Quote:
Originally Posted by maluminse
whats the history of the building. I was sure it was a residence. Ive been in the very top which looks exactly like a master bedroom. My elder aunt says it was the uso which ive confirmed. Wasnt it owned by a Jewish family? I mean the stars of david in the stained glass cant be have put in for a uso....
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From the AIA 2007 San Antonio Architecture Guide:
"Turnverein Building c.1891 (Bonham Exchange) 411 Bonham Street, James Wahrenberer, Architect
Located in an area that has suffered greatly from demolition, this landmark was constructed by San Antonio's Turnverein, a 19th centruy social and gymnastic club that later Anglicized its name to the Turners. The local membership included prominent German immigrants who commissioned a design that attested to their group's status. An enlarged version of the Reuter Building, also built in 1891, the Turnverein represents Warhenberger's most sophisticated work. The complexity of the main facade is almost overworked, but the building is nevertheless an excellent example of how the Renaissance elements were used before the architectural climate of the country changed with the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893. This structure would actually be more at home on the streets of Paris than in any American city of the period."
Other information on the building:
The federal government bought the property 1942 for use as a U.S.O. With anti-German sentiment flourishing during World War II, all the German markings were removed from the building. The stone name "Turner Halle" was removed, the Star of David stained glass windows in the ballroom were boarded over, and the building was painted olive green.
Local entrepreneur and club owner, Arthur "Hap" Veltman, purchased the building in 1981 to open a nite club. The new club was named after James Bonham, one of the heroes of the Alamo. Veltman, who died in 1988, left the club to his partner Kenneth Garrett and his colleague Wade Strauch who died in 1992. Garrett still owns the building today.
The Bonham Exchange has evolved into one of San Antonio’s most popular and successful gay clubs.