Hildreth-Flanagan-Heierman House
3909 Ave. G, Austin, TXConstructed by builder William Voss, Sr., for Charles A. and Nancy Ann Hildreth, the Hildreth-Flanagan-Heierman House is a rare example of the transition between late 19th and early 20th century architectural forms and detailing. The house combines design elements of a Victorian-era dwelling with an exterior dominated by Classical Revival detailing. Well-known for his abilities as a designer and builder, Voss successfully blended two disparate styles in a residence that survives virtually unchanged. As a consequence, the house is nominated for its local architectural significance under Criterion C.
On September 20, 1900, Charles A. Hildreth paid $560 for a generous tract of land comprised of lots 5-8 in Block 37 of the Hyde Park Addition (DR 163:602). After holding the property for two years, he hired master builder William Voss, Sr., who also built 4001 Avenue C and 4205 Avenue F, to construct "a dwelling house, stable and galvanized iron cistern . . . for a consideration of $2718".
Hildreth resided in the new house for only a year before dying on February 2, 1904. His widow subsequently married Webster Flanagan, a bookkeeper and Internal Revenue Service collector, and they lived in 3909 Avenue G until Nancy Ann Hildreth Flanagan death in 1929 (Probate File No. 6970). Her will stipulated that the home be sold immediately after her death. Consequently, the executor of her estate sold the property, which had been re-subdivided as lot 29 of the Shadow Lawn Addition, to Harry W. Heierman.
From Massillon, Ohio, Heierman moved to Austin in the late 1880s. He joined relatives in founding Austin Foundry and Machine Shop about 1887 to manufacture boilers, engines, and brass and iron castings (Austin City Directories). The successful business eventually merged with a company owned by the Tips family and was renamed Heierman Industries (Austin American. February 18, 1946:2). Harry Heierman occupied 3909 Avenue G until his death on February 16, 1946 (Probate File No. 11,896) and the house remains in the family. It was zoned historic by the City of Austin in 1987 (City of Austin. Historic Landmark Inventory File C14h-74-008).
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.