Historic Resources of the Recent Past
Preservation is about the future, and as preservationists we make choices about the historic sites and structures that we want to steward in the years to come. It is difficult for many to understand the importance of recognizing places from our recent past, particularly when personal taste drives a reaction to a building, or when that history is difficult to accept.
The architecture of the recent past, particularly highly-visible landmarks, are often victim to the tyranny of taste. Yet taste changes, and we are glad that those who gleefully removed all of the “ugly” Victorian courthouses were not successful in removing every vestige of the late 19th century. Similarly, architectural landmarks of the mid-20th century are often viewed as being “ugly.” It is incumbent upon us as preservationists to understand and interpret the architecture of our recent past, so that we can ensure that the architectural and engineering accomplishments of the last century can endure.
For example, the opportunity to find a creative public use for the former Confluence Theatre at Hemisfair will ensure the preservation of a 1968 landmark.
ADDRESS: Hemisfair Park, San Antonio (Bexar County)
DESIGNATION: None
CONDITION: Fair
RESOURCE TYPE: Theater
YEAR LISTED: 2016
