Hemisfair Conservancy Chosen as a Finalist for the 2026 Duda Awards
The Texas Historical Foundation (THF) held the second annual Michael C. Duda Preservation Awards on Thursday, April 30, 2026, and chose the Hemisfair Conservancy as the second place winner in the entire state to receive a grant for use in ongoing projects that shape the way the public engages with Texas history and culture. This grant award funding will help support part of the restoration of the Kusch House at Hemisfair. Originally built in 1885 by stonemason John Kusch, this Gothic Revival home has been part of San Antonio’s story for generations, including its time as “La Fonda Santa Anita” during HemisFair ’68.
The Texas Historical Foundation recognizes outstanding contributions that help preserve historic Texas architecture. The Duda Awards honor the life and legacy of architect and THF board member Michael C. Duda by honoring organizations that demonstrate preservation excellence. This year’s award winners were chosen from outstanding organizations and projects in Houston, Marfa, Austin, and San Antonio.
The Hemisfair District is home to 23 historic buildings designated as State Antiquities Landmarks, including structures from the 1968 World’s Fair and many others dating back to the 1800s. Each one represents a layer of the city’s history, and each restoration is an opportunity to connect past and present in a meaningful way. Preservation is about more than saving buildings. It’s about creating spaces where history is lived, shared, and experienced every day.
This recognition helps Hemisfair continue this work, and it is an honor to be part of a community that values protecting the stories that shape San Antonio and Texas. Watch the video that THF produced on Hemisfair highlighting historic preservation efforts ahead.