A True Architectural Jewel on Club Drive
The San Antonio Light, May 24, 1927. “A jewel of Capri could be no lovelier than this charming Mediterranean contribution to the many beautiful homes in Woodlawn District. The above is the recently completed home of Dr. Thomas S. Roach, at 315 Club Drive, in the North Woodlawn Terrace section of the District.”
During the early 20th Century, revival architectural styles were incredibly prolific, with Spanish and Mediterranean Revival styles proving quite popular in our neighborhood. The amazingly beautiful home at 315 Club Drive showcases multiple elements of these styles, and was carefully restored, after having fallen into severe disrepair several years ago.
Completed in March 1927 by builder A. T. Hayes, this home was advertised in the San Antonio Light as a “true Mediterranean type” featuring a “Spanish patio,” reflecting the ease with which these styles were blended in marketing materials and public thinking. Mr. Hayes built this as a spec home, with staging by Stowers Furniture, a company still in business today! A news story in the Light relayed that “[t]he crowds that have seen this place have been charmed with its unique arrangement and many unusual features.”
Dr. and Mrs. Thomas S. Roach purchased the house that May and for the next three years were featured in the society pages, hosting several teas and dinner parties in the home. Unfortunately, the home changed hands at least four times during the next 10 years, likely the result of the very difficult economic times of the Great Depression.
In 2015, the former beauty was in very bad shape, and two veteran remodelers, Lance Williamson and Leo Zappala, purchased the home and meticulously restored the structure and the period details.
Many neighbors may remember when the yard was so overgrown, that the facade was barely visible from the street, and the house was starting to crumble. The new owners found bees in the walls, a severely leaking roof, rotten windows, and non-working mechanical systems. Yet the beautiful front door and stunning entryway tiles beckoned them to spend the time and effort to restore the period elements and give new life to this gorgeous Mediterranean home.
At times they became discouraged, but were reenergized by moments such as discovering koi fish still living deep beneath the weeds, murky water, and muck in the now-restored courtyard pond.
Alongside their hard work, this pair also took the time to find and speak with former families who once lived here, so they could truly honor this old house and “bring back the happiness.”
The restored beauty now has new ownership and is widely seen as a great example of restoration in the neighborhood. What early advertisements compared to “a jewel of Capri” has truly become a jewel in Monticello Park.
