Southtown San Antonio: A Day in the Life

Southtown San Antonio

A day in the life

With so many wonderful areas in San Antonio, it’s easy for even the most demanding of families to find a great place to live. But if someone asked me choose a spot with the hottest restaurants, culturally diverse people, interesting neighborhoods and architecture, and the most exciting nightlife, I’d have to point them in the direction of Southtown. Currently a thriving bohemian district near downtown San Antonio, Southtown consists of the King William, LaVaca, and Blue Star neighborhoods collectively. And with so much to choose from and do, here’s a few suggestions on how to spend your day…..

Forget Starbucks. Start with locally roasted coffee beans and hand crafted drinks and pastries from the likes of White Elephant Coffee Company or Halcyon. Looking for something more substantial? Take a step back in time as you enjoy the ambiance and food offered at the home of the Pioneer Flour Mill’s founding family, The Guenther House, built around 1915.

With breakfast out of the way, your most exciting task will now be to decide how to spend the rest of your day taking in the city. Southtown provides a seamless thread between its neighborhood and downtown San Antonio. A literal common ground for both locals and tourists. Enjoy works from local artists at Blue Star Arts Complex or Gallista Gallery. If walking’s not your thing, enjoy a more contemporary experience of San Antonio offered by SegCity.  Jump on a Via trolley to tour the neighborhood or try the double decker busses offered by City Site Seeing Tours for a greater understanding of downtown’s history. Rent a bike if you didn’t bring your own already and enjoy the San Antonio Mission Reach Trails also accessible in Southtown.

Sightseeing and shopping are sure to work up a sweat. Cool yourself down with an ice cold drink from various watering holes including La Tuna and The Friendly Spot. Enjoy a mid-afternoon snack from either of their restaurants or head to B&D Icehouse for some world famous Bar-B-Q. I suggest the ribs over anything else.

As the sun sets in Southtown, sophistication is on the rise. Meet friends at Bar 1919 for the best cocktails in town or try the craft beers at Blue Star Brewing Co. Work up an appetite and head over to the higher end restaurants like Hearsay, Le Frite, or Bliss (voted San Antonio’s #1 restaurant).

Visiting Southtown is great. Living there is even better. Houses start at $245,000 to 1,950,000. Condos (very popular) start at $225,000 to $563,000. Rentals start at $925 to $2,500. Care for more information? Contact us today for details including photos and alerts to new listings. Allow us to schedule you an appointment to tour them first hand.

Written by: Oscar Felan, Realtor

Remodeling. Being your own Contractor!

 
    Taking on a home remodeling project is not without its stresses but can offer many rewards. Whether it’s a project to make the home more your own, adding a long desired additional space, or a forced remodel due to a repair issue or fixing it up to sell...there are certain things that you'll need to consider before diving in. It is a matter of what you are wanting to accomplish in the end?

    Before starting a remodel project, you need to consider if this is something that you can do and manage on your own? Or do you need to hire a contractor to plan, purchase and coordinate to get this done?
   When doing a project on your own you need to have contacts for electricians, plumbers and people who can do the work that you are wanting.  You also need to be able to purchase the materials for these workers, such as the flooring, tile, counters, fixtures, the grout for the tile, paint, etc.   If you feel you have the contacts and know where to purchase these items then perhaps you are ready to be your own contractor!  If you feel this would be too much for you then it may be wise to interview a few contractors and hire one to help in making your vision a reality.   *For both routes, you will want to make sure you have at least 2 bids on costs to determine that you are not overpaying. 

Kitchen Before

When I found my home I knew there were things that needed to be done to make me happy and that a remodel was in my future as a home buyer. As an agent I also wanted to keep it within reason, always keeping resale values in mind.
 The kitchen is where I started, the cabinets were really old, appliances outdated and I really believed that this would have to be a total redo.   Then I stepped back and considered what I could restore myself which would save me money in the long run.  The cabinets may have been old and a little dirty but they were real wood and nothing was broken! So with a little elbow grease and $40 in paint I was able to transform the cabinets which left only the counter and appliance update cost. 

            

Kitchen After Remodel

I chose a granite counter top that pulled all my colors together really giving my kitchen a traditional and warm look. *Often granite stores will sell remnants of granite at a much cheaper price...just ask! 

 As with many in San Antonio, TX foundation issues can come up.   If you have a slab and your foundation starts to slope, the only way to fix is to specifically place jacks (lifting equipment similar to a car jack) to level the home.   Many times the foundation repair company will have to open up your floors and drill into the slab inside to properly level your home.   This may be traumatic for you as additional damage is necessary to repair the issue but I see this as a way to do another remodel to the home.   In this case, the company had to drill into the hallway ripping up the tile in the process. 

   As you can see, the foundation repair was extensive.   The entire time I told myself these holes will be covered up and soon I will be able to enjoy new floors.   For a while I wondered should I replace what was originally there or do something different.  As it is me, I went for something different and give it a more upgraded feel.   The living room was already redone with wood flooring and only the hallway and family room were left as tile, due to the cost of ripping up the tile.   So I took the opportunity to expand the hardwood to include the hallway as the tile was now ripped out.  The result came out great. 

