National Register Listing

Covert, Frank M. and Annie G., House

3912 Ave. G, Austin, TX
Constructed about 1898 for a real estate and insurance agent, the Covert House dates to the initial period of Hyde Park's development. As one of the very few brick houses constructed in Hyde Park, it is a landmark example of the design idioms of Victorian-era dwellings in the area. Numerous architectural elements typically associated with the Queen Anne style are to be found on the house, including a variety of detailing, texture and materials. Brick was not to become a prevalent building material in the neighborhood until the 1930s. As the second example of brick construction in the new development, the Covert House typified Shipe's marketing strategy of encouraging construction of grand, stylistically pretentious houses in highly visible locations near the streetcar line. Recently restored, the Covert House retains its distinguishing architectural elements and is nominated for its local architectural significance under Criterion C.

On June 26, 1897, Annie G. Covert acquired a portion of Block 36 in the Hyde Park Addition from the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad of Dickinson County, Kansas, and from A.C. and Gertrude L. Marconnier of Seattle, Washington, through their agent, Monroe M. Shipe (DR 138:353; 147:263). City directories indicate that Frank and Annie Covert moved into a new house at 3912 Avenue G very soon thereafter.

The Coverts conveyed title to the property to the Stacy-Robbins-Covert Co. sometime after 1900, relocating to 1511 Colorado Street (NR 1970). The Company sold the Covert House and 14 lots in 1909 to Nellie T. Heald, whose husband was a professor of botany at the University of Texas. Heald, in turn, sold the house to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Land Co. in 1913, which conveyed it in 1917 to Fred Sassman, Sr., (DR 235:355; 254:295; 293:52).

Like the owners who preceded them, the Sassmans occupied the house only a brief time before moving out, apparently turning the house into rental property. It was occupied at various times by a rancher, a doctor, and the Home of the Holy Infancy (Austin City Directories 1918-1940). Ownership passed from the Sassman family in 1945 (DR 749:692). Recent owners have undertaken a sizeable restoration effort, and the City of Austin granted historical zoning to 3912 Avenue C in 1978 (City of Austin. Historic Landmark Inventory File C14h-78-036).
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

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.

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The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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Travis County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and encompasses the capital city of Austin. The county has a rich history that spans centuries, beginning with the indigenous Native American tribes who inhabited the area long before European settlement.

European exploration of the region began in the 17th century when Spanish explorers ventured into what is now Travis County. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent settlements were established. In 1835, the area became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico, and the county was officially created in 1840.

Travis County was named after William Barret Travis, a Texas Revolution hero who commanded the Texan forces during the Battle of the Alamo in 1836. Throughout the 19th century, the county experienced significant growth and development, driven by factors such as the arrival of immigrants, the expansion of the railroad, and the establishment of institutions like the University of Texas at Austin in 1883.

During the 20th century, Travis County continued to evolve and modernize. Austin, the county seat and state capital, grew into a vibrant and culturally diverse city, known for its live music scene, technological innovations, and progressive policies. The county became a center for government, education, and business, attracting a wide range of industries and residents.

Today, Travis County is one of the most populous and economically vibrant counties in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and a wide range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. The county's history, coupled with its present-day dynamism, contributes to its unique character and makes it a significant region in the Lone Star State.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Travis County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area that would become Travis County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache.

  • 1691: Spanish explorers, including Domingo Terán de los Ríos and Alonso de León, explored the region.

  • 1835: Texas Revolution against Mexico begins, and the area becomes part of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1839: Waterloo, a small village settled near the Colorado River, is selected as the site for the new capital of the Republic of Texas.

  • 1840: Travis County is officially established and named after William Barret Travis, a hero of the Texas Revolution.

  • 1842: The capital is officially named Austin after Stephen F. Austin, "The Father of Texas."

  • 1871: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Austin, facilitating transportation and spurring growth.

  • 1883: The University of Texas at Austin is founded.

  • 1891: The Texas State Capitol building, an iconic landmark, is completed.

  • 1930s-1940s: The construction of dams, including Mansfield Dam and Tom Miller Dam, on the Colorado River provides flood control and creates Lake Travis and Lake Austin, respectively.

  • 1970s-1990s: Austin experiences significant growth and becomes known for its live music scene, technology industry, and progressive culture.

  • 2000s-Present: Travis County continues to grow in population and economic significance, with Austin being recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.