Hot Wells Park Interpretive Graphics
Our challenge: giving visitors a vivid picture of jazz-age heyday of the Hot Wells Hotel and Resort while viewing the quiet, present-day ruin site. Our series of interpretive graphic panels give the visitor historical context, colorful detail, and paints the picture of the (literal) “hot spot” that was Hot Wells.
The original Hot Wells Hotel, a grand, rambling Victorian structure modeled after hot springs hotels of its era, burned down in 1923, only about 20 years after it was built. The Bathhouse remained standing, and the 104 degree, sulfur-spring-fed pools anchored a tourist court in the post-World War II era. The tourist court, with its waggishly named “Flame Room” nightclub, declined over time and finally closed in 1977. The derelict property, long a subject of local fascination, was purchased for preservation in the 1990s, and in 2019 re-opened as a heritage park, Hot Wells at Bexar County Park.
Panels situated along the way give "small bites" of information at a time.
Hot Wells is now an attractive special events venue. Classic car at local food festival adds to the vintage vibe.
Timeline panel shows three major fires which were turning points in the Hot Wells narrative. Narrative research by Maria Pfeiffer and David Haynes.
Pedestal bases use original brick reclaimed from the ruin, and the tile pattern mimics those found in remnants of the Bathhouse.
Orientation panel with site diagram and park rules. Dedication panels, etched aluminum.
Guests in period-inspired costume at a recent food festival featuring local chefs and restaurants.
Visitors can access San Antonio River Authority resources via QR code on our wildlife panel.
Our "Did You Know" panel gathers facts about local wildlife. Lora Reynolds, wildlife research; David Chapman, wildlife illustrations.
Orientation panel with site diagram and vintage postcards of the original Hot Wells Hotel.
Safety signage knits in seamlessly to railings, providing appropriate warning while minimizing the impact on a nicely detailed steel and cable railing.
Map panel on park exit to River Walk hike and bike trail.
Park rules at ingress off River Walk hike and bike.