May 2005 Briefing
I am excited and proud to announce that the construction phase of the building, soon to be formerly known as the Travis Building, has begun! In late April, the JWL CDC signed a contract with Westfield Construction L.P. to complete the interior and exterior renovation of the building along with the parking lot in the rear. The work is expected to be complete by Fall of 2005. There will be approximately 17,000 square feet of lease space that is being marketed towards arts, cultural and creative organizations as well as complimentary light retail such as coffee shops, bookstores or cafes. We have already received several serious inquiries from well-respected, local organizations that are interested in moving in. Hopefully, in our next update, we will be at liberty to discuss the specifics. The overall goal of this collaborative effort between the CDC and the City of San Antonio is to create a culturally vibrant space that will attract residents and visitors back to the Deco District to help spur the continued revitalization of our commercial corridor. Parties interested in finding out more about leasing space in the building can contact the JWL CDC office at 732-2238.
One of the many special facets of our neighborhood that make us unique is the wealth of passionate, connected and artistic neighbors living among us. Since our neighborhood is such a hotbed of talent and connections we would love to hear from you if you know of an artist or lecturer that should participate in our upcoming Deco Days celebration. This series of events will feature a street festival on the Fredericksburg corridor on Saturday, September 10th showcasing neighborhood artists and businesses. The street festival will include art displays, poetry or other readings, and performances, and is to be preceded by a series of lectures and discussions focusing on topics related to the history of our area. Please let us know if you would like to participate or can introduce us to someone with talent and/or expertise in deco architecture, design, art, fashion, or the area's history during the 1920s - 1950s. We will need participation from the neighborhoods to make this a success.
March 2005 Briefing
The bulk of the Streetscape work along Fredericksburg Road is complete, with the exception of the large planting area in front of the Travis Building. Stop and look at the landscaping and decorative pavers the next time you're on Fred Road! Contract negotiations continue for the construction phase of the Travis Building renovations - stay tuned for an announcement of the grand opening date.
The American Planning Association will be holding their annual conference in San Antonio in the Spring of 2006. The group is a nonprofit public interest and research organization representing practicing planners, officials, and citizens involved with urban and rural planning issues, and is expecting 5,000 professionals to visit the Alamo City. One area being considered for a mobile workshop / tour is our very own Deco District. We will keep you informed as plans become more definite.
In the more immediate future, please join us along with our Councilman Julin Castro on March 22 at 4:30 p.m. for the dedication of a tile mosaic at the Woodlawn Lake Sailing Club. The sign, funded by a grant from The Women of SBC Foundation, is a tribute to past Mayor Lila Cockrell and all her contributions to San Antonio's parks. The sign was created by ASKEW artists Lauren Monreal and Gilbert Martinez, both Jefferson High School art students. The sign is on the north wall of the located in Woodlawn Lake Park. For more information please visit their respective websites: www.askewstudio.org and www.woodlawnsailingclub.org.
I would like to welcome an exciting new dance company to the Deco District! They are called the BomBa Brazilena Performance Co. and they are located on 1933 Fredericksburg Suite 109 (at Furr Dr). They are a performing dance company that specializes in Brazilian and Samba influenced world rhythms. BomBa Brazilena just returned from New Orleans to perform in the Krewe of Tucks - Mardi Gras Parade 2005. The dance company is led by: Choreographer & Director - Yvette Ramirez, Percussion Director - Tina Hernandez, BomBa Brazilena Advisor - Jo Cox, and BomBa Brazilena Advisor - John Ray Ortega. Their future holds performing in this year's Fiesta Flambeau, Oyster Bake and many other Fiesta and private party events. If you are interested in learning more or being apart of a high energy, dynamic percussion and dance ensemble, call (210) 602-5682.
