Ellis Alley, a small enclave of houses and commercial structures, originated as a community of freed slaves beginning in the 1870s. This area anchored a vibrant African American neighborhood for decades; remaining today are several former residences and a two-story structure that served as a funeral parlor and later as a masonic lodge. VIA Metropolitan Transit currently owns the property and has just completed renovations to the Beacon Light Lodge, which is occupied by local nonprofit organization SAGE (San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside). Photo courtesy of Centro San Antonio.
Ellis Alley, a small enclave of houses and commercial structures, originated as a community of freed slaves beginning in the 1870s. This area anchored a vibrant African American neighborhood for decades; remaining today are several former residences and a two-story structure that served as a funeral parlor and later as a masonic lodge. VIA Metropolitan Transit currently owns the property and has just completed renovations to the Beacon Light Lodge, which is occupied by local nonprofit organization SAGE (San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside). Photo courtesy of Centro San Antonio.