Great Hearts Texas launched its network of classical charter schools in Texas at Temple Beth-El in the fall of 2014. Great Hearts Monte Vista South became the first of what would grow into ten additional Texas academies over the next decade. Throughout that growth, the academy has remained in Temple Beth-El—and like many K–5 academies in our growing state, space has always been the constraint.
For years, Monte Vista South also lacked a dedicated, functional playground. The academy often relied on the Koehler House grounds across the street as a makeshift solution, leaning heavily on creativity in the absence of a true play space. But when it rained, mud would slide down the steep grade, spoiling outdoor time and leaving scholars without a reliable gym or outdoor option.
That began to change in spring 2025, when Great Hearts Texas finalized a lease agreement with the property owner, Weston Urban, to restore and occupy the historic house at 310 W. Ashby. Subject to final TEA approval and inspection, the property would initially support administrative functions, with Great Hearts Texas Board expressing plans to file for regulatory approval for grounds, classroom, and library use to support Monte Vista South students.
In Headmaster Kate Imber’s first walk-through of the grounds and restoration project, she highlights practical improvements families will immediately recognize. Outdoors, plans include a graded all-weather play surface as a field for games and sports, a defined walking path with wooden play structures, and an added safety layer of fencing inside the historic stone and rod iron perimeter. “Importantly,” Says Headmaster Imber, “This will be with artificial turf… if it rains, there will be no mud.”
Inside the Koehler House, the tour shows spaces being adapted for school use, not simply preserved as a historic building. As Headmaster Imber points out, schoalrs wll be able to enjoy expanded library areas, art rooms, and two dedicated music rooms. as the tour continues down to the lower floor, it’s clear existing historic features will be carefully repurposed for campus needs, including “a vintage bowling alley that will make for a conference room.”
Together, the restored house and grounds are expected to improve daily campus life with more dependable outdoor play, more functional learning spaces, and inspiring spaces that awaken the wonder a Great Hearts education requires.
“We will be welcoming students onto the playground in the spring of 2026. Families can expect a ribbon-cutting celebration and fundraising opportunities to support this project.”
In it’s long history, the Koehler House has stood as an iconic building for families in San Antonio. Construction began in the late 1890s, drawing artisans from around the world, and the Romanesque home was completed in the early 1900s as a private residence for Otto and Emma Koehler of the nearby Pearl Brewery. After Otto’s death in 1914, Emma continued to occupy and oversee the estate until 1943. The property remained in the broader family for decades before it was deeded to the local college district in 1971, when it operated for many years as the Koehler Cultural Center, serving as a fine arts facility and campus meeting space.
In 2025, the house and grounds entered their next chapter when Great Hearts Texas and owner Weston Urban began the careful restoration of the property. Subject to final approvals from the TEA, the limestone home will house the network’s administrative functions and provide dedicated spaces for Kindergarten through Fifth-grade scholars at Monte Vista South.
The work to preserve the historic architectural integrity of the Koehler House through careful restoration is already underway. Before its expected completion in the spring of 2026, the Great Hearts Texas Board will review the non-expansion application to the state at its January 15th meeting in the new year.
Want to learn more about Great Hearts academies in Texas? Visit GreatHeartsTxSchools.org.