Finally, I want to invite you to stop by our Deco District booth at the Earth Day Celebration at Woodlawn Lake on April 16th. We especially want to encourage local artists to visit us to get information on Deco Days, a street festival to be held on September 10th with related lectures in the preceding weeks. The festival will provide opportunities for local artists to display their work or to perform in front of new audiences, while drawing folks from throughout the city to our Fredericksburg commercial corridor. The CDC is partnering with the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center on this event, funded through the City of San Antonio's Office of Cultural Affairs' Neighborhood Heritage Initiative Grant. Lecturers on topics related to local art and architecture are also being sought. Please call the CDC office at 732-2238 for more information or visit us at www.decocistrict.org.
December 2004 - President's Year End Message to the Board:
In this past year, each of you has contributed in a unique way to the continued success of our CDC. I wanted you to know that the talents that you have shared with us have strengthened our organization and fueled our ability to continue serving our community. I know how busy each of you are and how valuable your time is. That you choose to spend a portion of it helping our efforts shows your generosity and spirit of commitment. Also, in your own ways, each of you has given me strength to continue to try my best to lead this organization and I thank you.
I will need your continued support and contributions as we embark on another adventurous year of revitalization activities and projects. I especially call on you to continue our efforts to engage more of our neighbors to become involved and share in the collective vision for our communitys future. There is much work to be done. We will need to continue to draw upon the wealth of talent and ideas from our neighbors if we wish to maintain the precious momentum that we are achieving. You are the ambassadors of that vision. Continue to share it, nurture it and broaden it.
I am very proud of our organizations accomplishments this past year. Among them; transitioning from Noel and bringing on Mariana, helping Primrose at Monticello Park become a reality, putting up the first of the Deco Tile Markers, organizing ribbon cutting ceremonies for our new businesses, Roy's Golf Tournament, accepting Becky and Alex onto the Board, and seeing the first palms go in the ground. However, I am most proud of the heartfelt way in which we honored our friend, Roy Huerta. Our tribute of having the Tournament in Roy's name brought great pride and comfort to his family as they continue to mourn his passing. In my opinion this has been our most noble achievement this year.
I wanted to especially thank Mariana for her unparalleled dedication and professionalism coupled with her unbridled enthusiasm for the mission of our CDC. On December 1st, she completed her first 6 months as our Executive Director and I would expect that each of you would concur that she has done a tremendous job. The way she has come on board and accepted her many responsibilities while relishing the challenges of our projects (with varying degrees of completion and complexity) has been a testament to her strength of character. The fact that she is successfully navigating us during a key period of the CDCs existence underlines just how timely and important her contributions have been. We are fortunate to have her and I look forward to her continued service to our CDC and our community.
Speaking of Executive Directors, it is my pleasure to present Noel Suniga with a distinguished service award for his contributions to the CDC. I wanted him to have a tangible expression of my appreciation for his leadership and dedication during his 4 years as our ED. It has been his guidance, expertise and vision that have helped ensure a steady course for our future. I have enjoyed his friendship and benefited from his wisdom. I know you would each join me in wishing him great success as he moves on towards future challenges.
I wish each of you peace and joy within yourselves and with your families this Holiday Season. As we work together to strengthen our community, let us not forget that it is because of the support and sacrifices of our loved ones that we have the opportunity to volunteer our time. Everyday, tell those that you love how much you appreciate them and be ever thankful for the gift of life. As my father told me and as I tell my son, Live Fully and Love Fully.
With Peace and Gratitude,
Paul C. Stahl
November 2004 Briefing:
I want to welcome our two newest members of the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake CDC Board of Directors. I want to thank Becky Whitehead (from the Jefferson Neighborhood Association) and Alex Soto (from the Woodlawn Lake Community Association) for volunteering to serve our community as representatives on the CDC Board. I appreciate them volunteering their time, talent and treasures to our efforts to continue revitalizing the Deco District. I expect great contributions from them. Anyone interested in volunteering with the CDC, please contact the CDCs Executive Director, Mariana Dannelley at 732-2238.
The Roy Huerta Jr. Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament at Cool Crest a Success
The Jefferson Woodlawn Lake CDC would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's Roy Huerta Jr. Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament at Cool Crest. The event was a great success with over 120 neighbors and friends coming out to support the work of the CDC and to join in remembrance of our dear friend, Roy Huerta Jr.
