A historic house filled with rich African American heritage in Bradenton, will either have to be destroyed or restored. Right now, officials say it’s just falling apart.
A prominent African American family built the Covington House at 614 11th Avenue West in 1911.
“Naturally there is some chipping and fading paint that’s in pretty bad shape, and the roof has a leak in it as well," said member of former Bradenton Front Porch Community group Rodney Jones.
The house once stood as a symbol of prosperity and the American dream. No one has lived in the home since the 1970’s and now it's inhabitable.
“It is really the only structure of its kind left in Manatee County," said Jones. "It is the oldest structure built by an African American family still in Manatee County.”
Margaret Miller has lived across the street from the Covington House nearly her entire life.
“Oh, it was a beautiful house well-kept," said Miller.
For years, The Bradenton Front Porch Community made plans to restore the historic house, until the housing market crashed.
“Shortly after we acquired the house, the bottom fell out,” said Jones.
The house has also taken a hit physically and has become a hot spot for criminal activity.
“It’s just, it's horrible," said Miller. "I have seen children throwing rocks up at the windows breaking them.”
Because of its historic value, Jones is pushing to have it restored. The renovations would be costly.
A 200-year-old oak tree in the front of the house is causing the whole house to relocate.
If the money can be raised, Jones said he would like it to be transformed into a coffee shop or maybe a museum.
“Something like that where people can come in and get a coffee," said Jones.