Christie Davila, archives manager of the Webb County Heritage Foundation, has undertaken a survey of the historic buildings in the San Agustín Historic District, the first survey since the one conducted by the Texas Historic Commission (THC) in 1981.
The San Agustín Historic District is bounded by Water Street, Santa Ursula, Iturbide and Convent streets. The district encompasses the original town established by Don Tomás Sanchez in 1755.
According to Davila, Phase I of the survey included the photo documentation of 59 structures and information on occupancy, current ownership, and the use of the building.
Davila said that Phase II will add architectural descriptions of the structures, construction materials, and the condition of the buildings. She added that WCHF board member Rebecca Sepulveda is assisting in identifying architectural styles, and that a committee of construction professionals will assess the condition of each structure.
The survey will also reference the individuals or families who built them and for what purpose.
Phase III, she continued, will be completed by a committee of local professional historians who will determine the historical significance of each building and its architectural significance. This phase will also allow the committee to make a recommendation for whether the property should be considered for designation on a local, state, or federal level.
Davila said that the survey is officially numbered and registered by the THC and as such, when completed, will be entered into the THC’s data base and portal for use by the public, including City of Laredo planners, historians, and archivists.
For further information on the survey, call Davila at the Foundation at (956) 727-0977.
