Board orders repair of 725 Roper Street but directs demolition of two accessory structures
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Summary
The San Antonio Building Standards Board found the main building at 725 Roper Street repairable and ordered repairs within 90 days, while directing demolition of two accessory structures within 30 days after a 4–2 vote on April 9.
The San Antonio Building Standards Board on April 9 found the main structure at 725 Roper Street to be a public nuisance that is feasible to repair and ordered the owner to complete repairs within 90 days, while directing that two accessory structures on the lot be demolished within 30 days.
Dangerous premises officer Cynthia Santana summarized photos and inspection history showing widespread deterioration — including rotted floor joists, failing pier-and-beam foundation, missing roof decking and interior exposures — and recommended demolition of the property at the hearing. Cathy Rodriguez, Development Services Administrator, explained the city's deconstruction ordinance for pre‑1945 structures and said salvaged materials can be donated for affordable‑housing projects.
Owner Jose Guajardo told the board he has engaged an engineer and contractor, has paid deposits and is seeking permits and financing. He said, "I have the engineer to work in for the blueprints" and described efforts to stabilize the foundation and cover the roof to prevent further water intrusion. Board members pressed him for photos showing concrete piers and for documentation of financial means; staff displayed an engineer's letter, payment receipts and other documents on screen, and the owner produced additional photos and bank documentation but acknowledged the foundation work was not complete.
Board member George Grimes Jr. moved to declare the main building a nuisance but repairable and to require repairs within 90 days; he also moved that accessory structures 1 and 2 be declared nuisances not feasible to repair and be demolished within 30 days. The motion, seconded by Yvonne Addison, passed on roll call (Kayla Miranda, Joel Solis, George Grimes Jr. and Yvonne Addison voting yes; Dr. Linda Lopez Rodriguez and Fred Andes voting no).
The order requires the owner to coordinate with the code officer on the specific repair and demolition steps and to provide any required scopes of work, permits and proof of financial ability. Staff noted that the Office of Historic Preservation will evaluate whether any salvageable materials must be reclaimed under deconstruction rules before demolition proceeds.
The board's action leaves the main building subject to a repair timeline and requires removal of the accessory structures; the owner can meet the board's requirements by submitting the contractor estimates, final engineer documentation and proof of funding to development services within the stated time frame.
