In 2025, Phil Hardberger Conservancy assisted in funding the restoration of the historic dairy barn. (Courtesy Phil Hardberger Conservancy)
On March 19, San Antonio City Council amended an agreement with the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, assigning the Voelcker Dairy Barn to the conservancy’s premises.
The gist
The amendment modifies the existing caretaker lease agreement with Dale Chumbley, the live-in steward and caretaker of the historic Voelcker farmhouse. The modifications only remove the dairy barn from his leased premises, and Chumbley will continue to reside at the historic Voelcker farmhouse, according to city documents.
The Voelcker Farmstead Historic District includes several buildings from the original farmstead. (Courtesy City of San Antonio)
District 8 council member Ivalis Meza Gonzalez praised the Phil Hardberger Conservancy’s continued dedication to preserving the park’s natural areas and rich history.
“The conservancy’s support, including funding renovations of the historic dairy barn, has been vital, and adding the dairy barn to their lease area is a fitting next step in protecting the Volcker Farmstead Historic District,” Gonzalez said.
The conservancy’s key responsibilities under the new agreement include operations, maintenance of interior structures and programming within the designated premises. They will also be allowed to keep bees and farm animals per city code regulations. Additionally, the conservancy will be allowed to operate revenue-generating events and concessions, with proceeds used to offset operations and maintenance costs, according to city documents.
The agreement will begin upon City Council approval and expire Dec. 31, 2046, with two 10-year renewals. In lieu of rent paid to the city, the conservancy will be responsible for operations, maintenance and programming.
