Debate has erupted in Alamo Heights over the potential demolition of two significant structures—a mainstay school building and a historic residence—pitting development against preservation in a flourishing San Antonio suburb. In what's shaping up to be a divisive issue, Alamo Heights High School could see its 1949 academic building demolished to give way for a modern educational facility, while a separate case concerns a 1922 house on Encino Avenue built for a local golfing legend.
According to the San Antonio Report, a vote by the architectural review board (ARB) has stalled the decision on whether to greenlight the school’s demolition, leaving the contentious choice to city council. If approved, the new building promises larger classrooms and a modern learning environment, with a price tag of $116 million—part of a bond project voters approved last year. "We’re excited about bringing it up to the standard that a lot of our schools and students need or the way that they learn today," said Cory Smith, principal of Alamo Heights High School, in a statement obtained by the San Antonio Report.
Meanwhile, custom home builder Lisa Nichols has filed plans to demolish a simple Tudor Revival-style house at 231 Encino Ave. Despite its poor condition after sitting unoccupied for 12 years, the house holds historical significance, having been designed by Adams & Adams and featured in a 1926 edition of the predecessor to Architectural Digest. Alamo Heights finds itself in a dilemma as there are no historic districts to protect such structures and state laws limit the city's authority to regulate demolitions.
As Alamo Heights confronts its past and grapples with its future, these dueling narratives of progress and preservation reflect a larger tension seen in many communities. The 1922 house not only represents architectural heritage but also the story of Frank Lewis, known as the "father of Texas golf." Neighbors and preservationists argue for the home's conservation, despite Nichols's claims that restoration is unfeasible. "It’s an important building, it’s an important edifice, and it would be really tragic for it to be gone. It’s irreplaceable," Alamo Heights resident Suzanne Mathews told the San Antonio Report.
With decisions pending, both the school district and Nichols must wait for further reviews. The ARB's recommendations will ultimately go before the City Council, which has limited power to delay demolition but not prevent it outright. Public deliberation is ongoing, with district officials planning to unveil design renderings, and a 'farewell tour' for the high school's old building set for April 10, according to the San Antonio Report.
