On Saturday, the City of San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) hosted its annual Home Repair Fair, a free community resource event designed to connect homeowners and renters with local professionals and city services focused on home care and maintenance.

Held inside the iconic 1968 Confluence Theatre (formerly the Federal Wood Courthouse) at Hemisfair, the event drew hundreds of attendees who browsed over 50 exhibitors offering services ranging from design consultation and construction solutions to reuse resources and technical guidance.

Ten city departments were present, providing information and support directly to residents. “The goal of the fair is to empower residents and give them the tools they need, for old and new homes alike,” said OHP Director Shanon Shea Miller. “Those that came to the fair walked away with tools and knowledge to start and complete projects that sustain the life of their own homes.”

New to this year’s fair were Interactive Studios, where seven skilled artisans demonstrated home repair techniques, including:

• Wood window disassembly

• Window rope repair

• Glazing and deglazing

• Drywall patching and texturing

• Tool sharpening

• Lamp rewiring

Fairgoers were encouraged to bring project details and photos for personalized advice from experts.

The event concluded with guided building tours of the Confluence Theatre, led by Hemisfair Historian Christopher Medina and architect Allison Chambers of Ford Powell & Carson. The tour highlighted the building’s role in the 1968 World’s Fair, HemisFair ’68.

The fair also marked the debut of the city’s newest mascot, Howie D. House, a character created to remind residents that homes require regular care and maintenance.

The Home Repair Fair continues to serve as a hands-on, practical resource for San Antonio residents seeking to preserve and improve their homes.