Home Repair Fair Provides Resources at Hemisfair’s Confluence Theatre
Published on May 19, 2025
SAN ANTONIO (May 19, 2025) – On Saturday, the City’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) hosted its free community resource fair, the Home Repair Fair. This annual event is open to the public and connects homeowners and renters with local professionals, services, and solutions for the care and maintenance of their homes. Attendees had the opportunity to consult with local rehab experts, get technical guidance, connect with reuse services, and find services and goods to solve home maintenance problems.
This year’s event was held inside the iconic 1968 Confluence Theatre (Former Federal Wood Courthouse) at Hemisfair. The popular Exhibit Hall featured over 50 businesses and organizations, including design services, construction professionals, purveyors of goods, community organizations, and resources. Ten city departments were also on-site, sharing resources and answering questions.
“The goal of the fair is to empower residents and give them the tools they need, for old and new homes alike,” said the Director of the Office of Historic Preservation, Shanon Shea Miller, describing the dream she had for this resource fair 16 years ago. “Our historic neighborhoods are examples of sustainable communities. Those that came to the fair walked away with tools and knowledge to start and complete projects that sustain the life of their own homes.”
Interactive Studios were a new addition to the Home Repair Fair this year. Fairgoers could meet skilled artisans on the patio for an up-close look at the tools and techniques needed for basic home repairs. Seven craftsmen displayed a variety of skills, including disassembling a wood window, repairing window rope, window deglazing and glazing, drywall repair, patching and texture, tool sharpening, and lamp rewiring.
Both the Exhibit Hall and Interactive Studios allowed residents to shop around and speak with different contractors and experts about their homes. OHP encouraged attendees to bring photos and details about their projects.
The fair wrapped up with building tours of the 1968 Confluence Theatre. Those on the tour learned from Hemisfair Historian Christopher Medina, and Ford Powell & Carson’s Allison Chambers, who discussed the 1968 World’s Fair, known as HemisFair 68’, and the role the Confluence Theatre played.
OHP also debuted the newest city mascot, Howie D. House, who was created as a friendly reminder that homes have a life of their own and deserve care and repair.
For those who were unable to attend, the exhibitors and their contact information are listed on the Home Repair Fair website.