This weekend, the O. Henry House will be relocated to a new location at 702 Dolorosa St., where permanent foundations will be built for the structure. In May, UTSA received the residence as a gift, donated by Weston Urban, which is redeveloping the current location for the Continental Block development project. The new location will place the house near Casa Navarro, a museum operated by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). Weston Urban will oversee relocation of the house.
The home was formerly occupied by American short story writer, William Sydney Porter, better known by his pen name, O. Henry. Porter lived in the house in 1885 and wrote several short stories featuring San Antonio, including “A Fog in Santone,” “The Higher Abdication” and “Hygeia at the Solito.”
“UTSA is proud to take stewardship of the O. Henry House,” said Veronica Salazar, UTSA chief enterprise development officer and senior vice president for business affairs. “We are grateful for Weston Urban’s generous donation and its shared vision for reviving downtown San Antonio.”
“UTSA is proud to take stewardship of the O. Henry House.”
Future opportunities for the residence include operating it as a museum alongside Casa Navarro or as a functional part of the UTSA campus. The THC will maintain oversight and care of the property to preserve the architectural integrity of the structure.
“The O. Henry House provides a unique opportunity to advance historic preservation and contribute to placemaking efforts in the growing historical district developing adjacent to UTSA’s downtown presence,” said Salazar. “As part of our educational mission, we hope to share its learning opportunities with generations to come.”
Stewardship of the O. Henry House underscores UTSA’s continued commitment to San Antonio’s downtown growth.
