Mathis and Ford Homes: A grand tour for the historic preservation enthusiast

Saturday, May 19^th from 10:00am – 1:00pm

Join Villa Finale’s Curator, Meg Nowack, for a grand tour of preservationist Walter Mathis and architect O'Neil Ford’s homes. Ford and Mathis forged a friendship over historic buildings, a shared venture about which they both were very passionate.

The day will begin at 10 a.m. at the front gate of Villa Finale, Mathis’s beloved home in the King William National Historic District, where the group will take a tour of the house and learn about the influence Mathis and Ford had upon each other. After which, Nowack will guide the group down the street to Ford’s former office at 526 King William to view the exterior of the now-private residence. The grand tour will conclude with a drive to O'Neil and Wanda Ford’s fantastic and historic former residence at 7 Willow Way, near the Mission San Jose. The unique house is now the home of native San Antonian and local real estate developer, James Lifshutz, who restored it in 2005. Guests will be provided with drinks and a boxed lunch to enjoy in the intriguing gardens of Willow Way. Lifshutz will conclude the afternoon with an anecdote-filled tour of the Ford estate. What better way to spend a Saturday during Preservation Month!

Space is limited. Admissions must be paid by Friday, May 18^th at 12:00pm. Persons signing up by 4:30pm on Thursday, May 17^th will have the opportunity to select from one of six boxed lunches to enjoy at O’Neil Ford’s Willow Way. Guests with paid admissions meet at the front gate of Villa Finale, 401 King William Street and drive themselves to Willow Way: directions will be provided. Carpooling is encouraged.

Admission: $50.00 for members of Villa Finale or the National Trust; $60.00 for non-members

All admissions sold at the Villa Finale Visitor Center, 122 Madison Street.

Call (210) 223-9800 for more information or to make your reservation.