The smallest, simplest, and most elegant of all San Antonio's historical Mission churches, San Juan de Capistrano is the third in the chain of the five missions going south from Mission San Antonio de Valero (the Alamo) along the San Antonio River. Originally built in east Texas, Mission San Juan was moved to its present location in 1731. The misson served as housing for the friars, settlers, and Indian inhabitants who farmed fruit and vegetables. A granary was operated on the property. Mexican troops were garrisoned here as well. Irrigation provided the ability to produce more crops in the fields outside the mission compound and 20 miles away the mission maintained a ranch where both sheep and cattle were raised. Workshops at the mission produced iron tools, wove cloth, and tanned hides. The mission was self-sufficient and livable for many years, developing a successful trading network for their surpus production. Later the population declined and the progress on the building of a larger chruch was abandoned. The unfinished new church building is still standing on the grounds.

The San Antonio River served the water needs of the misson. The San Juan Acequia, which is still functioning and was recently restored, holds the oldest water rights in the state.

Today, Misson San Juan de Capistrano is still used as a parish church (as are all the Mission churches here in San Antonio) and the restored convent building is used for visitor center. The open three bell tower, simple interior, and unrestored exterior give San Juan the quietest and most isolated feel of all the missions.

In line with Pentagon plans to covert Fort Sam Houston into a major military center for medical training and treatment, the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $719 million for construction projects at the army post next year, according to the San Antonio Express-News. On July the Bexar county commissioners voted to spend $900 million to expand the University Hospital and clinics, which will complement the San Antonio Military Medical Center at Ft. Sam Houston. In total San Antonio bases would receive nearly $850 million for projects in fiscal year 2009, beginning Oct. 1. Funding for Fort Sam and the new Medical Education and Training Campus will help create the world's largest military medical and education and training institution.

Conversion of Brooke Army Medical Center into the new San Antonio Military Medical Center is expected to cost $1.5 billion and be completed by 2011. In addition, Lackland Air Force Base would receive $127 million and Randolph Air Force Base would receive $2.3 million. These projects are part of a $119.7 billion spending bill for military construction projects sought by the Pentagon and ordered by the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission.

The expansion at Ft. Sam Houston and Brooke Army Medical Center, BAMC, is expected bring 5,000 personnel and 9,000 students to San Antonio. The Pentagon plans to create two major military medical centers, one at Fort Sam and one at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

What is good for Ft. Sam, Randolph AFB, Lackland AFB, and BAMC is good for the city and for real estate in San Antonio. Remember, for relocations to/from San Antonio I match incentives offered by USAA, NFCU, and others. Call anytime for details!

Fort Sam Houston is named for the first president of the Republic of Texas and leader of the Texan Army in the fight for independence from Mexico. The historic post serves as headquarters for the U.S. Army Medical Command and the Fifth U.S. Army. Some little known and well known facts:

• Fort Sam Houston was first established in 1845.
• The Army brought camels here to haul cargo in pre-civil war days.
• Apache chief Geronimo was held prisoner here after his surrender in Arizona.
• Deer have been kept in the Quadrangle for more than 100 years. Legend says that since Geronimo refused to eat Army food, wild animals were brought in for his benefit.
• In 1898 the fort served as a rendezvous for Col. Leonard Wood and Lt. Col. Theodore Roosevelt's "Rough Riders," before their departure for Cuba during the Spanish American War.
• The fort supplied the men and materials for Brig. Gen. John J. "Black Jack" Pershing's campaign against Pancho Villa in 1916.
• Military aviation got it's start here in 1910 under the control of military aviation pioneer, Lt Benjamin D. Foulois, the first military man to teach himself to fly and the first and only military test pilot flying "Old No. 1."
• Porfirio Salinas, President Johnson's favorite painter, served here during World War II and painted murals and landscapes in the barracks and mess halls.
• BG David Stanley lived in the Commanding General's Quarters longer than any other resident - 1884-1892.
• Ike and Mamie Eisenhower resided in two different houses on Ft. Sam.
• German, Japanese and Italian prisoners of war were held on Dodd Field during World War II. The Geneva Convention of 1929 requires that prisoners of war be moved to a climate similar to that where they are captured; apparently it was thought that the climate of Texas is similar to that of North Africa.
• Fort Sam Houston has the more historic structures than on any active military installation in the US.
• Within the state of Texas, the Quadrangle (the original post) is outranked in historic significance only by the Alamo.
• Distinguished Americans who served here include two Presidents, one Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, twelve Army Chiefs of Staff, two Air Force Chiefs of Staff, the first Sergeant Major of the Army, and a host of Army Surgeons General.
• 21 U. S. Navy ships have been named for soldiers associated with Fort Sam Houston.
• General Douglas MacArthur, Apollo I Crew member Lt Col Edward White, Colonel Oliver North, Presidential candidate and commentator Alan Keyes, Actor Peter Weller, and Basketball great Shaquille O'Neal all lived here when their fathers were stationed at Ft. Sam Houston.

