What do turkey legs, numerous cups of beer, and throngs of people have to do with historic conservation? More than you may know. The Southside Reporter posted this article yesterday detailing San Antonio Conservation Society’s historic rehab grant program and how money from A Night in Old San Antonio (the event with the beer, turkey legs, and folks) helps make the grants possible. The article also lays out the requirements needed in applying for a grant.

Conservation Society offers historic rehab grant money

Special to the Southside Reporter

Using the proceeds from its 2012 “A Night In Old San Antonio” event and in keeping with its mission, the San Antonio Conservation Society is accepting applications for grants to individuals and organizations for restoration or rehabilitation of residential or commercial structures in the San Antonio area that are at least 50 years old.

The deadline for all entries is 4:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Grant recipients will be notified by Dec. 3.

The Conservation Society began awarding grants in 1990. Examples of grant projects funded in past years include restoration or rehabilitation of roofs, foundations, windows, plaster, facades, chimneys, front doors, porches and stonework.

Since 2000, the society has awarded $1.8 million to individuals and organizations through its grants programs.

Acapulco Drive Inn in Southtown

I have somewhat mixed emotions on the closing of Acapulco Drive Inn. On the days it was open (very sporadically) it was a great place for neighbors to gather and catch up. I have a couple of neighbors that swear their dog would not let them walk by without them first stopping for a beer. It was a great place to stop by before or after walking to NIOSA or other Fiesta Events.

If you’re looking for another great neighborhood ice house to fill the void be sure to check out The Friendly Spot Ice House in the heart of Southtown. http://www.thefriendlyspot.com/

My hope is that the now vacant Acapulco will be taken over by another group that will fully utilize its prime location at the entrance of Southtown and add some vibrancy to the space.

This article in the Express-News does a good job of explaining the history of Acapulco Drive Inn, the role of an ice house, and the reason it is closing down.

Southtown’s Acapulco Drive Inn ice house closes