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The Steves Homestead
In about 1874 Steves decided to build a home that exemplified the best qualities fo all the homes in San Antonio. It was distinguished withou being ostentatious; it was Victorian in taste but discriminating in style. It was symbolic of the man who built it. The house is located on King William Street, a newly designated area, which was often called "Sauerkraut Bend", because of the many Germans who lived there. The house was completed in 1877 for 15,000 dollars and was described as a "magnificent structure which could not be duplicated for 25,000 dollars." It was called the "Jewel Of King William Street". As a lumberman Steves chose limestone for his building material. The Fountain was part of the World's Fair in St. Louis. In 1905 Mrs. Steves had an artesian well dug in the yard so that her pecan trees would have enough water. Mrs. Steves had the first indoor swimming pool in Texas and is said to have been swimming in it until she was over 90. Bibliography: |
The Steves Homestead, the home of San Antonio lumberman Edward Steves, symbolized the success of a German immigrant in frontier Texas. 
Architectural plans for the homestead are most frequently attributed to Alfred Giles, then in the employ of John H. Kampmann, a close friend of Steves. New age observers generally describe the house as Victorian but some see a Gothic influence.
The house is owned by the San Antonio Conservation Society and it is open to the public. It is located at 509 King William Street.