Pershing House at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas

King William Historic District

The King William Historic District is a 25-block area located south of and adjacent to downtown San Antonio on the east bank of the San Antonio River. In the 1700s this land was irrigated farm land and belonged to the Mission San Antonio de Valero, which we know as the Alamo.

In 1793, the land owned by the mission was divided among the native families who lived there or was sold at public auction. The King William Neighborhood that we know today was subdivided into lots in the 1860s and laid out with streets which still exist as they originally were. Many Germans who had immigrated to Texas in the 1840s began to move from smaller settlements into larger towns and many settled in this area which became known as "Sauerkraut Bend." This German neighborhood developed into a wonderful area of large homes shaded by pecan, oak, and cypress trees.

The main entry street into the area was given the name King Wilhelm in honor of King Wilhelm I, King of Prussia in the 1870s. During World War I, when America was at war with Germany, the name was changed to Pershing Avenue. After the war was over the original name was restored, but was given the English version of the name, King William.

In the early 1900s the King William District lost favor as an upscale neighborhood for the upper class and by 1920 many of the original home builders had passed away and their descendants moved away from the area. During the 1930s and 1940s the neighborhood had fallen into decline and deterioration. Only a handful of the earlier settlers remained in the area and maintained their homes as before.

However, the 1950s saw an interest in restoring and preserving these fine old houses and the King William area once again became a desirable place to live. The King William District was designated the first Historic Neighborhood District in Texas in 1967. It is protected Under a zoning ordinance designed to "protect it for the benefit and enjoyment of the public."

If you are a history buff and enjoy looking at historic homes, a visit to the King William District is a must. Most of the homes in the district are privately owned and can only be viewed from the street or sidewalk. However, two are open to the public:

The Guenther House: Located at 205 East Guenther Street. This house, built in 1860, was home to Edward Guenther, the founder of the Pioneer Flour Mills, and his family. The house is currently owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society and features a popular and excellent restaurant (open for breakfast and lunch only,) museum, and gift shop. It also has a room available for small parties.

Open Monday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. and Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Admission is free.

The Steves Homestead: Located at 509 King William Street. This home was built in 1876 for Edward Steves, founder of the Steves Lumber Company. In 1964, it was designated as a historic home.

Open daily for tours from 10:00am-4:15pm. Admission: $5 for adults; free for children under 12.

San Antonio's newest builder, Tristone Homes, begins construction in The Ridge at Leon Valley. Homes are priced from the $130's to the $170's. In addition to The Ridge at Leon Valley, four more developments are planned, including Laurel Mountain Ranch, Santa Maria at Alamo Ranch, Westcove Village, and Estonia Estates. There will be a home choice for everyone from first time homebuyers to move-up buyers with prices in the five developments ranging from the $130,000s to the $240,000s. Prices subject to change.

The Ridge at Leon Valley is located near Bandera Rd. and Loop 410 within 5 minutes of the South Texas Medical Center. The neighborhood is surrounded by great shopping, movie theaters, and restaurants and provides easy access to major thoroughfares.

The Ridge Floorplans:

Tristone is an Energy Star and San Antonio Green builder.

For information on new or preowned homes in San Antonio, please visit my website at www.shirley.parks.remax.net or call me anytime at 210-414-0966.

Anaqua Springs is an environmentally preserved master-planned community northwest of San Antonio. The community has three phases with a fourth planned phase. Anaqua Springs Ranch I, II and III are developed, although there are still new homes for sale and/or lots that can be bought for building. This is a high-end develpment with many neighborhood amenities. Homesites range in size from one to four acres.

The architectural restrictions for Anaqua Springs Ranch incorporate the very best of the Euro-Texan Architecture. This architecture achieves a perfect balance of modern luxury and old-world charm. These beautiful custom homes are crafted from native limestone and native rock, and are stacked according to old German tradition. This form of craftsmanship, featuring clean lines and a classic look, further enhances the beauty of the native Texas materials.

These restrictions apply to the home's masonry, roof and landscaping, ensuring that the homes work together in visual harmony. Homes at Anaqua Springs Ranch, while exhibiting individuality, will share traits that enable the homes to be nestled into the surrounding trees, complementing the natural beauty of the land.

All homes for sale and all preferred builders that are allowed to build on Anaqua Springs lots conform to this style. For examples of home styles, visit anaquasprings.com

Homes generally range in price from approximately $800,000 to several million dollars, depending on size and location of the house and lot. (Prices subject to change.) A lot can be purchased directly from a builder with the understanding that you will contract them to build your custom home for you. For information about open lots in Phase IV that has not yet started building, visit the Anaqua Springs website.

