historic areas and other protected locations. Through a public process, we support thoughtful, community-informed decisions that balance the preservation of historic resources with the needs of a growing city.

A Certificate of Appropriateness (OHP approval) is required for applicable projects involving:

  • Exterior alterations or demolitions involving historic landmarks and historic districts.
  • Properties within the River Improvement Overlay (RIO) districts along the San Antonio River.
  • Properties within the Downtown Design District.
  • Public properties, including parks and the River Walk.

Most projects can be reviewed and approved administratively by OHP staff. Certain scopes of work require a public hearing before the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) or the Compliance and Technical Advisory Board (CTAB).

Projects are reviewed according to adopted City policies and regulations, including the Historic Design Guidelines and Unified Development Code. This process helps protect San Antonio's historic character while supporting responsible investment, reinvestment, and community development.

Heritage Programs

A woman sitting in a chair while a man sets up camera equipment. San Antonio recognizes properties for their historical, cultural, architectural, and/or archaeological significance. Properties are identified, evaluated, and designated through research, surveys, and community input. Historic designation provides recognition, protection, and a framework for reviewing changes to designated properties. These resources include residential homes, neighborhoods, the downtown core, and civic spaces.

Our heritage extends beyond buildings and physical spaces. San Antonio's identity is also shaped by cultural traditions, shared experiences, community practices, and personal stories. OHP's cultural initiatives connect this living heritage to the places and communities that give it meaning.

Through programs such as cultural heritage districts, legacy business nominations, and local historic markers, OHP recognizes and celebrates the people, traditions, and stories that contribute to San Antonio's unique sense of place. These efforts broaden the understanding of historic preservation and help ensure that the city's diverse heritage remains visible, valued, and connected to its future.

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