A historic mansion on the market in Dignowity Hill presents an opportunity to personal a chunk of San Antonio industrial historical past — supplied the customer is prepared to offer the property a bit of TLC.
Being bought as-is for $384,000, the 1927-built property has seen higher days, to make certain, however the historic landmark tells an unimaginable story tantamount to the American dream.
The fixer-upper was as soon as the grand mansion of San Antonio businessman and civic chief Richard Friedrich, son of a refrigeration tycoon and steward of the legacy household enterprise, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.
Richard’s father Wenzel “Ed” Friedrich was a Bohemian cupboard maker who migrated to the U.S. and ultimately landed in San Antonio. He taught his sons the commerce and shortly put them to work. Richard was one in all 5 sons, the youngest being Albert Friedrich, the founding father of the Buckhorn Saloon and the namesake of Friedrich Wilderness Trails in north San Antonio.
Wenzel Friedrich made a reputation for himself with distinctive furnishings made from animal horns, and a few of his most esteemed purchasers included Queen Victoria, Otto von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm I, in accordance with historic information.
Albert shared his love for animal horns, which explains why animal busts and horns adorn the historic Buckhorn Saloon to at the present time.
After distinguishing himself as a furnishings builder, Wenzel Friedrich moved on to the brand new frontier of refrigeration expertise and as soon as once more distinguished himself — this time as an innovator and inventor. He based Friedrich Air Conditioning in 1883, making his household skyrocket in wealth and prominence.
Nonetheless one of many best-known U.S. air-con manufacturers, the Friedrich firm was the primary to introduce cooling models with digital controls. The agency continues to innovate, having marketed what many take into account the nation’s first Wi-Fi-enabled sensible air conditioner.
Richard Friedrich’s distinctive five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath house was constructed towards the top of the Twenties, and options many hallmarks of San Antonio’s gilded age of structure.
Although the years haven’t been sort, the dwelling nonetheless showcases beautiful architectural options together with stained glass panels, ornate hearth reliefs, unique hardwood flooring, brightly coloured partitions, intricate tile flooring and daring enameled lavatory tubs. Exterior, Corinthian columns body an expansive double-decker entrance porch and balcony.
It’s straightforward to think about the property as a once-stately backdrop to the civic chief’s many society engagements.
Richard Friedrich was concerned in native organizations such because the San Antonio Zoological Society, of which he served as president from 1935 to 1962. To at the present time, the San Antonio Zoo is house to the Richard Friedrich Aquarium named in his honor.
Behind the primary home, two outbuildings embody a two-story carriage home and a storage shed, close to the remnants of a concrete pool that’s begging to be restored and loved.
Maybe the house’s most important architectural characteristic is a uncommon early-1900s “chilly closet” — a nod to the household’s legacy and the house’s storied heritage.
This house is listed by Brandon Hauser with Crew West Actual Property.All images and itemizing information through Realtor.com.
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