Community Connection

Visitors and locals alike flock to San Antonio’s Sunset Station for a taste of Southwest history.

Since its inception in 1902, Sunset Station has gone from being a transportation hub to the hub of a community, as well as a draw for visitors.

The city of San Antonio, originally settled in the 1700s as a farming community, slowly developed through the early 19th century, until the first railroad came in 1877, connecting the town to San Francisco and New Orleans and drastically changing the city’s fortunes for the better. The depot area is now known as the Historic St. Paul Square District and is a major San Antonio attraction.

“One of the many great things about Sunset Station is that one day we might be catering a 1,500-person party, the next day we will have 10,000 football fans in here and the next day we will have a concert for 4,500 teenagers. We are a hub for visitors and residents.” says Terri Toennies, general manager.

For visitors, Sunset Station is a fantastic sight. Buildings made of sand-colored stone abound with historic details—stained glass, walls painted brilliant jewel-toned hues and ornate vaulted ceilings. Many of the buildings date back to when the depot was first built in 1902. Known as “The Building of 1,000 Lights,” Sunset Station is a must-see stop during any visit to San Antonio, containing as much architectural history as The Alamo. The Spire is another great example of the area’s history. It is one of the oldest buildings in the complex, built in 1884 as St. Paul Episcopal Methodist Church. After a major renovation, it reopened in 2007 as Sunset Station’s newest event space, but the building still retains much of the original detailing.

The Depot“The meaning of Sunset Station has changed over the years,” Toennies says, “But it still has the respect of the local community. Our venue has become an important part of the East Side community development.”

While the weddings and community events bring in the locals, concerts, sports events and recorded walking tours—which allow visitors to explore Sunset Station and St. Paul Square at their own pace—bring in visitors from around the country.

“We embrace this exciting time for our area and look to the future when Sunset Station will be the bustling with the same commerce that it was at the turn of the 20th century,” says Toennies.

Next time you’re in San Antonio, stop by Sunset Station and get a true taste of Southwest history. 210-222-9481; sunsetstationtexas.com

ILLUSTRATION BY LYDIA NICHOLS