A program that debuted in the early 1970s to save many of Galveston’s historic structures continues to serve as a key piece of the 150-year-old organization’s community preservation efforts. GHF’s Revolving Fund, which has become a model program for historic preservation efforts around the country, purchases endangered buildings, rehabilitates them and sells them to preservation-minded individuals.
Galveston has a long history of moving properties that is documented back to the 1840s. This project is another of our long efforts to save historic properties and build strong neighborhoods. – Dwayne Jones, GHF Executive Director
On Tuesday, October 12th at 9 a.m., the newest addition to a long list of saved buildings will be moved from its current location at 918 Avenue K to a vacant lot at 2620 M ½. The house, built in 1912, will move down Seawall Boulevard for most of its journey to its new home. The house was built for Thomas and Ruby Tapp and remained in their family until 1921. It was rebuilt in 1932 and was expanded from a four to a six-room house. A grant from the 1772 Foundation is supporting this house move.
ABOUT GHF’S REVOLVING FUND
GHF’s efforts in several neighborhoods have dramatically improved the area and encouraged other homeowners to do the same with their properties. Many of these buildings would have been demolished without GHF’s intervention. The foundation’s rehabilitated properties are sold with a protective covenant to ensure the architectural character of the buildings will be preserved. Since beginning the Revolving Fund, GHF currently holds protective covenants on approximately 35 commercial structures and over 40 residences.
ABOUT GALVESTON HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
GHF was formed as the Galveston Historical Society in 1871 and merged with a new organization formed in 1954 as a non-profit entity devoted to historic preservation and history in Galveston County. Over the last sixty years, GHF has expanded its mission to encompass community redevelopment, historic preservation advocacy, maritime preservation, coastal resiliency, and stewardship of historic properties. GHF embraces a broader vision of history and architecture that encompasses advancements in environmental and natural sciences and their intersection with historic buildings and coastal life and conceives of history as an engaging story of individual lives and experiences on Galveston Island from the 19th century to the present day.
