Gazebo for Alber Steves
Also known as: Gazebo at Haven River Inn
Why it's listed
Perched on a hillside high above the Guadalupe River near Comfort, this octagonal gazebo is a concrete sculpture made to look like a rustic woodland shelter. Dionicio Rodriguez built it around 1926 for San Antonio businessman Albert Steves, who wanted a summer home near his birthplace. Eight twelve-foot concrete "tree trunks" imitate pecan, cypress, pine, hackberry and oak bark and support a three-layer palapa roof of simulated straw. Crossed "branches" act as brackets, and a railing of small "logs" surrounds the floor of concrete "oak" planks. The base is faced with concrete "rocks," some hollowed as planters; one rolls back to reveal an opening where Steves reportedly kept wine. Worm holes, lichen and peeling bark are present throughout. The gazebo is listed for its artistic value as an exceptional work by Rodriguez, and it closely resembles a gazebo he built for Marmion at Sweeny. It remains in good condition and is now a wedding venue at a bed and breakfast.
Significance in brief: The gazebo is nominated under Criterion C in the area of Art as an outstanding example of Dionicio Rodriguez's work. Its bark textures, worm holes, lichen and peeling-bark details are characteristic of his technique. It is strikingly similar to the Marmion Gazebo in Sweeny and to a gazebo in a photograph of the Phelan mansion in Beaumont.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 04001171, listed December 23, 2004. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 105 FM 473, at east portion of property, Comfort |
|---|---|
| County | Kendall County |
| Listed | December 23, 2004 |
| Reference number | 04001171 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | c.1926 |
| Architect / builder | Dionicio Rodriguez |
| Architectural style | Other: Faux bois sculpture |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Art |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | The structure is in good condition, with much of its original color remaining. It is still used for recreation and is a popular wedding site at the bed and breakfast. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 29.96830, -98.88298 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 04001171.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q110001258
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.