Each Saturday May 3rd thru 24th, Historic Downtown Galveston will open the doors to some of the most beautiful lofts for sale in Texas. From 2pm to 4pm May 3rd-17th and from 6pm - 8pm May 24th (ArtWalk night), you can visit six historic buildings that have been brought back to their glory days by dedicated developers and gifted architects.

So grab a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and stroll the streets of Historic Downtown Galveston in May to visit these loft projects.

Remember Downtown Galveston is just a short walk or a quick bicycle ride to the beach, the harbor, the theatre, and over 100 shops and restaurants. Live in the center of Life! Live in Downtown Galveston!

Some lofts will have additonal viewing hours.

Lofts for viewing will include:

• The Brownstones on Postoffice St.
  19th and Postoffice St.
  Tramonte Realty (409)765-9837
• Eibands
  22nd and Postoffice St.
  The House Company
  (409)763-8030
• Jackson Square
  21st and Winnie
  The House Company
  (409)763-8030
• El Cortez
  22nd and Sealy
  Keller Williams
  (713)763-3600
• Mechanic St. Lofts
  25th and Mechanic St.
  Keller Williams
  (713)763-3600
• Peanut Butter Warehouse
  20th and Harborside
  The House Company (409)741-8060
  Tramonte Realty (409)765-9837
• League Lofts
  21st and Church
  The House Company (409)741-8060
  Karen Derr (832)878-7686

This event is free to the public.

Schedule of Events...

Living in Galveston...

Galveston’s historic neighborhoods provide homeowners many unique opportunities. With hundreds of historic structures on the National Register of Historic Places, and thousands of historic houses, Galveston is one of the country’s most important concentrations of late 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. From stately mansions to quaint cottages to the conversions of downtown buildings to residential lofts, Galveston’s older neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options to fit any budget.

Galveston Historical Foundation’s preservation programs are actively involved in preserving the city’s historic buildings, especially stabilizing older neighborhoods and fostering appreciation for Galveston’s architectural heritage. A variety of innovative programs are available through the preservation programs, including Paint Partnership for low- and moderate-income owners, and a salvage warehouse for the resale of historic materials.

For those home buyers more attracted to water than Victorian architecture, choose from a modern home on Offatt’s Bayou in town, or a raised house or high-rise living overlooking the beach or the bay on the Island’s west and east ends. From new single family residences on the beach to condos in restored historic buildings, many new projects have begun and many are on the horizon for housing on Galveston Island.

The Island also offers more traditional housing – ranch-style homes built from the 1950s to 1980s – in neighborhoods throughout much of the Island.

Galveston Island realtors have reported record-setting sales for the past few years. Through December of 2006, 644 residential homes were sold on Galveston Island through MLS. The average sale price for a home was $256,501 and the median price was $185,000 (condominium average was $160,476). A three-bedroom, two-bath home with a garage and 1,600-1,800 square feet of living space sells for an average price of $146,590 if located from east Galveston to the west end of the seawall, and $350,907 if located west of the end of the seawall.

Renters also will find a variety of housing styles from which to choose. Because rental property is in high demand, plan on allowing at least a month to find the place just right for you. Houses are available for rent, as well as a large number of attractive loft apartments that have been created on the second and third stories of Victorian buildings downtown. Many apartment complexes, both large and small, round out the Island’s rental market.

The median cost of a 900-square-foot apartment is about $725 per month.

Island real estate agents or an apartment locator service will be glad to assist you in finding a home, apartment or condominium that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle.

Throughout the Island, neighborhoods are tight-knit and friendly. For example, neighborhood groups are active in litter cleanup and crime watch programs. Successful neighborhood watch programs bring neighbors together and help them protect themselves against potential problems such as thefts and burglaries. Crime, a concern of everyone in the U.S. today, is no different in Galveston than any other community its size, police say. The Galveston Police Department, which has an authorized strength of 170 officers, has an active crime prevention department providing free home safety inspections and personal safety guidelines. The Galveston community has worked together to address the trend of youth crime with intensive programs that offer innovative support and mentoring through the Island youth programs.