David J. and May Bock Woodward House
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(The Woman's Club of San Antonio Clubhouse) In 1904 renowned architect Atlee B. Ayres designed this house for the family of May Bock and David J. Woodward, a prominent businessman and contractor. May was instrumental in designing the house, working closely with Ayres on the plans. David Woodward was the builder. May sold the house to the Woman's Club of San Antonio in 1926 after the death of her husband. The house is an imposing example of Classical Revival style architecture. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1904, as San Antonio was booming into a modern city, the prominent architect Atlee B. Ayres designed this stately Classical Revival house for the Woodward family. May Bock Woodward worked closely with Ayres on the plans while her husband David served as builder — a rare instance of a woman shaping a major residential commission of the era. After David's death, May sold the home in 1926 to the Woman's Club of San Antonio, giving it a second life as a center of women's civic life.
Why it matters
The house preserves both a fine example of turn-of-the-century Texas architecture and the story of women stepping into public and creative leadership in a growing American city.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Museum of Art1.4 mi away · 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio
- Visitor's Center Museum1.4 mi away
- Artpace1.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Centro de Artes1.7 mi away
- Spanish Governor's Palace1.8 mi away
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum1.8 mi away
Attractions
- Scobee Planetarium0.4 mi away
- Terror Mansion0.6 mi away
- River boat boarding1.2 mi away
- Murchison Tower1.3 mi away
- boat ride boarding1.5 mi away
- Air Castles1.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Texas de Brazil1.8 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- La Vida Coffee & Drinks1.8 mi away · 106 Jefferson Street
- Voodoo Donut1.8 mi away
- Playland Pizza1.8 mi away
- Maddy McMurphy's Irish Sports Bar1.8 mi away · 420 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Local Bar1.8 mi away
Places to stay
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio1.7 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Best Western Premier Historic Travelers Hotel Alamo/Riverwalk1.7 mi away
- The St. Anthony, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Antonio1.7 mi away · 300 E Travis St, San Antonio, TX
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX1.7 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk1.8 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Gibbs Downtown San Antonio Riverwalk1.8 mi away
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · May Bock Woodward
- · David J. Woodward
- · Atlee B. Ayres
Themes & tags
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