charter & by-laws

The King William Association (KWA) was founded in 1967 as a voluntary neighborhood group designed to address urban and neighborhood issues, communicate ideas to city officials, and provide information to residents and visitors. The association has over 300 members, including property owners and renters, as well as neighborhood businesses and institutions. KWA is governed by a fifteen-member broad of directors elected by the active membership in September of each year.

As part of its mission to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of San Antonio's oldest historic neighborhood and its environs, KWA sponsors an annual home tour, usually held the Saturday following Thanksgiving Day, and an annual spring garden tour, weather permitting. KWA also sponsors the annual King William Fair on the last Saturday of the City's April Fiesta celebration. Throughout the year, KWA contributes both money and people power to support the children, schools, and environment in its neighborhood.

The King William neighborhood is rich in history and cultural diversity. The area includes three local and national historic districts, as well as properties individually recognized for their historical significance. The area consists of about 600 residential lots, some of which house bed and breakfasts and non-profit organizations. The neighborhood also contains a flour mill, a major corporate headquarters, art galleries, restaurants, and a thriving commercial corridor known as Southtown. The KWA area is bordered by the exiting Blue Star Arts Complex and its sister neighborhood, Lavaca.

KWA neighbors represent all walks of life. Living in an urban village, especially one of homes for which maintenance is a labor of love, tends to bring neighbors close together. As a long-time resident explains, "It is a neighborhood where a person is identified not by what he does, but by his house. After all, these houses were here when we came, and they'll be here when we leave."