Neighbors and preservation groups urge archaeological review before approval for 3406 Roswell Ave
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Summary
At an April 15, 2026 meeting, San Antonio’s Historic Review and Design Commission granted conceptual approval for changes at 3406 Roswell Ave but required an archaeological investigation and other staff stipulations after residents and preservation groups raised concerns about unpermitted additions and potential artifacts.
The Historic Review and Design Commission on April 15 considered a certificate of appropriateness for 3406 Roswell Avenue and approved conceptual action with staff stipulations while requiring an archaeological investigation.
Why it matters: Neighbors and preservation advocates told the commission the property, which has an unpermitted addition, sits adjacent to Mission San José and could contain culturally significant artifacts. Those speakers urged the commission to require archaeological review before final approval.
Applicant and staff positions: Javier González, introduced himself as “director de arquitectura,” said the owner had advanced an addition without permits and that the team is preparing revised drawings: “Si llegamos atravesamos este y conseguimos el certificado de idoneidad, el propietario… va a entregar dibujos para que se prueben los planes.” Staff recommended conditions including limits on fence height, sign approvals, landscaping plans and an archaeological investigation complying with local and state law.
Community concerns: Betty Busché, identifying herself as first vice president of the San Antonio Preservation Society, told commissioners that the architect was new and that detailed drawings are not yet available; she recommended the commission see final material before granting a final approval. Jane Henry, president of the Mission San José association, said an archaeological study is necessary because portions of the site are likely to contain artifacts: “Una de las primeras cosas… arqueológica, no hubo ningún estudio arqueológico… esto es asombrante.” Brenda Pacheco, a long-time resident who said she is Native American, urged the commission that excavation should occur prior to construction: “Yo pertenezco a los indios americanos de Texas… debería de haber una excavación antes de la construcción.” Mary Alexander, representing the Hot Wells mission association, asked for clearer drawings and noted the site has shifted private ownership and zoning over recent years.
Staff response and process: Staff replied that a qualified archaeologist will inspect the site, inventory findings and recommend the appropriate scope for investigation; the commission does not itself conduct excavations and any on-site work on private property would require negotiation with the applicant. Commissioners emphasized the requirement that archaeological work meet local and state law. The staff commitment: “El arqueólogo profesional va a ver el sitio… y van a tomar su mejor postura” on scope and methods.
Outcome and next steps: The commission voted to grant conceptual approval with staff stipulations, to require an archaeological investigation as a condition and to continue design review with staff and the Design Review Committee (DRC) so that the applicant can return with refined drawings. The commission instructed staff to work with the applicant on the required materials and the archaeology program. The commission closed the item after voting.
What remains unresolved: The exact scope of the archaeological investigation (selective trenches versus full-site testing) will be determined by the archaeologist and the applicant; whether the owner (reportedly out of the country) will be present or represented at future hearings was discussed but not determinatively resolved.
