St. Mary's School by the Riverwalk

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St. Mary's School by the Riverwalk, was a private Catholic school located on the banks of the San Antonio River in San Antonio, Texas, which offered classes for students up to Grade 8. The upper floor was used as a convent for local nuns.

[edit] History

St. Mary's was opened in 1910 by the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence (CDP) at the request of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate at St. Mary’s Church across the street. It faced many challenges in its lengthy history, such as the 100 Year Flood, which destroyed the school's library. But, in the 1950s, this library was later re-built. At this time, many important upgrades were also made, including the addition of an underground gymnasium, a cafeteria, a stage, and a tunnel connecting the school to St. Mary's Catholic Church.

The Tri-Party Construction Project in downtown San Antonio greatly affected the school by widening the sidewalks, improving the roads, and improving tourist friendliness around the school, and all through the downtown.
During the late 1980s, the peak of St. Mary's enrollment, the tunnel connecting the church to the school was closed, due to safety concerns. It was from that point on used as a storage area.

The school's closure in 2004 was met by much opposition, especially by Archbishop Patrick Flores, and his archdiocese. However, despite the opposition, the school was closed, and later demolished.