Preferred builders in Anaqua Springs include Burdick Custom Homes, Inc., Diamante Custom Homes, Don Craighead Homes, Fine Homes by Greg Lewis, Hughes Old World Homes, Image Homes, Ltd., Mike Hollaway Custom Homes, Michael Holub Custom Homes, Steve Heflin Architect/Builder, Inc., Stadler Custom Homes of San Antonio, LP and Todd Glowka Builder, Inc. Click here for more information about each builder including photos of their homes.

To find specific schools that Anaqua Springs residents will attend, visit NISD.net.

For information on new or preowned homes in the San Antonio area, please visit my website at www.shirley.parks.remax.net or call me anytime at 210-414-0966.

I read a story in the newspaper about a homeowner who hired Novastar Energy to install solar panels for her home here in the San Antonio area. Now she is not only using the solar energy for her own home, she is also selling back solar energy.

Another green method of generating energy for homes is geothermal pumps, great for use in neighborhoods that have restrictive remodeling rules.

By installing green and environmentally friendly products, homeowners can realize true savings in energy costs. Most people can't afford to spend several thousand dollars for the solar array or geothermal pumps but there are less expensive ways to save money with green techniques, including passive building methods.

Some green features being built into homes include aluminum radiant barrier roof decking to keep the attic cooler, blown-in insulation to keep air from coming in and out of the home, low-flow water appliances, tankless water heaters, dual flush toilets, and double-paned windows. A lawn with areas covered in mulch and plants such as perennials helps keep water bills down.

The Summit at Canyon Springs is a new master planned community built by Highland Homes with prices starting in the $320,000s. (Prices subject to change.) The Summit offers all the conveniences with no city taxes. You will find oversized wooded homesites along with a number of cul-de-sac lots. Sixteen spacious floorplans which include fully sodded yards, a designer landscaping package, sprinkler system and privacy fencing. In the kitchen, G.E. appliances, Corian countertops and tile backsplash are all included; with tile flooring in all wet areas. Designer touches such as rounded corners, soaring ceilings and custom art niches are what you will discover in every Highland home in The Summit. Three car garage plans are featured, plus a variety of stone elevations.

The Summit at Canyon Springs is near Canyon Springs Golf Club, consistently ranked in the top 10 best daily fee golf courses in the state of Texas. Shopping and dining are just minutes away. The Canyon Spring recreation area is practically in your back yard. A community pool, tennis courts and basketball courts are all available and within walking distance.

Located in the Comal ISD

About Cibolo Canyons Cibolo Canyons is a master-planned community being built in North Central San Antonio north of Loop 1604 and east of 281. Cibolo Canyons will feature the nearly-3000 acre JW Marriott resort that will be home to the PGA Tour's Tournament Player's Club.

The 2008 San Antonio Parade of Homes will feature a new section of upscale homes in Cibolo Canyons.

Custom Homes in Cibolo Canyons Communities:

Palacios at Cibolo Canyons $800,000 to $1,300,000+
Cielos at Cibolo Canyons $500,000 to $800,000+
Campanas at Cibolo Canyons $350,000 to $600,000+
Suenos at Cibolo Canyons $340,000 to $500,000+
Vallitas at Cibolo Canyons $290,000 to $370,000+
Ventanas at Cibolo Canyons $250,000 to $350,000+

(Prices are subject to change.)

Cibolo Canyons Exclusive Home Builders:

Don Craighead Homes (Cielos and Palacios of Cibolo Canyons)
Mike Holloway Homes (Cielos and Palacios of Cibolo Canyons)
Highland Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Meritage Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Newmark Homes (Suenos, Ventanas, and Vallitas of Cibolo Canyons)
Sitterle Homes (Campanas of Cibolo Canyons)
Imagine Homes

Imagine Homes has been selected as the Single-Family Production Home of the Year in the 2008 National Association of Homebuilders Green Building Awards.

Advanced framing techniques, blown-in cellulose insulation, radiant barriers, high-efficiency HVAC systems, dual flush toilets, water-saving low-flow plumbing fixtures, water manifolds, native drought tolerant landscaping, tankless water heaters, non-ozone depleting AC units are some of the building features of Imagine Homes.

Imagine Homes Neighborhoods:

Monterrey Village - San Antonio - From the $130,000s

Olympia Hills - Universal City - From the $210,000

Stonebrook - Cibolo - From the 130,000s

Lakeview - San Antonio - From the 140,000s

Stillwater Ranch - San Antonio - From the $160,000s

Cibolo Canyons - San Antonio - From the $250,000s