History of St. Germain Place Originally at the site of 21st & Postoffice Street in Galveston, there was a two story wooden building in which some session of the early courts were held. In the late 1860s, the old wooden building was occupied by "Henry the Barber," a barber who also pulled teeth and gave dancing lessons to the youths of Galveston. The Jacob Building was designed by Galveston architect George Stowe, and built in 1898 for $28,000 for Marx Marx, a pioneer businessman of Galveston. Marx came to Galveston in 1868 after a business career in New Orleans, Montana Territory, and Salt Lake City. In Galveston he was in the wholesale grocery and imported liquor business as senior member of the firm Marx & Kempner. Marx Marx was one of the largest real estate holders in the city. Some of the most substantial and handsome buildings in the city were constructed for him. He was a director and officer of many banks and businesses in the city. The three story, late Victorian commercial structure is rectangular with a flat roof. The corner turret with the main entrance is capped with a pointed tentlike roof. A wide plain band separates the first floor from the upper stories. The second story windows have flat arches. The third story windows have molded compound arches and rounded pilasters. Decorating the double stringcourse are carved terra cotta swags evenly spaced around the building. A plain cornice and frieze is capped with pinnacles that correspond to the flat pilasters on the facade. When designed in 1898, entrance to the upper floors was on 21st Street near the alley, and there were protruding show windows on the first floor. The two uppers floors are divided into fourteen apartments with the entrance moved to a story and a half annex on Postoffice Street. The first floor has been occupied over the years by various businesses. In 1890 Nettie Marx, daughter of M. Marx, married Nat N. Jacob. In 1902 Marx Marx entered into partnership with Nat N. Jacob for the purchase and sales of general merchandise with Jacob as the sole general partner and M. Marx as the special partner. Marx died in 1909 and the building remained in his estate until 1914 when Nettie M. Jacob became the owner. Jacob's crockery business occupied the first floor until 1916 when Jacob retired and left the city. The first floor was remodeled in 1924 and in 1947. The entire structure has now been reinvented for the 21st Century featuring a popular nightclub, a tobacco shop, and the stunning St. Germain Place Condominiums. About St. Germain Place Unit 2 Possibly the most desired unit in all of Saint Germain Place, Unit 2 features a dazzling private terrace, which overlooks a New Orleans-style courtyard. This choice residence boasts high ceilings, large windows, 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. The condo features elegant Italian tile, granite countertops, gourmet kitchen, security system, and keyless entry. The almost 2,000 square foot condo also includes parking in an indoor garage, plus storage. Location is ideal within walking distance to great restaurants, shopping, The Grand 1894 Opera House, and The Strand. UTMB is also less than 5 minutes away by trolley. Perhaps most attractive of all is though Postoffice Street experienced 8 feet of water during Hurricane Ike, this second-floor concrete and steel structure was floodless and unphased. This magnificent home can be yours today for $469,000. About Tramonte Realty There are many things about doing business with a Joe Tramonte Realty agent/broker that make buying a new home an extra special event and - thankfully - tend to alleviate the added stresses of buying or selling both commercial and residential property. For instance, hometown Realtors make special efforts to be available for their clients, night and day. Joe Tramonte Realty agents and brokers provide clients with a sense of the community by helping them get to know its people and places of businesses. And, Joe Tramonte Realty agents and brokers are very knowledgeable of their market, therefore when you describe to them what you want and need in a home or commercial property, they deliver. This home is represented by the owner of Tramonte Realty, Vincent J. Tramonte. He may be reached at (409)765-9837.