Dignowity Hill, a historic community on San Antonio’s East Side, often sparks discussions about neighborhood revitalization and preservation. The area, about five minutes from downtown, has experienced a lot of change in recent years. Many of the old houses that had been abandoned over the years have been renovated and put on the market. Longtime residents have seen an influx of homebuyers and businesses.
Dignowity Hill was San Antonio’s first exclusive residential suburb. According to the Office of Historic Preservation archives, the area was named for Czech immigrant Dr. Anthony Michael Dignowity (1810 – 1875). Dignowity’s family home, Harmony House, was built on a hill to the east of town. After many decades, the house was demolished, and the land eventually became what is now Dignowity Park. Today, the neighborhood is among the city’s many historic districts. The area’s rich history and proximity to downtown continue to appeal to many homebuyers. Nearby attractions and landmarks include The Alamo, River Walk, St. Paul’s Square, The Pearl, Hays Street Bridge, and the Tower of the Americas. Homes currently on the market include a 1,800 square-foot home with four bedrooms and three bathrooms, built-in 1920. The asking price is $282,500. There’s also a two-bedroom, two-bath house with 2547 square feet. It was built in 1874 and is listed for $750,000. Bed Bug Exterminator San Antonio
The arrival of the railroad in 1877 gave Dignowity Hill a drastic change within the neighborhood’s-built environment and demographic diversity. Industrial development had widely increased with the construction of an ironworks factory, the development of a streetcar trolley line along Burnet Street, and by the extension of sewer and water lines to the area around the turn of the century. By 1914, the neighborhood was surrounded by industry on the north and west, commerce on the south, and modest homes on the east. Dr. Dignowity died in 1875, and his Harmony House was later demolished. The property became Dignowity Park in 1926. The neighborhood consisted primarily of small Folk Victorian-style houses and Craftsman Bungalows by the 1930s. Today, the neighborhood is a local historic district bounded by Sherman Street on the north, Commerce Street and Paso Hondo on the south, Palmetto Street on the east, and Cherry Street on the west.
Restaurants and Pubs
- Yard House is located at 849 E Commerce St #409, San Antonio, Texas
- Augie’s Alamo City BBQ Steakhouse is located at 909 Broadway, San Antonio, TX
- Espuelas – The Bar at the Bridge is located at 306 Austin St, San Antonio, TX
- Cellar Mixology is located at 1142 E Commerce St, San Antonio, TX
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