Archaeological Documentation at Kallison Square, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas

On June 4, 2019, the Center for Archaeological Research (CAR) at The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) conducted an archaeological assessment of four excavation pits located at the south side, or rear, of three historic buildings that are owned by GrayStreet Partners and are being rehabilitated. The buildings are part of a group of historic buildings located at the southwest corner of Dolorosa and S. Flores streets known as Kallison Square. Since it is a privately funded project on privately owned property, the project is not subject to regulatory review by the Texas Historical Commission (THC). The three properties, however, are located within the Main and Military Plaza Historic District; therefore, the project is subject to regulatory review by the City of San Antonio (COSA) Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) under the COSA Unified Development Code (Article 6 35-630 to 35-634). Dr. Paul Shawn Marceaux served as the Principal Investigator during the fieldwork portion of the project, and after Dr. Marceaux's departure from CAR, Dr. Raymond Mauldin served as the Principal Investigator for the final stages of the project. José Zapata served as the Project Archaeologist. The purpose of the archaeological assessment was to determine if any cultural features and/or cultural material had been inadvertently compromised as a result of the mechanical excavations. During the assessment, CAR determined that a significant amount of disturbance was present. Undiagnostic glass, ferrous metal, and construction debris were observed within the exposed stratigraphy of several of the pits, but none of the material was collected. CAR staff determined that the area had been previously disturbed as a result of recurring building construction dating to at least 1877. The building rehabilitation project was, therefore, allowed to proceed. However, CAR recommends that any additional mechanical excavations planned by the property owner in this area be coordinated with COSA-OHP.