Few buildings have histories as colorful as that of the National Hotel Artist Lofts. Built in 1870 as an opera house, the building enjoyed a glamorous but brief reign as Galveston’s cultural centerpiece. In 1895, a new owner substantially rebuilt it as an office building. Five years later, it survived the great hurricane of 1900, which leveled much of Galveston. It subsequently housed a bank, various stores and offices and the National Hotel.
Developed at a cost of $3.6 million, this important Galveston landmark has now been reborn as the National Hotel Artist Lofts, a 27-unit live/work building that includes both affordable and market-rate housing as well as ground-floor commercial space.
The National Hotel project has played a key role in the continuing renaissance of the Strand, a National Historic Landmark District of mainly Victorian era buildings that has become a major tourist attraction.
$3.6 million
Michael Gaertner & Associates
FINANCING
Bank of America City of Galveston Galveston CountyHarris & Eliza Kempner FundNational Equity FundNational Trust for Historic PreservationTCF Bank
FUNDERS
Brown FoundationCity of Galveston Jack CurrieFondren FoundationThe Grand 1894 Opera House Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund Harry S. & Isabel C. Cameron FoundationHouston Endowment, Inc. Knox Foundation McGovern FundMary Moody Northen Endowment National Trust for Historic Preservation Rockwell FundRR Family FoundationSummerlee FoundationTexas State Historic Preservation Office
“This restoration has saved an historic structure, stimulated several other projects and provided permanent housing for artists. I would call that a win by any standard.” — Betty Massey, Executive Director, Mary Moody Northen Endowment
