HISTORY

The onset of Motor Court Motels also known as “Tourist Courts”: appeared in the 1930’s as Americans became mobile by purchasing automobiles and taking family and business trips throughout the country. Overnight lodgings that were easily accessible from major highways and roadways became in demand. South Presa Street in San Antonio, Texas was such a thoroughfare leading to Corpus Christi and other towns along the way.

In 1936, the Stewart family built Motel 3 Johnson Court  located at 4302 South Presa Street, San Antonio, Texas and proceeded to acquire six other motor court motels in and around the city. The property changed ownership twice before it was purchased by current proprietors Douglas and Leticia McCardle in 2005.

Presently, Motel 3 Johnson Court maintains the distinctive layout of original motor court motels with twelve individual bungalow style lodgings. Six cabins sit on each side of a shady green space in the center of the property that guests utilize to relax and socialize with each other. The goal of the property owners is to provide a “home away from home” for lodgers.

Motel 3 was featured in the movie “Selena” which was released in 1997. Since then, the property has been a sought after back drop for various indie and student led film projects as well as a temporary art installation venue.

As competition with major hotel chains grew, many motor court motels in the country were sold or abandoned and ultimately demolished. In San Antonio, motor court motels are slowly disappearing as few investors realize the importance of re-purposing buildings and keeping the charm of history.

The McCardle family is committed to preserving the historical significance of Motel 3 Johnson Court by investing financially in maintaining the unique nostalgic features of the property and also in personally laboring in the daily operation of running the business.

 In 2006, each unit was carefully repaired and refurbished with an effort in keeping the original interior cabinetry, layouts and other interesting architectural features whenever possible. The stucco exterior of each unit was painted a different vibrant color which gives the property a distinctive presence on South Presa Street.

Motel 3 Johnson Court has been transformed into individual fully furnished cabins to meet the needs of the surrounding community by providing an affordable housing alternative to traditional apartment living. Cottages at Motel 3 Johnson Court are offered for rent on a weekly basis as an extended stay motel. Many current tenants have become permanent residents because they enjoy the convenience of an all inclusive lodging in a quiet community setting that motor courts are designed to offer.