In September 1921 , a disastrous flood along the San Antonio River took 50 lives . Plans were then developed for flood control of the river . Among the plans was to build an upstream dam ( Olmos Dam ) and bypass a prominent bend of the river in the Downtown area ( between present day Houston Street and Villita Parkway ) , then to pave over the bend , and create a storm sewer
disastrous flood
September 1921 San Antonio floods
San Antonio River Walk