126 E Kings Highway

Set far back from the street by a verdant lawn, the McNeel residence provides us with one local firm’s interpretation of the Spanish Colonial Revival style. The rambling nature of numerous houses by Ayres & Ayres is not present here; this house is more block-like, the only break coming with the large porte-cochere. The characteristic Spanish Colonial love of texture is provided by the barrel-tile roof and the Plateresque ornament set above the main entrance. While not in the same league as the firm’s masterpieces, the Casino Club and the Aztec Theater, this is nevertheless an impressive work.

‘San Antonio Architecture, Traditions and Visions’, AIA San Antonio, 2007