Northwest Los Angeles Heights Neighbors

Northwest Los Angeles Heights Neighbors

Early Beginnings

Our neighborhood began in the 1940's. New annexations to the city of San Antonio(which was only 36 square miles) now included the northwest section of Los Angeles Heights and some areas north of Hildebrand.

Post World War II Housing Boom

Returning servicemen getting married and starting families began moving into the area. They were employed, had purchasing power, and sought the "American Dream" of homeownership.

Post World War II homebuilding was revolutionized by William Levitt. He applied assembly line techniques to housing construction to turn out economical housing. His first project was Levittown on New York's Long Land. In 1947, Levitt began construction on what would be 17,000 modest, well-built homes in communities with churches, ball fields, schools and shopping centers. In the early years, builders would complete an average of four houses a year. In contrast, Levitt's goal was to build 30 to 40 houses a day. Levitt's construction process of 27 steps enable a house that could sell for $8,000 with Levitt making $1,000 profit . Economical laborsaving construction techniques lowered the cost of homebuilding so that homes were moderately priced.

In 1949, Lee B. Biller, Executive Secretary of the San Antonio Home Builders Association, announced plans for a 25 acre subdivision at the corner of Basse Road and West Avenue that would include 100 cottages to sell for $5,800 to $6,000 and a community center.

1949 brought two new subdivisions platted north of Basse Road - West Avenue Place by Quincey Lee of Lee and Orts contractors, and the Wonder Homes Addition by Alvin B. Berler. By 1950 Allena Village was platted by Albert Hirschfeld (1893 - 1972), which also included a shopping center on Blanco Road and a triangular park at Olympia (what is now Olympia Park). Hirschfeld, who came to San Antonio in 1914, was a noted business and civic leader, and served as president of the Witte Museum.

A large part of the land for our neighborhood came from the fields and dairy barns of George Delavan.

No home was complete without modern appointments. The L shaped ranch homes allowed for a spacious living area by integrating the living room and dining rooms. In 1955, the Express News advertised a "complete Ranch Living Room Set" consisting of a sofa bed, armchair, coffee table, platform rocker and end tables that could be purchased for under $180.

Our Community Plan - the GDA

Northwest Los Angeles Heights is a partner in the Greater Dellview Area Community Plan (GDA). As members of the (GDA) committee, we continue to advocate for compatible development and programs that preserve neighborhoods, encourage neighborhood business, improve parks, and expand recreational and cultural opportunities for its citizens. For more information about the Greater Dellview Area Community Plan go to 'Community Links' on the Home Page.

About our association

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to work together collectively to keep our neighborhood clean and safe and to promote a healthy living environment for our families and children today and in the future.

Our Community Plan

We are proud and active members of the "Greater Dellview Area Community Plan" (GDA). Please follow the 'GDA Plan' link below to see what our purpose and goals are for our neighborhood as well as the neighborhoods involved.

THIS WEBSITE IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION !!!!!!

Links

GDA Plan