Residents from around the city gathered at the iconic 1968 Confluence Theatre at Hemisfair last Saturday for a community-centric day dedicated to home maintenance and repair. The City’s Office of Historic Preservation organized the free event, dubbed the Home Repair Fair, where attendees connected with local pros to discuss preserving and injecting new life into their dwellings.
An essential aspect of the fair was its accessibility, offering opportunities for not only homeowners but also renters in seeking out expert advice. According to a report by the City of San Antonio, the event featured an Exhibit Hall with over 50 businesses and organizations that spanned design services, construction professionals, and more. Ten city departments were on hand to provide information and digestible support catered to common home issues.
Shanon Shea Miller, the Director of the Office of Historic Preservation, expressed to visitors the fair's aim to "empower residents and give them the tools they need, for old and new homes alike," echoing a sentiment she held for 16 years about creating such a resource fair, as reported by the city's official website. The event also introduced Interactive Studios, where skilled artisans shared their crafts, from wood window repair to lamp rewiring, inviting attendees to engage in hands-on learning.
As the day progressed, participants were given the option to join building tours of the Confluence Theatre, learning about its storied past during HemisFair ’68. The tours featured insights from Hemisfair Historian Christopher Medina and Allison Chambers from Ford Powell & Carson, who detailed the building's rich history and cultural significance.
Rounding out the program, the fair featured a new city mascot—Howie D. House. This friendly new addition underlines the message that homes, like anything of value, need consistent attention and maintenance. For those unable to join, the full list of exhibitors and their contact info can be found on the Home Repair Fair's dedicated website.