Congratulations to the following Golf Tournament winners:
- 1st Place Team: Woodlawn Lake Community Association (Score: 170)
- 2nd Place Team: Whole Foods (Score: 205)
- 3rd Place Team: Southwest Housing (211)
- Lowest Individual Score: Alex Arevalo (Score: 40)
We want to thank the following groups and individuals for volunteering their precious time and talents to help ensure the success of this event:
- Mrs. Metzger for her continued support and for sharing her golf course with us
- The Jefferson, Monticello Park, Woodlawn Lake and Los Angeles Heights-Keystone Neighborhood Associations for hosting the food and drink booths
- Tony Lopez with Bear Audio & Video for donating the A/V equipment
- Joan and Imelda of Alamo City Party Rents for assisting with the furniture
- Stuart at Shirtmaster for assisting with the event T-Shirts
- El Paraiso for donating a large cooler and paletas
- Dora Oliveri of Farmer's Insurance for donating goodies for the children
We would also like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and support:
- Tournament Sponsors: Southwest Housing & HEB
- Business Sponsors: The Roy Huerta Family, Archimedia, Frost Bank, Jefferson State Bank, Oak Farm's Dairy, Whole Foods, Law Offices of Trey Martinez Fischer, Dr. Bernard Weiner, Judge Marcia Weiner, Constable Jimmy Wilborn, Precinct 2, Roland's Roofing, Gerald Lee, Noel Suniga, Grace Rose Gonzales and Cary Barton.
Streetscape & Travis Building Projects Update
The CDC is proud to report that on Thursday, November 4, our San Antonio City Council unanimously approved an ordinance releasing the 2003 Bond funds that will pay for the Travis Building parking lot and the rest of the Streetscape project. Here is the summary of the ordinance language:
An Ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment of the Capital Improvements Funding Contract for construction-related expenses for the Deco District and the Master Lease and Management Agreement between the City of San Antonio and the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community Development Corporation for activities related to the development of the Travis Building and Streetscape Enhancements for Fredericksburg Road; authorizing additional funding in an amount not to exceed $757,854.00 from 2003 General Obligation funding for streets, sidewalks, landscaping, signage and lighting improvements from Quentin to Kings Highway and demolition, design, and construction for the required parking lot at the Travis Building; ratifying the execution of the Texas Department of Transportation Agreement between the State of Texas and the City of San Antonio for the construction of improvements within the right of way along Fredericksburg Road; revising the project budget; appropriating funds; and providing for payment.
The funding represents the entire $950,000 Bond funding amount minus what has already been spent: $168,237 for the purchase and demolition of five houses behind the building and $23,909 for engineering studies related to the parking lot. We will soon be executing an amendment to our capital improvements contract with the City.
The contract for the first phase of Streetscape (from Kings Highway to Rosewood) has been awarded, the palm trees have been ordered, and the work should be complete by the end of February, 2005. We will now begin working on the design for the second phase of the project, taking the improvements all the way to Quentin. Also, our Building Committee is already working on the Phase II Agreement with Contractor James Lifshutz so that construction work on the Travis Building and parking lot can begin next month. That project should be completed in April, 2005.
September 2004 Briefing:
The Roy Huerta Jr. Memorial Miniature Golf Tournament at Cool Crest:
The CDC is excited to invite you to participate in this years Annual Miniature Golf Tournament at Cool Crest on Friday, October 8th. Registration begins at 6 pm and the festivities will continue until 9 pm. Individuals and teams of 4 will tee off at 7 pm. For those of you who have never played the courses at Cool Crest, you may be interested to know that City Search calls it the Best Place for Family Fun, a "world class mini-golf Mecca that provides challenging fun for the whole family dripping with atmosphere and kitschy appeal."
The organizational committee made up of representatives from the surrounding neighborhoods have chosen to name the event in honor of our dear friend, Roy Huerta Jr., who lost his battle with Leukemia this past June. Jefferson, Monticello Park, Woodlawn Lake and Los Angeles Heights Neighborhood Associations will have food and drink booths to help raise funds. We invite you to come out and support the CDC and the area neighborhood associations! Please call the CDC office at 732-2238 for more information.
