| Miraflores Park | |
|---|---|
 Miraflores Park in 2012 | |
 Interactive map of Miraflores Park | |
| Location | 800 Hildebrand San Antonio,Texas |
| Coordinates | 29°27′54″N98°28′03″W / 29.46500°N 98.46750°W /29.46500; -98.46750 |
| Area | 4.5 acres (1.8 ha) |
| Created | c. 1921 (1921) |
Miraflores Alumni Park | |
| Architect | Dionicio Rodriguez |
| Architectural style | Faux bois sculpture |
| MPS | Sculpture by Dionicio Rodriguez in Texas MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 04001176[1] |
| Added to NRHP | June 14, 2006 |
Miraflores Park, originally called justMiraflores and sometimes calledMiraflores Alumni Park, is asculpture garden inSan Antonio,Texas. Originally established about 1921 as a private garden forAureliano Urrutia, it features several works by Mexican-American artistDionicio Rodriguez. It was added to theNational Register of Historic Places on June 14, 2006.
Miraflores is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of downtown San Antonio, near the corner of East Hildebrand Avenue and Broadway. TheSan Antonio Zoo is immediately across from theSan Antonio River on its west side. Today, only about 4.6 acres (1.9 ha) of the original 15 acres (6.1 ha) have been preserved.[2] The park is currently undergoing major restoration works that aim to uncover the old pathways, restore the fountain, replant greenery, and add a new entrance intoBrackenridge Park.[3]
Although many of Rodriguez's works have not survived or have moved, several remain in the garden. These include thefaux boisentry gate; a covered bench; two otherfaux bois sculptures; and a grotto. Other features of the garden include a life-size statue of Urrutia himself, which used to sit in the center of the fountain; and a replica ofWinged Victory of Samothrace.[2]
Limited information is available about the prehistory of the site. An archaeological dig performed in 2009 near the San Antonio River uncovered artifacts dated to theArchaic period, between 3700 B.C. and 300 A.D.[4]
Aureliano Urrutia immigrated to San Antonio from Mexico during theMexican Revolution and had a long, successful career as a doctor. In 1921, Urrutia purchased the 15 acres (6.1 ha) of land that would become Miraflores. Urrutia was inspired by his birthplace ofXochimilco inMexico City, which is known for its gardens and canals.[5]
In 1923, he added a small 1-story guesthouse, called Quinta Maria, on the northwestern side of the park, next to Hildebrand Avenue. Urrutia commissioned Dioncio Rodriguez, who had newly arrived in San Antonio, to furnish the garden with sculptures. These works were some of Rodriguez's first in the United States. The garden was used as both a private retreat for the Urrutia family and for a place for them to entertain guests and host events. A fountain, which was later dismantled, was used by Urrutia as a swimming pool every morning.
In 1962, theUnited Services Automobile Association (USAA) purchased Miraflores. The eastern half of the park was demolished, and overtop, USAA built an office complex and parking lot for their headquarters. TheSouthwestern Bell Telephone Company purchased the site in 1974 and restored Quinta Maria in 1981. The original tile entry gate, also constructed by Rodriguez, was moved to theSan Antonio Museum of Art in 1998. In 2001, Miraflores again changed hands to theUniversity of the Incarnate Word, which is located across the street from the park.[2] In 2006, the City of San Antonio obtained the park from the university, and since 2007 has been restoring the park. TheTexas Historical Commission surveyed the site right after the purchase and made an inventory of all sculptures and features.[3]
Media related toMiraflores Park at Wikimedia Commons
