Who owns Playland? (San Antonio, Austin, Anton: apartment, loft, buying)

[js63]

A friend and I were going to take a daytrip to SA to take some photos and I suggested getting some of the ruins of Playland. Who owns the property now? We'd like to get their permission to enter and take pictures.

[smuboy86]

Last entity that owned Playland that I know of is SAWS(San Antonio water system), they bought both the butterkrust bakery and Playland in the early 00's before buying the old Valero building on 281.

[js63]

Thanks. I assume the grounds are locked up?

My friend wants to make some photos for commercial artwork purposes and he's very careful about the letter of the law. He's afraid somebody will sue him if he doesn't ask permission first. Personally I think he's overly-cautious.

[wCat]

Originally Posted by js63

Thanks. I assume the grounds are locked up?

My friend wants to make some photos for commercial artwork purposes and he's very careful about the letter of the law. He's afraid somebody will sue him if he doesn't ask permission first. Personally I think he's overly-cautious.

SAWS does own the grounds, but I had heard that the Staubach Company had plans for both ButterKrust and Playland. That drainage ditch that runs from the SA river in Brackenridge Park and crosses near the ButterKrust property, then under Broadway and on through Playland is actually one of the historical "acequias" from the 1700's. Development of all that area is part of the Broadway revitilization program. I'm not sure where it stands right now.

Playland is a great place for photos, but it's slim chances to gain access unless there is something significant in it for the owner. Your friend is wise to ask permission. You never know who might be "sue" happy....not to mention the danger of personal injury. If he's a commercial photographer, it sounds like he knows the possible liabilities. It's also adjacent to Fort Sam with tight security. It's hard to know where the property ends with all the fencing. Albeit there is a pet cemetery on the other side, so you may not be in a high level secure area!

Just FYI....down Broadway a bit, take a right on Josephine and have him check out the property across from the Josephine theater. There is a lot of "character" that surrounds that whole block. The orange metal building with the bushes growing in the front window actually has a very elegant loft apartment upstairs. You'd never know it from the grounds. The owner is an artist....great 800 foot deck upstairs if you don't mind a dilapidated billboard blocking your view!

[js63]

Is Fort Sam no longer available to public tours?

[wCat]

Yes.....it is.....great stuff to photograph there. You just have to go through secured gates and get a pass now.

[js63]

I had to do a story at Camp Mabry, the HQ of the Texas National Guard in Austin, and I took a cab there. Since my cabbie bore a striking resemblance to Saddam Hussein we had a lot of fun trying to get through the main gate.