New Businesses:
Academia de Arte Flamenco located at 1722 Fredericksburg opened their doors on September 1st. This exciting new studio is dedicated to promote Spanish Dance Culture and Flamenco Arts in San Antonio. Their directors, Oscar Trevio and Claudia Silva-Lipsey, are very proud to be new members of our community. Their plans for the future and their desire to serve the community are evident in their pledges:
- To provide the San Antonio community with a forum to learn and practice Spanish Dance and Flamenco Art
- To train professional Flamenco and Classical Spanish dancers
- To promote Flamenco Guitar playing
- To provide a Flamenco dance performance benefiting charitable organizations in our San Antonio community
- To offer an annual Childrens Flamenco workshop targeting at-risk youth
- To develop a Spanish-Flamenco cultural program benefiting at-risk youth
Classes will be offered 6 days a week and private lessons will be available upon request. Dance classes will be offered for students age 4 thru 104 for Ballet, Flamenco and Classical Spanish dance. There will also be instruction in Sevillanas, an early form of Castilian folk dance still practiced in the small towns and villages of Andalusia. Flamenco Guitar lessons will be offered along with a monthly lecture series covering a variety of topics from Spanish culture to the History of Flamenco. They also have the distinction as being the only dance studio in San Antonio with a permanent Flamenco exhibit open to the public and free of charge. For more information please contact the studio at 785-9954 or via email at adafsatx@yahoo.com.
From the rumor mill ... look for some exciting developments in the near future right across the street from the new Flamenco studio. The old white building in between Joes Gym and the Money Box has been recently purchased and the new owner is planning on opening a European pastry shop. I'll pass along more information when solid details are available.
Streetscape Project:
The CDC posted the bid for the streetscape project earlier this month and will be beginning the contractor selection process shortly. Once we select a contractor we should have more details on the construction schedule.
Travis Building Redevelopment Project:
The CDC is waiting to hear about the status of the homes behind the Travis Building. The original plan was for 3 homes to be relocated and 2 homes to be demolished. As of this time, the City is yet to make the determination about the best way to clear the lots in preparation for construction of the parking lot. Councilman Flores office is leading the process of renaming the building. There is a public meeting scheduled for late October to consider the proposed slate of names.
July 2004 Briefing:
Roy Huerta, Past CDC President
On June 13, 2004 our community lost a good friend. I wish everyone could have had the good fortune and honor of working side-by-side with the class act that was Roy Huerta. Those who did know all too much what a tragic loss his untimely passing is for the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake Community. Those who did not should know that Roys presence was a true blessing to our community. He made a difference by leaving this world a better place than when he got here.
Roy was quite simply a man that loved his family, his neighbors and his neighborhood. He treasured the small things that make the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake area so wonderful; a weekly lunch date at Tip Top Caf with his father, a peaceful morning walk around Woodlawn Lake, the splendor of his alma mater Jefferson High School and, of course, a leisurely round of golf at his beloved Cool Crest. But of all the characteristics that Roy knew made our area great, he intuitively understood and never lost sight of the fact that you were the true foundation of our community. He respected the hardworking and fiercely loyal people that shared and loved his neighborhood as much as he did.
His tireless volunteer work was always centered on doing what was right for the neighborhood. He always felt we deserved the best. As the past President of the JWL CDC, he was our steady, calming force who always seemed to know how to chart the best course through the roughest waters. It is this legacy of dedication and selflessness that has set such an exceptional example of what it means to give back to our community. In this respect, he has raised the bar for all of us.
Of the countless contributions Roy made to his community in his brief 53 years with us (and I dont dare proclaim to know them all), one of the events he loved organizing was the Annual Cool Crest Golf Tournament. He relished the opportunity to gather with new and old friends to show off his favorite golf course, all the while bragging about what a great place the Jefferson area was to live and play. It was in this spirit that the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake CDC asked the Huerta Family to consider letting us honor Roy by naming the event after him. They recently agreed to allow Roy's name to become part of this event that was so special to him. The Tournament is tentatively scheduled for October.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Roys family. May Roy rest in peace and may his spirit live long and strong, in all of us.
