Located in the near northwest side of San Antonio, the JNA is a large neighborhood association that is well-respected across San Antonio and has preserved a community rich in culture, diversity, families and businesses.
Most of the neighborhood was developed from the 1920’s to the 1960’s. It is architecturally diverse and is home to more than 3,000 residents.
The Jefferson Neighborhood Conservation District (NCD) was formed in response to the city’s 1997 Master Plan and the 1998 Community Revitalization Action Group Report. The NCD was created to be a proactive tool to use to address neighborhood sustainability and was established to preserve the area’s distinctive character-defining features.
Four assets of neighborhood are Woodlawn Lake Park, Thomas Jefferson High School, the Monticello Park Historic District, and Jefferson Village. Each contributes to the San Antonio community and are all focal points within the JNA.
Woodlawn Lake Park dates back to the mid-1800’s and is now a daily gathering place for families, friends, and nearby residents to enjoy the scenic lake with views of the Downtown San Antonio skyline. It also hosts citywide annual Dia De Los Muertos and 4th of July celebrations. The park is rich with amenities including a casting pond, swimming pool, gym, playground, and tennis courts.
Thomas Jefferson High School is a unique jewel of the surrounding community and was built in 1932. The Spanish Baroque building was designed by Max Frederick of Adams and Adams Architects, which also designed many homes in the surrounding neighborhood. In 1937, Jefferson High School was chosen as the most outstanding high school in America. Movies have been filmed at the campus and in 1938, the campus appeared in Life Magazine, The American Weekly, and several European publications. In 1947, it also appeared in National Geographic magazine. The school is a city historical landmark, a state historical landmark, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Monticello Park Historic District makes up a significant portion of the JNA and features eclectic architectural styles ranging from Art Moderne, Spanish Eclectic, and Tudor Revival amongst many others. This area was home to many prominent San Antonians including city councilpersons, mayors, and elected representatives. It’s proximity to Downtown San Antonio makes it a prime location.
Jefferson Village is a shopping center located in the heart of the JNA and was the first shopping center of its type in the 1950’s. It’s design had been praised by national magazines and has served as an anchor for neighborhood businesses for the last 7 decades. It has been home to many prominent businesses and is currently home to salons, a general store, a fitness studio, and an event center, with more restaurants and businesses across the street. Vee’s Salon is one of the original businesses opened there in the 1950’s and is still operating.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the JNA!
Jefferson Neighborhood Association Officials
President
Ted Guerra
Vice President
Jason Vasquez
Secretary
Madeline Chandler
Treasurer
Desiree Serna Martinez
Board Members
Alan Garcia
Stan Waghalter
Jacob Valenzuela
Lynn Waghalter
Gloria Valenzuela