Fest-Steves Block
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This complex of four Victorian commercial structures faces Plaza de Armas, once the site of a colorful open-air market. German-born Edward Steves, A city alderman and lumber yard owner, erected the first of the 2-story buildings in 1880 on a lot next to the Spanish Governor's Palace. In 1884 Simon Fest built the adjacent Fashion Theatre and by 1888 completed two similar structures. Two of the limestone facades were destroyed in an 1891 fire and rebuilt with more elaborate brick detailing. From 1890 to 1968, Heusinger Hardware occupied part of the property. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark-1977
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the boom decades after the Civil War, San Antonio's old military plaza — once a bustling open-air market beside the Spanish Governor's Palace — sprouted rows of ornate Victorian commercial blocks. German-born alderman and lumberman Edward Steves put up the first two-story building here in 1880, and Simon Fest followed with a theatre and matching storefronts through 1888. After an 1891 fire gutted two limestone facades, they were rebuilt in showier brick, and Heusinger Hardware traded from the property for nearly eighty years.
Why it matters
The block captures how immigrant merchants shaped the commercial heart of a growing Texas city, layering German enterprise onto the Spanish core of San Antonio.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Spanish Governor's Palacenearby
- Centro de Artes0.2 mi away
- Artpace0.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.4 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.4 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.5 mi away
Attractions
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.1 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.5 mi away
- River boat boarding0.5 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.6 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Yanaguana Garden0.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.4 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House0.4 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House0.4 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Texas de Brazil0.4 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.4 mi away
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.4 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk0.3 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.3 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.3 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio0.3 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio0.3 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Hotel Contessa0.4 mi away · 306 West Market Street
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Edward Steves
- · Simon Fest
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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Groos National Bank
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