History of the Carson Homes in San Antonio, Texas explained and explored.

Carson Homes is one of the lesser known East Side neighborhoods of San Antonio, Texas. This news article will explain what Carson Homes was.

The Carson Homes neighborhood and subdivision was built by a private domestic for-profit corporation called CARSON HOMES INC. in 1957. The Carson Homes neighborhood had built sold beautiful homes, many of which were 2-bedroom homes and 3-bedroom duplexes, in prices ranging from $5,995 to $11.495. These homes were built on a hill. Lilian Bellinger Stilwell was the sales agent who sold homes on property in Carson Homes for H. R. Hohenberger Co. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth399973/m1/2/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22&resolution=6)

Carson Homes advertised homes for sale in the San Antonio Register during a majestic portion of the late 1950s. Their homes had well-designed kitchens and bathrooms. There were 201 family-type units which were built by the US Government. These homes were advertised and showcased for sale for the first time on Friday, April 19, 1957. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth399857/m1/4/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22&resolution=3)

Carson Homes was conveniently located to Fort Sam Houston and bus lines. This made the neighborhood desirable to soldiers and military personnel stationed at Fort Sam Houston. As a result, many soldiers purchased homes in the Carson Homes neighborhood during the 1950s and 1960s. Civilians also purchased homes from CARSON HOMES INC. as well. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1123969/m1/7/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22&resolution=2)

By the summer of 1978, Carson Homes began accepting Section 8 vouchers for the very first time. This option proved to be desirable with low-income residents of San Antonio. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth398882/m1/7/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22&resolution=2)

By 1979, Carson Homes was becoming a dumping ground. Dead animals were being dumped on lots of vacant homes where high weeds were growing. High weeds growing in front yards of vacant homes could be seen for blocks. Rats and snakes hid in those weeds. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth399288/m1/1/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22)

Residents became angry and wanted the city to become aware of the dumping issues and rat infestations plaguing Carson Homes. Residents wanted the city to clean up the Carson Homes neighborhood. Vacant homes were being used as dumping grounds. Animals such as rats, snakes, and stray dogs were hiding in high weeds growing in front yards of vacant homes. Pieces of discarded furniture and dead animals were the eyesore among residents. (Ref: https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth399288/m1/1/zoom/?q=%22Carson%20homes%22&resolution=4&lat=2237&lon=2410.5)

The city eventually had sent out crews to remove weeds and mow grass. Pieces of discarded furniture were hauled away.  

Carson Homes shut down on the date of December 30, 1986. The Carson Homes neighborhood was integrated and absorbed into the Government Hill neighborhood in 1987. Not many know this but Carson Homes is now Government Hill. (Ref: https://opencorporates.com/companies/us_tx/0013788600)

Violence became a norm for Carson Homes by 1992. Children's play was cut short by gunshots all times of the day and drug abuse was rampant. Neighborhood children were prime candidates for drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy and gang involvement. Carson Homes was a predominantly black neighborhood at this point. (Ref: San Antonio Express-News, MAG.MAKING.INROADS Making inroads by reaching out, Camille Domangue, May 31, 1992)

Carson Homes was located at 1402 Cody Street, San Antonio, Texas, US 78208 which was formerly known as 2200 East Carson Street, San Antonio, Texas, US 78208.