Executive Director Search Update:
As you know, the CDC was involved in a search for a new executive director. It is my pleasure to report that we have hired a new Executive Director. Her name is Mariana Peralta Dannelley and she officially joined the CDC last month.
Mariana has a broad background in business administration and communications, marketing, public relations, strategic planning and budgeting. In addition, she has extensive experience with non-profits, volunteer organizations, working with boards and grant writing. She brings a lot of enthusiasm and excitement to the Deco District and we are proud to have her on our team.
She is anxious to begin meeting the community and hearing your thoughts and dreams for the Deco District. Please feel free to contact her at the CDC office at 732-2238 to introduce yourself and say hello.
Redevelopment of the Deco District Building Update:
The committee in charge of this project is currently preparing for the construction phase. Up to this point their time and effort has been focused on pre-development activities. We are continuing to work with the various City departments and the contractor (James Lifshutz) while we attempt to keep the project on schedule. Some of the pre-development activities that took place in the past few months are as follows. The City approved the purchase of 5 homes directly behind the building along Beal Street to create much needed parking for the Deco District. The plan calls for the two structurally sound homes to be relocated as part of the Citys Housing Asset Relocation Program (HARP). We are awaiting final word from the City as to when this work will take place. The parking lot will have landscape buffer parallel to Beal along with lighting that minimizes bleed over onto the surrounding homes. This parking lot will serve the redeveloped building along with offering parking relief for the corridor.
Business Committee Update:
The CDC Business Committee has formed and is meeting on a regular basis. Local business owners are anxious to begin sharing ideas on improving the district and increasing their business. Current businesses involved in this committee are CeeCees Caf, Farmers Insurance, Mac Grombs Uniforms, Optical Headquarters, Jefferson State Bank, Alamo City Aikido and Primrose at Monticello Park. They expect for even more businesses to participate now that the word is getting out. The entrepreneurs in the Deco District appreciate your patronage. The CDC appreciates everything you do to support our local small businesses, keep it coming!
Deco District Signage:
On June 14th, the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake CDC together with ASKEW a design studio for urban youth and the City of San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs celebrated the dedication of the "Marking Time: The Deco District Historical Markers" project. The first 3 of 10 tile mosaic block markers were erected along the 2100 block of Fredericksburg Rd (in front of HEB). This project was made possible by an Arts in the Community Grant funded thru the Office of Cultural Affairs. The mosaics contain themes representing the history and culture of the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake community.
ASKEW a design studio for urban youth with Thomas Jefferson High School art students produced these double-sided mosaic tiled signs that will visually enhance the Deco District. The program involves an apprentice program consisting of historical research, workshops, and design competition.
The remaining 7 signs hope to be installed in the coming months as locations are secured with property owners along the corridor. They can be viewed at the ASKEW design studio is located in the Woodlawn Theater Building, 1908 Fredericksburg Road.
For more information on the JWL CDC feel free to visit our website at www.decodistrict.org or call our office at 732-2238.
April 2004 Briefing:
Redevelopment of the Deco District Building Update:
The committee in charge of this project is continuing to achieve significant milestones towards completion of this important project. The City has approved the purchase of 5 homes directly behind the building along Beal Street to create much needed parking for the Deco District. The plan calls for the structurally sound homes to be relocated as part of the Citys Housing Asset Relocation Program (HARP). The parking lot will have landscape buffer parallel to Beal along with lighting that minimizes bleed over onto the surrounding homes. Upon completion of the project there will be almost 18,000 sq. ft. of space available. Anyone interested in leasing can contact the CDC at 732-2238.
Executive Director Search Update:
The CDC is currently in the midst of a search for a new executive director. The Search Committee received many applications and is in the final steps of the search process. We hope to be able to introduce the new Executive Director to you in the coming months.
