As you’re planning that beach getaway this summer, you may want to consider buying your own retreat in Galveston. Not only will you get a place to hang your sun hat, you’ll also get a piece of history.
Atlanta-based SF Capital is converting a historic building in Galveston into a condo project called The Strand Historic Lofts. The project will have 37 units for sale. Located at 2400 Mechanic Street in Galveston, a block from the harbor, the building was built in 1890 as a printing press.
One- and two-bedroom units range in size from 900 to 1,900 square feet and are priced beginning around $200,000. The complex includes controlled access entry, gated-garage parking, a fitness center and a rooftop deck.
“Each home is unique and has a story behind it,” SF Capital principal Will Stolz said in a statement. “We are carefully renovating and transforming this historic building into high-style lofts. Each home offers high-end fixtures and unmatched, impressive finishes that integrate exposed original brick walls, authentic tongue and groove pine wood floors, soaring 12- to 14-foot exposed beam wood ceilings and original, beautiful 10-foot windows and storm shutters.”
Many of the units feature historic details, such as ceilings with wood timbers and iron arches, iron turnbuckles and tin-clad rolling fire doors as well as antique elevator cables and carriages.
The historic building was the home office for Clarke & Courts Printing, one of the most successful printers in Texas during the early 20th century. In 1994, the building was converted into lofts.
Thanks to a booming economy and a fresh marketing effort, Galveston saw a record spike in tourism last year.
In 2013, tourists spent $687.2 million in Galveston. That’s up 5 percent from $654.5 million a year ago, according to a report conducted by Pennsylvania-based Tourism Economics.
Written by Jenny Aldridge. Jenny covers real estate and construction for the Houston Business Journal.