River Walk – San Antonio, Texas
Beautification of the San Antonio River was a long-time dream for local residents. The banks were landscaped beginning in 1904, only to be devastated by floods in 1913 and 1921. A flood retention dam was completed north of downtown in 1926 and plans were made for further river improvements.
The manmade waterfall in the Paseo creates a sense of peace and serenity. An oasis in an otherwise arid environment.
The concept for the River Walk came about in 1929. Architect Robert H.H. Hughman envisioned a meandering waterway with Spanish-inspired stone stairs and walkways, arched bridges, and shops and restaurants lining the river. Construction began in 1939 with partial funding from the Works Progress Administration. Crews worked for two years. The project was dedicated on April 21, 1941. After successful complete Hughman opened his architecture office on the lower level of the Clifford Building by the Commerce Street bridge.
Another flood in 1946 showed that measures to contain the river had succeeded. Casa Rio became the first restaurant to open along the River Walk that same year.
Bronze plaques along the River Walk show features designed by project architect Robert H.H. Hughman.
East Commerce Street was called the Alameda in the 1800s. This was San Antonio’s earliest and most important thoroughfare. It crossed the river and connected the plazas on the west with the Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) to the east. Houses and businesses surrounded the old mission on Alamo Plaza and lined Commerce Street one block to the south by the late 1860s. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church was dedicated in 1871 and intended to serve San Antonio’s growing German-speaking community. The church steeple was completed in 1898.
The more modern section of the River Walk has a structure in imitation of a colonnade, built in reinforced concrete. The purpose is not entirely clear.
