A historic mansion for sale in Dignowity Hill offers a chance to own a piece of San Antonio industrial history — provided the buyer is willing to give the property a little TLC.
Being sold as-is for $384,000, the 1927-built property has seen better days, to be sure, but the historic landmark tells an incredible story tantamount to the American dream.
The fixer-upper was once the grand mansion of San Antonio businessman and civic leader Richard Friedrich, son of a refrigeration tycoon and steward of the legacy family business, Friedrich Air Conditioning Co.
Richard’s father Wenzel “Ed” Friedrich was a Bohemian cabinet maker who migrated to the U.S. and eventually landed in San Antonio. He taught his sons the trade and soon put them to work. Richard was one of five sons, the youngest being Albert Friedrich, the founder of the Buckhorn Saloon and the namesake of Friedrich Wilderness Trails in north San Antonio.
Wenzel Friedrich made a name for himself with distinctive furniture made of animal horns, and some of his most esteemed clients included Queen Victoria, Otto von Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm I, according to historic records.
Albert shared his love for animal horns, which explains why animal busts and horns adorn the historic Buckhorn Saloon to this day.
After distinguishing himself as a furniture builder, Wenzel Friedrich moved on to the new frontier of refrigeration technology and once again distinguished himself — this time as an innovator and inventor. He founded Friedrich Air Conditioning in 1883, making his family skyrocket in wealth and prominence.
Still one of the best-known U.S. air conditioning brands, the Friedrich company was the first to introduce cooling units with electronic controls. The firm continues to innovate, having marketed what many consider the nation’s first Wi-Fi-enabled smart air conditioner.
Richard Friedrich’s distinctive five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home was built toward the end of the 1920s, and features many hallmarks of San Antonio’s gilded age of architecture.
Though the years haven’t been kind, the dwelling still showcases stunning architectural features including stained glass panels, ornate fireplace reliefs, original hardwood floors, brightly colored walls, intricate tile floors and bold enameled bathroom tubs. Outside, Corinthian columns frame an expansive double-decker front porch and balcony.
It’s easy to imagine the property as a once-stately backdrop to the civic leader’s many society engagements.
Richard Friedrich was involved in local organizations such as the San Antonio Zoological Society, of which he served as president from 1935 to 1962. To this day, the San Antonio Zoo is home to the Richard Friedrich Aquarium named in his honor.
Behind the main house, two outbuildings include a two-story carriage house and a storage shed, near the remnants of a concrete pool that’s begging to be restored and enjoyed.
Perhaps the home’s most significant architectural feature is a rare early-1900s “cold closet” — a nod to the family’s legacy and the home’s storied heritage.
This home is listed by Brandon Hauser with Team West Real Estate.
All photos and listing info via Realtor.com.
Every house has a story, and our mission is to tell San Antonio’s story through the lens of our community’s historic and colorful homes. The San Antonio Current’s real estate features are not ads, and are strictly operated through our editorial department. But we love public input. Do you know of a unique San Antonio home that we should highlight? Let us know, and email skoithan@sacurrent.com.
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