Hallway Floors Before

*When going through an issue like this, always remember to check with your insurance company.  Most of the time they will cover the full cost or give you a cash out if wanting to make changes that are more expensive. 

As the tile was ripped out by the foundation company that cost was saved which allowed the hardwood to be put in.   

Hallway Floors After

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    Remodeling can be a major project but the reward can be even greater.   As the market goes up and availability starts to become less buyers have to think outside the box in order to find the kind of home they're looking for.   As we all know area is the biggest aspect in all buyers’ minds, but the home you are wanting may not exist or be available. Which is why to remember that if the home is the right size and in the right area then think if you did some remodeling, will this home be perfect for you.

Travis Reed, Associate Broker for River Valley Real Estate

19202 Huebner  Road, Suite 100
San Antonio, TX 78258
210-853-5327

San Antonio's East Side....Getting down and Diggy with it!

There seems to be an abundance of activity surrounding The City of San Antonio’s historic

Dignowity Hill neighborhood these days. Named after Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity, San Antonio’s first residential suburb was established during the later part of the nineteenth century and was considered home to most of SA’s prominent merchants and business owners who constructed large estates. By the year 1914, Dignowity Hill had the railroad, an iron works factory, a streetcar trolly line, and an extended water and sewer system. By the 1930s, the neighborhood eventually grew to include small Folk Victorian style houses and Craftsman Bungalows. Most home builders will agree that these early homes were built of the highest quality, skill, and pride at the time. It’s no wonder most are still around today.

After years of neglect, many investors eventually saw the potential of these homes, the neighborhood, and the desire of city residents to return to the core of San Antonio.  With urban renewal becoming a priority, the neighborhood currently finds itself in flux with 20 new homes being built and remodeled at the moment.  Ready to become the next new resident of such an amazing neighborhood?  If so, you’ll find (in various states of restoration) house prices in Dignowity Hill that range between $65,000 and $275,000. 

It is safe to say that living downtown allows for one to partake in the best of San Antonio. With downtown revitalization came new restaurants, shops and cultural activities. The heart of the city is literally within walking distance from this neighborhood.  On any given day you’ll see residents of Dignowity Hill strolling down to breakfast at Pancho and Gringo’s or lunch at DignowityMeats.  Others might be found shopping at Good Goods (home décor) store, owned by local designer D’Ette Cole.  For those who walk or cycle across the Hays Street Bridge there is the Luxury, Augie’s Alamo City BBQ & Steakhouse or you can check out the up and coming chefs selling their wares out of the coolest food trucks you’ve ever seen at Pink’s Food Park and Bar.  The SanAntonio Museum of Art always makes for a great afternoon.  Or a walk with your pup, in a very dog-friendly neighborhood, around Dignowity or Lockwood Park.  Some might wrap up the day with friends and a taste of San Antonio’s best craft beers or one of the finest cocktails in town.  The nearby options are vast and abundant….Big Hops; Alamo Beer Hall; VFW Post 76; the Brooklynite or Paramour are only a few of the establishments nearby.  Some of us simply visit with neighbors as we sit on our Porch and enjoy the beautiful sunset and downtown skyline….which is the reason I moved into this neighborhood.

 Care to learn more about San Antonio’s East side and Dignowity Hill? Contact me today! Oscar Felan with River Valley Real Estate, 210-853-5327

Growing With the Westside, San Antonio

When we first met Oscar Felan, we knew he would be a great fit with our team. What we didn't know at the time, was how much he would teach us. He introduced us to a whole other side of San Antonio. The Westside turned out to be a hidden treasure with a vibrant culture and dedicated efforts in place for urban renewal. 

While personally investing time and attention into the Westside, Oscar became familiar with the Westside Development Corporation and the Mexican American Unity Council. Both organizations have a mission Oscar wanted to get behind: revitalize the Westside. 

The Westside Development Corporation is a city council created local government corporation. Their mission is to foster urban renewal and economic development on the Westside. In 2009, they established the Grow West Business Expansion and Attraction Program. They provide services to businesses based in the Westside or those looking to expand there. The services include business consulting, marketing through community profiles, assistance with financing, and advisement on contract procurement. 

The Mexican American Unity Council was incorporated in 1967. The initial goal of the council was to empower the Mexican American population of San Antonio both economically and politically. In 1976, the MACU purchased and renovated the old David Crockett Elementary School which acts as the council’s current headquarters. The building also houses many non-profits and community focused businesses. They offer G.E.D., ESL, and adult literacy in Spanish classes. There are also nutrition and art classes for both children and adults. Caregivers can partake in the Parent Engagement program to help them understand the school systems and how to advocate for their child. In the continued promotion of family, MACU has partnered with Precious Minds, New Connections for the Nurturing Parent Program, a 10 week parenting class.


River Valley fully supports Oscar’s efforts to work with both of these organizations. We’re excited to see what happens next for the city’s Westside. 

Be sure to check out the current office space available for lease in the MAUC headquarters building by clicking here. For more information on the spaces available please contact Oscar Felan, Realtor at (210) 853-5327 or at Oscar@rvreco.com.