Landa Gardens Conservancy

Historical Overview

In 1946, Harry Landa donated his home – the property located at the corner of Bushnell and Shook Avenues – to the City of San Antonio as a memorial to his wife, Hannah. The house was to be used a public library and the grounds as a playground for children and public area for the community. Located in the heart of Monte Vista, the Landa Library has five acres of grounds surrounding the Mediterranean style home.

In 1994, a group of neighbors, organized under the name of Landa Library Alliance, began raising money to build the playground Mr. Landa envisioned. Four years later, the Alliance successfully completed a $70,000 campaign and constructed the playground, fulfilling Mr. Landa’s dream.

In 2001, the Monte Vista Historical Association, in conjunction with the Landa Library Alliance, formed the Landa Gardens Committee. Working in partnership with the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Public Library Board, the Landa Gardens Committee created a master plan for Landa Gardens. On August 13, 2004, Landa Gardens Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was formed to raise the funds necessary to implement the plan and establish an endowment for perpetual maintenance of the grounds. More than $1.5 million was raised by the end of 2007.

On May 1, 2008 Landa Gardens Conservancy celebrated the grand opening of the Gardens. The grounds include the Valero Pavilion, a concrete sculpture designed and created by nationally renowned artist Carlos Cortés. The pavilion can accommodate a concert, can be used as a stage for children’s theater, story hour or puppet show, even a wedding or birthday party. The Gardens include beautiful landscaping, walking paths, benches, playground improvements, more than 7,000 new plants and a community garden.

It is the hope of Landa Gardens Conservancy that the entire community uses and enjoys Landa Gardens.