Material Innovation Center
at Port San Antonio
Located at the iconic Bungalows at Port San Antonio, the Material Innovation Center is serving as the “last stop before the landfill” and as a hub for material repair, reuse, and reimagination.
Originally constructed to house military officers at the former Kelly Airfield, the historic structures now serve as labs for future craftspeople, material innovators, and community members alike.
-
1910s-1920s: Construction Begins
Plans for the bungalows were initially conceived in 1918 to house military officers and their families at the former Kelly military installation. By 1920, the first of twelve homes was constructed using salvaged lumber — some of which was derived from the packing crates used to ship airplanes to Kelly Field.
-
2003: Added to the National Register of Historic Places
Consisting of one-story detached structures, the area is a reminder of the pre-Kelly Air Force Base days, when both Kelly and Duncan Fields played significant roles in the development of the modern-day Air Force. The site is also a local City of San Antonio historic landmark.
-
2022 and Beyond: City of San Antonio Partnership
Located directly across from the Tech Port Center + Arena, the historic village is now home to hands-on training courses focused on rebuilding a pool of traditional tradespeople, a reclaimed material warehouse, spaces for public workshops, and a community tool library (in progress).
Campus Highlights
-
Living Heritage Trades Academy
Rebuilding our local pool of traditional tradespeople through hands-on apprenticeships and workforce development partnerships. Find an upcoming schedule of courses here.
-
Material Innovation Center
A hub for salvaged material receivership, storage, and research to support the local circular economy and reuse of building materials. Do you have materials to donate to the Center? Fill out a donation request form!
-
Community Tool Library
Coming soon: A pay-what-you-can rental model that creates the opportunity for everyone to access tools to improve and repair their neighborhoods. If you have tools to donate or are interested in volunteering at the tool library, please email us.
Watch: The Living Heritage Trades Academy at Port San Antonio
“What is especially exciting is how this program leverages our history with a focus on what lies ahead — empowering students with a new set of skills that will allow them to preserve other iconic places in our beloved San Antonio while they build their futures in great careers that are in high demand.”
Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, District 4 City Councilmember
“This partnership between the Office of Historic Preservation and Port San Antonio is the open window of opportunity that could address the compounding housing and climate crises we currently face today. San Antonians deserve a City that has the tools to repair and preserve homes, while reducing the harmful effects demolitions have on our established communities and our environment all while creating more green jobs.”
Teri Castillo, District 5 City Councilmember