Business Committee Update:
The CDC Business Committee has formed and is meeting on a regular basis. Local business owners are anxious to begin sharing ideas on improving the district and increasing their business. Current businesses involved in this committee are CeeCees Caf, Farmers Insurance, Mac Grombs Uniforms, Optical Headquarters, Jefferson State Bank and Primrose at Monticello Park. They expect for even more businesses to participate now that the word is getting out. The entrepreneurs in the Deco District appreciate your patronage. The CDC appreciates everything you do to support our local small businesses, keep it coming! For more information on committee meetings, please call the CDC at 732-2238.
Business News:
The old Texaco Building (formerly Los Colorines) is for sale. The well-respected commercial real estate firm of D.B. Harrell is representing the seller. This is a recent development so details were not available at press time. For more information, call Bill Holder at 222-2424.
The service station at the corner of Furr and Fredericksburg (formerly Ernies) will be reopening soon. The owner is updating the interior and hopes to open soon.
For more information feel free to visit our website at www.decodistrict.org or call our office at 732-2238.
January 2004 Briefing:
Redevelopment of the Deco District Building at Fredericksburg / Fulton / Zarzamora:
Progress is continuing to be made on this landmark project. The selective demolition phase has been completed which means we are getting a clearer picture of the structural requirements. We will be entering the construction phase shortly. The projected completion date is late 2004. Upon completion of the project there will be almost 18,000 sq. ft. of space available. Anyone interested in leasing can contact the Jefferson Woodlawn Lake CDC at 732-2238.
Landscape Improvement Project:
This project is also continuing to move forward. The architectural firm of Burton Rose Gonzales and their landscape architect are currently working with a variety of City departments, CPS, TxDOT and property owners in an effort to finalize the locations of the 18 palm trees that will be planted. The 7 Date palms and 11 Sabal palms will be 18 foot trees and most will have accent lights (similar to the palms along Houston Street in front of the Hall of Horns). The palms will be located along Fredericksburg Rd between W. King’s Highway and W. Rosewood.
Deco District Signage:
Colleen Frost of ASKEW Design Studio for Urban Youth has completed the tile signs that will be installed between the 1700 and 2100 blocks of Fredericksburg Rd. Her organization worked with art students from Thomas Jefferson High School to produce the 10 double-sided mosaic tile signs. The signs have been completed and are awaiting installation. The first signs will begin going up along the 2000 and 2100 blocks in the next few months. For more information on the sign project or information about the studio, call Colleen at 734-2588.
Graffiti Response Team:
The CDC has begun working with local businesses in an effort to continue fighting the graffiti problem that plagues our area. The CDC is partnering with the Near Northwest Community Plan process of organizing graffiti response teams. John Davis, a board member of the CDC and VP of the Los Angeles Heights Neighborhood Association is spearheading the effort. Business owners are encouraged to have matching paint for their buildings to help alleviate the patchwork effect that often occurs when painting over problem areas. EGAD (Everyone’s Graffiti Action Day) meets every second Saturday at 10 am in the Jefferson HS parking lot. Call John at 872-6093 for more information or to volunteer.
Business News:
· Café Rosa at 1610 Fredericksburg Rd will soon be expanding their business by moving across the parking lot to a larger building. The owners are excited about staying in the Deco District and are looking forward to being able to provide a larger, updated space for their many loyal customers.
· Architect and designer Andy Simpson has opened a new studio location in the Deco District. The shop/gallery named Archimedia is located at 1724 Fredericksburg Rd. The purple and black building across from Joe’s Gym, is one of his recent projects. Architect Simpson has designed schools, restaurants, medical offices and residences as well as commercial and manufacturing facilities. A web site at www.myarchimedia.com tells more about Archimedia.
· Two businesses investigating undergoing façade improvements and renovations as part of the Operation Facelift, the City’s Façade Improvement Grant Program. Deano’s Liquor and Los Colorines Restaurant are interested in making a variety of improvements to their buildings such as neon lighting, façade repair, painting and landscaping. They are both still in early stages of the application process, but they should both be commended for continuing to invest in and improving their businesses. Any businesses interested in learning more about the program can call Abigail Kinnison of the City’s Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program at 207-3971.
