St. Paul THROUGH THE YEARS
St. Paul THROUGH THE YEARS
Located on the East Side of downtown San Antonio, The St. Paul Square Historic District sits between IH-37 and the Historic Event venue, The Espee and 1902 Nightclub and Venue. The name is derived from the Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, which was constructed between 1870 and 1880.
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The Early Days
The St. Paul Square Historic District, on the east side of downtown, is bounded by Center Street, Montana, the railroad tracks, and IH-37. The name is derived from the Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, which was constructed between 1870 and 1880 in the Gothic Revival style. Sparsely developed in the early 19th century, the area grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad in 1877 and the “Cemetery Line” of the streetcar system during the 1890s down East Commerce Street, the commercial corridor’s main artery.
The Growth of the Square
In 1902, the Mission Revival style Southern Pacific Passenger Depot was constructed, which greatly increased the amount of commercial activity and development. Most of the existing commercial buildings were constructed during this period and included a variety of businesses largely focused around trade and transportation. Although racially mixed from its earliest days, the area had developed into a flourishing African American community by the early to mid 20th century. St. Paul Square reached its peak during World War II and the Korean War, despite segregation. However, the rise in automobile traffic and the construction of IH-37 brought about a decline in the 1960s and ‘70s.
Where History Meets the Future
A short walk from the Alamodome and a hub for event venues, St. Paul Square keeps the good times going. With a background rooted deep into San Antonio’s history, the area has seen the performances of Louis Armstrong, B.B. King and Fats Domino in its early days. After years of silence, it’s come alive with the turn of the decade. Join us for a meal you won’t forget or a night out on the town.
The Early Days
The St. Paul Square Historic District, on the east side of downtown, is bounded by Center Street, Montana, the railroad tracks, and IH-37. The name is derived from the Old St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, which was constructed between 1870 and 1880 in the Gothic Revival style. Sparsely developed in the early 19th century, the area grew significantly with the arrival of the railroad in 1877 and the “Cemetery Line” of the streetcar system during the 1890s down East Commerce Street, the commercial corridor’s main artery.
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The Growth of The Square
In 1902, the Mission Revival style Southern Pacific Passenger Depot was constructed, which greatly increased the amount of commercial activity and development. Most of the existing commercial buildings were constructed during this period and included a variety of businesses largely focused around trade and transportation. Although racially mixed from its earliest days, the area had developed into a flourishing African American community by the early to mid 20th century. St. Paul Square reached its peak during World War II and the Korean War, despite segregation. However, the rise in automobile traffic and the construction of IH-37 brought about a decline in the 1960s and ‘70s.
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Where History Meets The Future
St. Paul Square is developing into a unique center that fuses unique eats and offices with nightlife entertainment right in the heart of downtown San Antonio. In just a few steps, you can drink signature cocktails, listen to live music, try the best foods in town.
A short walk from the Alamodome and a hub for event venues, St. Paul Square keeps the good times going. With a background rooted deep into San Antonio’s history, the area has seen the performances of Louis Armstrong, B.B. King and Fats Domino in its early days. After years of silence, it’s come alive with the turn of the decade. Join us for a meal you won’t forget or a night out on the town.
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