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Boerne historic panel approves demolition of six structures at 308 W. San Antonio
Summary
The Boerne Historic Landmark Commission approved demolition of six of eight buildings at 308 West San Antonio Ave., with conditions to remove a chain-link fence and preserve healthy heritage trees.
The City of Boerne Historic Landmark Commission voted 4-0 April 1 to approve a demolition permit for six of the eight structures at 308 West San Antonio Avenue, subject to staff stipulations to remove a chain-link fence and preserve healthy heritage trees.
The commission’s staff presented the application on behalf of Lisa Blank, who said she was acting for the Beelba Doris Marital Trust. Planning staff told commissioners the property is outside the historic district but contains structures older than 50 years and lies within the Irons and Graham subdivision, the original plat for that neighborhood from 1887. The primary residence on the lot was built in 1952 and is bungalow in form.
Staff said the commission’s demolition review follows Unified Development Code (UDC) section 2.11, which requires the city to verify completeness, notify neighbors within 200 feet at least 15 days before hearing, and hold a public hearing. Staff also noted UDC section 4.4(d) prohibits new chain-link fencing in the city’s zoning rules and recommended removal of the existing fence if demolition proceeds.
During a site visit in March, staff observed weathered blue shingle siding, original casement windows at the front elevation, nonoriginal windows at the rear and southwest elevation, and evidence of exterior wood rot. Staff said two of the eight structures — a limestone-clad well house and a shed owned by the adjacent neighbor — will be preserved or relocated. The demolition request covered structures enumerated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 on the site plan.
Three public responses were on file in favor of demolition. Some commenters conditioned their support on limits to the scale or type of replacement construction, and one asked that rock buildings not be demolished. Staff’s written findings concluded the six structures proposed for removal do not carry sufficient architectural or cultural significance to preclude demolition while noting the family’s efforts to memorialize Viola Wilson — a long-time Boerne first-grade teacher — by naming a new elementary school for her.
Commission discussion noted the property’s age, the mix of original and later window types, the presence of a resident tenant and the city’s limited authority over future redevelopment. Commissioner language on the record emphasized that approval was limited to the demolition permit and that any future construction, subdivision or tree removal would require separate city approvals.
Commissioner (mover) moved to approve the demolition permit for structures 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 with staff stipulations to remove the chain-link fence and preserve healthy heritage trees; the motion passed 4-0. Planning staff told the applicant to coordinate with the city on demolition paperwork and on required tree-preservation measures under applicable planning rules.
Votes at a glance: demolition permit 2025-133 (308 W. San Antonio) — approved 4-0; stipulations: removal of chain-link fence and preservation of healthy heritage trees.
The commission also reminded attendees that the demolition review is limited to historic-significance determinations and does not approve future building plans or lot subdivisions, which would follow separate planning processes.
